After a good night’s sleep and playing with cousins, the grand kids were all ready for water time! Ricky, Jeffry and Kerri loaded up the cars with kids and sunscreen and towels and water and snacks and headed to the Mundle neighborhood pool. My three little M&M&Ms are true water babies and cannot seem to get enough splashing and jumping!! They are fearless!
Finally, Ricky, Mateo and Marluce were about to land in Tucson for a week-long vacation. I had Abby for the day, so Poppa picked up Maxwell and headed to the airport. Soon after, I heard the garage door open and Abby and I ventured out to greet our Virginia family. And, this would be the first time that Abby was introduced to her cousins.
Relaxing and visiting and listening to tales of a grand kid’s life!
Marluce works with Maxwell while creating a masterpiece!
Max likes to make a good impression on his cousins by dressing up for the occasion!
The kids started getting restless in the little house and so I hooked up a wacky water thingy and let them cool off a bit in the backyard, much to their delight!
For dinner, we had a huge spread of salad bar, sandwich bar, Mexican dip, chips of all kinds and teriyaki meatballs! There was something for everyone and the leftovers would serve us well later in the week for snacks and lunches. The Virginia kids left with the Pantano Edge kids to retire for the night. More tomorrow.
in North Ogden Utah, for purchasing 20 customized invitations. Enjoy your event!
so itsy bitsy Abigail is just sitting now. She cannot stand and play in the sprinkler. She cannot reach the water table in the backyard. What is a bitsy girl to do on such a hot day?
We made a mini water table with a little tub from Max’s Mini Mart and a few baubles and voila –
She splashed.
She tasted.
She laughed.
She spilled.
Nana and Abby both got a fresh change of clothes and off for a nap! Abby – not Nana!
Tristan came to visit us all the way from Tennessee. Since we had an earlier invitation to attend Samantha Sherman’s Bat Mitzvah, Jay & Jackie graciously added her to the guest list. Of course, NO visit from my granddaughter is complete without the traditional let’s shop for something new for you to wear spilling from my mouth. Tristan picked out the perfect little brown and white cotton dress to wear to the festivities. Our day began at the breathtaking historic Stone Avenue Temple in Tucson. This was my first time visit to this temple, and I was in for a real treat. As soon as we entered, I could feel the history coursing through my veins. I was truly in awe. The service was inspiring and Sammy’s tender voice did not waver as she recited the words from the Torah. After the service, Gramps, Tristan and I retreated to our local breakfast place and had a late breakfast/early lunch. Conversations with this fourteen year old teenager were always interesting as she shuffled between being a little girl to an old soul. The same evening, Tristan changed from her dress to a new skirt and blouse, pulled her hair back and got ready for the night of dinner and dancing and celebration at the Hawaiian themed party.
I love this photo of her. Tristan and her Grandpa Bob (and later on, Gramps) have always had a special relationship. They know how to make each other laugh. And isn’t that so important in life?
Max is amazing. Show him something once and it is locked in his mind. Max’s parents are consistent in his food and drink choices. If organic is available, then organic he gets. He does not drink juice from any store as it has way too much sugar. He is not allowed juice without sugar because it has artificial sweeteners. Since he is allowed healthy foods, fruits and veggies, I thought he could learn to squeeze organic oranges and have a special treat of his very own juice. After the first time, he was hooked. Today was no exception. With a little help from Poppa (cutting the oranges in half and providing a bit of muscle), Max made the perfect glass of orange juice and had a quick taste before helping to clean up the mess. He sat down and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. After polishing off the juice, he summed up the entire experience with one little word … “tasty”.
I normally do not comment on movies, except to say I love it or hate it. This movie did something to me. It really moved me. Everyone MUST see this movie. It is not like a movie that you think you know what will happen. You probably will not recognize any actors in this movie – I sure didn’t. The special effects and nature photography are stunning. The story lines were riveting. There was laughter and tears.
Take some time, get some buttered popcorn and settle in for over 2 hours of pure delight. You won’t be sorry.
I am getting way too familiar with all the wings at Tucson Medical Center. I know how to get to each ward, the emergency room and (very important here) the cafeteria. Not for their food as I compare all hospital food to my days at St Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction where you could get mashed potatoes (real ones) a fried chicken leg (so yummy) and a regular old piece of Holsum bread with real butter for a buck something and it was like having dinner at home. This was a staple of mine during my employment as a nurse’s aide and later on working in the nursing office. Nowadays in hospitals, there is always a conglomeration of some type of casserole, Not my cup of tea. So, no, it is not for the food. It is because it has big tables and I know which ones have outlets near them so I can spread out my accounting and work while Bob is sleeping or in surgery. It helps to have numbers bumping back and forth in my brain to counteract the medical jargon and talk of transplants and heart stents and blood sugars and more. Numbers make sense to me. Medicine, not so much. So another 30 days with ambulances and 3 hospitalizations and surgery and waiting. Hubs is home from the various hospital visits now and for the time being, is doing well.
Saturday I open the freezer door and see that the ice in the ice tray is melting. WHAT? I listen with ear pressed against the refrigerator door. Nothing. Not the usual compressor noise kicking on and off. Must be the breaker. Move everything away from the door to the fuse box. All breakers are in their proper place. Well, that can’t be good. I hear something … is it a bird? Is it a plane?? NO – it’s SUPERSONS! And a brand new refrigerator is delivered on the morning of Mother’s Day. My boys saved me and what a relief having someone take care of me while Bob is in the hospital. I am forever in their debt.
Mothers Day Brunch for Kerri, Maggie and me at the University Marriott, where we were treated to a yummy buffet, a box of chocolates, Abby singing but also to watching Max riding in the glass elevator with Mahmaw waving until his little arm almost fell off! Then, up to the Mundle’s room for Mimosa’s. Yummy!
In the meantime, we are having our Friday Family Dinners and Abby visits on Monday and Tuesday while Max maintains his Thursday-Friday routine at Nana’s and Poppa’s house.
Max pulls his shirt up over the back of his head and reminds me of those elves on JibJab! He is proud of this new accomplishment and demonstrates various versions of this feat, shirt over the back of the head and the shirt over his face. This goes on for much of the afternoon. Amazing!
I announce the annual Camp NANA in chalk on the back patio. Max is impressed. Max is so impressed that shortly after he sees it, I hear the unmistakable sound of hose water and see that he has entirely washed my promo away. Fame is so fleeting.
Friends and family have been so supportive during this very trying past couple of weeks. My gratitude to everyone!
Meanwhile … back east in Virginia, swimming lessons for Mateo and Marluce! And they are flourishing in the water! Cannot wait to watch them swim in person! Love you kids!
Tristan arranged this Mother’s Day photo shoot for her mom. Well done, Sassy!
It was a beautiful day in Tucson Arizona – and no way we were going to stay indoors all day long. Max already had his lunch and didn’t want a snack yet. We loaded up our hat and visor, sunglasses, racquets and tennis balls and headed out to Jesse Owens Park. Max, er I mean Nigel, came away from his first lesson with the basics. Stand like this. Bend your knees a tad. Hold your racquet straight and watch the ball – not the racquet. To be continued next Thursday …
This little one could be a doll baby in the store!
photo by Bob Gardner
for purchasing my Holding Hands greeting card. Much appreciated!
Sally Stevens and Tanya Jolly started Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op in May of 2006. It was a winning combination from the beginning. Tanya and Sally both had experience running their own small food co-ops that were not web based. As their small co-ops grew it challenged them to think of a way to keep up as more families were wanting to save money on healthy food. Adding a little bit of e-commerce technology to the mix was just the trick. Since May of 2006 BBFC has grown from 2 sites and an average of 120 families a cycle participating, to hundreds of sites in 16 states and countless participating families! In April of 2011 BBFC started to offer 100% organic baskets every week at nearly every site.
The Co-op offers a conventional produce basket very other week which is generally ½ fruit and ½ veggies. The monetary contribution is $15.00 and is generally worth $50.00 retail. Organic baskets require a contribution of $25. To participate visit http://www.BountifulBaskets.org and check the schedule to see when your state is available to make your monitary contribution using a debit or credit card. Then, pick up your basket on Saturday morning at the time and place you chose when you contributed!
This kid cracks me up!
Waking up in Northern Virginia to five and one half inches of snow on the ground. Brrrr. Back in Arizona, this is our Springtime! I had forgotten how the northeast cold can sting. I heard the grandkids getting ready to play out in the snow. Mateo and his Abuela, Gloria, made a snowman in the backyard and then safely transported it on a sled all the while gingerly maneuvering the gentle “hill”. Once safely in place at the front of the house, the sled was removed and the little guy stood to greet all who passed by.
Since this was the beginning of Spring break, I was hoping to spend the day packing and playing with the grandkids. Before I could engage them, they were packed up in the truck and whisked off to places unknown – probably to enjoy the day sledding or making snowballs. I guess this would be the time to mention that not all was quiet on the Virginia front. Ricky and Katia are in the beginnings of divorce proceedings. My stay was not always welcome by my daughter in law. There were biting comments and hurt feelings. There had been several times over the past 14 years when a darker side had spewed ugly and mean words my way, but this was different. This time there was a sort of finality. I have never been accustomed to a child screaming at a parent – no matter the age. Being chastised and degraded by a child whom you have loved is not an easy thing to face. And, frankly, it was never attempted in my childhood – let alone tolerated! But, there it was. And the sting of the words burned in a way that the icy weather never could.
I spent my last day working on some accounting issues and folding and picking up. The curtains were open and the bright snow under the sun spilled a soul cleansing brightness over the room.
Rick picked me up after work and we headed to a home cooked meal graciously offered by Isabel and a welcome reprieve from the tension. The children were entertaining, and after watching half of their beloved “the Voice”, they performed a dance routine for the grown-ups.
Ricky and I returned to his house where he succumbed to sleep. I had chosen to stay awake and work on my accounting. We were leaving the house at 3 a.m. and I could sleep on the plane. But not before venturing upstairs to kiss my grandkids goodnight and good-bye “until next time”. Mateo is a philosophical child when it comes to good-byes and a tender one at heart. Both of our eyes filled as we said our farewells and hugged and kissed and vowed that it would not be long before we spent time together again. Marluce is my tough “I am a wanna be tomboy who loves to dress like a princess” mini-me (although I never wanted to be a tomboy!). But her good-bye hugs are heartwarming and her words of wishing I did not have to leave her, are heartfelt. Again with the tears and hugs and kisses and I had to tear myself away from her before I could not.
After several hours filled with kids, Ricky and my new friend, Isabel, joined me for dinner at a swanky Mexican bar and grille. Yummy froo froo drink and a chimi and I was back in the real world. Sopapillas with chocolate sauce and whipped cream? Hmmmm. Still wondering about that choice! Always fun to visit new restaurants and check out the food and decor!
Another successful birthday adventure.
Now, I need to start getting ideas for next year!
We ended the day with a wonderful meal (me and marluce: grouper, ricky: filet mignon; mateo ; grilled cheese!) and entertaining conversation with the all. Ambiance was great. Food was excellent. And the conversation was beyond fascinating!
Mateo & the Animal Fair!
Quite the Treat!
Hard to believe, my first Granddaughter got married today. She was happy and nervous and beautiful and gracious. A cute little country church was the background for this young couple to begin their new life.
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This is the part where the preacher asked for the rings – no response. The preacher then asked if Tristan knew where the rings were and she replied affirmatively. As he queried again, the response from the Bride was “in my car!” A light chuckle from all involved made the ceremony all of what Tristan is. Very cute and the preacher was still sharing some laughs over that moment during the reception. The rings were retrieved from the aforementioned vehicle and the rest of the ceremony went off without so much of a hiccup.
And, as a bonus, I got to reconnect with my grandson, Chase (now 16) and granddaughter, Quinn (now 6 soon to be 7). Both were charming and Chase and Ricky carried on conversations like they had never been apart. Chase is clever and smart and has a way with writing that would have made my Dad so proud. He has a quick wit and shows his sisters a lot of love. I cannot describe the feeling when I saw Chase’s face and immediately knew that was my first grandson – until he spoke. The high-pitched little boy voice was an almost adult deeper voice. It shocked me since I had not seen or heard his voice since 2008. I am quite proud to call him Grandson. These are bonds that never deserved to be broken. I only hope they can be mended now.
I could listen to Chase for hours. His interests in comedy and computers and music and more was better received by Ricky, since he is a guy! But I so enjoyed listening to their exchanges and made me beam when Ricky stated simply that he had a great time talking with Chase and that Chase seemed like a really good kid. I don’t think Ricky has seen Chase or spent time with him since Chase was a toddler. This was a positive experience for all of us.
Such a thrill to hear Quinn call after me “Grandma” spotted with little conversations about her school and she is a cheerleader and she has an All American doll and then the heartbreaker: “Grandma, can you come back in July for my birthday?” I tried to explain to her that I probably could not – and that tore at my heart. I just wanted to put her in my pocket and bring her home!
I have not felt as social in a very long time! Up and ready – set – go! To Mateo’s belated birthday party at Cyber Club! 11 a.m. until 1 pm and 15 kids are thrilled to be dancing to Wii games, playing Mario Bros. and challenging each other to air hockey. Nice alternative for a 9 year old’s
Mateo tries his hand at air hockey and is quite successful.
Marluce and Abuela Gloria show off their dancing finesse.
After blowing out the candle on his Angry Birds Cake, he is officially NINE years old.
Playing and teamwork and comradery and laughter rated this party an A+ event.
2:30 pm and we are now attending party number 2 of the day. Valeria is turning five years old and we have all been invited to her birthday blowout, complete with a puppet show, DJ, Dancers, Goofy and Minnie and Mickey Mouse! Very fun party; Valeria was adorable, Estevan was funny and Nydia, Carlos and Carolina were as charming as ever. So nice to see their family again.
Nydia, Carolina, Estevan, Valeria & Carlos
Dancers and Bubbles and Games and Prizes!
Ricky, Minnie, Marluce, Mateo, Mickey & Me
Group photo with the mouses!
Oh, you think the day was over? Au contraire! To dinner with Ricky and the grand kids at Blue Ridge Grille. The prime rib was phenomenal, Ricky said his steak was the same, Marluce enjoyed her chicken tenders and sautéed Portobello mushrooms while Mateo dined on his ala carte grilled cheese, sliced apples and milk! Wonderful day ending with a relaxing dinner listening to grand kids talk about school and friends and parties.
Ricky goes to work. First day at his new job.
Katia goes to work.
Kids go to school.
I work on accounting and in early afternoon I get the bug to go outside – even though the air is still quite cold and crisp! I see leaves. I find a rake. And three hours later, I find myself finished. Back inside for a nice hot shower and more accounting. Ricky picks me up and then we retrieve the kids from Majest. Home so they can change and off we go to Wegmans for pizza and movie night. Some light grocery shopping afterwards and returning home, we find Katia hard at work on the goody bags for Mateo’s belated birthday party on Saturday morning. Mateo has made it somewhat of a tradition to be sick on his birthday of February 10th. This year it was strep throat. Not sure if he has ever actually celebrated his birthday ON his birthday! 
Ricky went to work. Katia went to work. Mateo & Marluce went to school. I worked on accounting and visited with Gloria and generally just got settled.
Nearing evening time, Gloria and I left to pick up the kids at their after school program at Majest Martial Arts studio here in Ashburn. Each day they are picked up by a limo,(Yes, I said limo) from their elementary school and transported to the studio, where they do their homework and then have Taekwondo lessons. 
The studio is immaculate and there are tables to use for homework and different classes for all ages. Here are my two little almost black belts (Okay, they are white belts but they have stripes!) getting ready to come home with us.
Stopped at the store on the way home. Gloria rented the kids a movie, which we all enjoyed, before the kids had their bedtime.
Days fly by so fast that I can barely keep up! Trying to get ready for my 2 week long trip to Virginia and a birthday moustache bash and still working my accounting and housework and laundry, OH MY! Well, the 3rd birthday part for Mr Max was quite a success. Moustaches and balloons were everywhere. Kids were laughing and playing and Bob and Tom and Jeffry and Jamie were all kibitzing. Mahmaw and O Canada Poppa were running back and forth making sure all of the guests were fed and recycle items picked up and in general, making the entire affaire seamless! Kerri had everything so well thought out and executed. Such a clever young lady! Just look!
complete with PB&J moustache sandwiches, Root Beer Floats and Warm Popcorn! Max was a perfect gentleman, thanking each person for their gift and hugs all around! On Monday, Miss Abigail came to visit and was charming as ever. We strolled around the neighborhood and she was not shy about telling Nana what she thought when I had to stop to do something or wait for a car!
While shopping for a snack to take on my plane trip to Virginia – I found this HUGE bag of carrots. Just why would someone need a 25 pound bag of carrots?? Have to think on that one. 
My flights to Virginia were great! Each leg I had a window seat and each leg, the aisle seat and I had the middle seat open so we could share it to hold our stuff Bonus! I could have sworn the guy on the 2nd leg of the flight was Anderson Cooper – until he mentioned that he worked for Hilton Hotels! Glad I did not ask for his autograph.
Landed at DCA Regan and Ricky was right there waiting for me. Very late dinner at Amphora Diner and then home to hugs from Katia and Gloria and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
4 jars of Organic creamy peanut butter – check!
6 jars of Organic jams/preserves – Check!
Moustache sandwich cutter – Check!
Little grandson getting ready to turn 3 – Check!
Cannot wait for Sunday. His mommy has planned and designed an entire Little Man’s party complete with a tie and a fedora!
I’m turning into Daddy! I’m getting old.
I’m all worked up. Ask Mommy iss I can have scween time.
I wanna pway in the snow – yew hewe me now??
If I push on my nose, my tongue pops out!
in Port Alberni Canada and thanks for your purchase!
One dozen of these cuties will be delivered to the Metro 29 Diner this evening for Mateo to share with his guests after dinner.
Thanks to Monster Cookies in Arlington Virginia – Dawn was such a great help to me in planning this part of Mateo’s Birthday Adventure.
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| Max signed his own card! |
There was a little blond hair blue eyed boy who wriggled his way into my heart just when I thought there would be no more babies. There had been a miscarriage in 1970 and a first baby in 1971. Three more miscarriages and another baby in 1976. Another miscarriage followed. I kept secretly wishing that I would be blessed with just one more, but really thinking that, at age 31, my baby time was finished.
So, imagine my surprise after returning home from an unbelievable week in New York City, only to find out that another blessing was going to be mine. And he was mine. All mine. Until,
along came a little blond hair blue eyed girl who wriggled her way into my heart. And his. And there were awards ceremonies graduations and white ropes and gold ropes and scholarships and cum laude and magna cum laude and blended family gatherings and an unforgettable wedding celebration and a honeymoon in Jamaica and a new home.
Then the magic happened … a little blond hair blue eyed boy who wriggled his way into my heart followed by a tiny dark haired beauty who is already learning how to wrap me around her little finger.
Behold. Two little Valentines who make Nana’s heart so happy!
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| MAX WITH HIS TOY HAMMER – THIS KID KNOWS HOW TO SMASH THE CRACKERS TO BREAD THE PORK CHOPS! |
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| ABBY MODELS HER NEW HAT FROM NANA & POPPA! WATCH FOR HER IN VOGUE IN 15 YEARS! |
Almost finished Mateo’s Birthday Adventure. While his birthday is actually on February 10th (Gee, the nicest people seem to be born in February, don’t you think?), he will actually have his Birthday Adventure, commonly known as the Escape to Arlington, on Saturday February 16th.
Here is a sneak peek: tickets to a kids improv comedy show, dinner at the Metro 29 as featured on Diner’s Drive Ins and Dives on Food Network with Guy Fieri (we dined there several times when we lived back there and it was excellent every time!) and custom cookies from Monster Cookies being delivered to Mateo and his dinner guests!
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| pancakes and milk shakes and french fries, OH MY |
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| Cha Ching has an envelope behind with the dinner money! |
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| Mario Bros / Luigi custom cookies will be delivered to Mateo for his guests to enjoy! |
Jeffry and I were treated to Birthday Dinner at Mays Counter Chicken & Waffles – a new diner here in Tucson! Thank you Kerri and Maxwell and Abigail for a lovely evening.
By the way, the ladies from GJHS class of ’70 and I have made a pact. 60 is as old as we are getting. This year and every year will be my 60th. A deal is a deal!
Maxwell and I made LUV BUGS as our Friday Family Dinner place cards this week. I peeled off the sticky backing while Maxwell placed everything just so! He really did a nice job and always is so proud of himself when he completes a “job”.
We also had a great idea to make the entire back patio Valentine’s Hearts. And by the we, I mean that Max told me what color to use and where to draw the heart. He was sick and tired of having to wipe chalk from his hands. “You do it, Nana”.
For the rest of the week, I have planned on playing accounting catch up! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
with a moustache!!
Today, while shopping in Jo-Ann’s, out of the blue …
“Nana the Great. Yep. That’s what I’m gonna call you!”
A letter from President and Mrs. Obama!
for ordering 275 invitations and 300 rsvp cards for your Ritz-Carlton corporate event. Let me know how your event turns out! I appreciate your business!
On the television show, Blue Bloods, the entire tv family enjoys (or not) a family dinner each Sunday after attending Mass.
Emily Gilmore required the attendance of her daughter and granddaughter every Friday evening for dinner.
When I was young, it was understood that Sunday dinner attendance was not just expected, but mandatory. Not in a bad way – just a fact that Sunday dinner was at 2 pm and we all knew to gather around the table at that time. Sunday dinners were always the best dinners. Not only the roast beef or the traditional fried chicken or ham with the skin covered with cloves; but the conversations were lighter and school grades and homework were not mentioned. Oh sure, the kids still always cleaned up after the big dinners, but, for some reason, we didn’t seem to mind. And later, around 7 when our stomachs would begin to rumble, the leftovers were almost as good as Thanksgiving.
Well, now we have family dinner night and tonight was our very first one. And so Poppa grilled chicken on the barby and I made yummy cheesy potatoes and the requisite mac ‘n cheese for Max. Bob and Jeffry and Kerri and Maxwell found a seat at the table as I got drinks for all. Abby cooed at her Daddy. Conversations were varied and peppered with a little voice “excuse me excuse me excuse me” so Max could update us on the latest idea that had popped into his amazing mind. Afterwards, Max thanks me for making a family dinner! he melts my heart. Maybe next Friday will be Italian food!!
This is gonna be fun.
Thanks to Amy for ordering 275 Save the Date cards from my Tiffany’s at Midnight collection. I sincerely hope that your corporate event is a tremendous hit!
in Beachwood Ohio just purchased 40 Table Tent cards for a special event! Next time I am in Ohio, I will be stopping by for some lasagne! Grazi Valenti’s.
Table Tent Greeting Cards by connieszazzle
Create personalized cards online at Zazzle.
Before bedtime, Poppa and Max shared a relaxing read.
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Mateo’s 8th Birthday Adventure! Mateo has a passion for all things weather and absolutely loves watching the weather channel and learning about tornadoes and hurricanes and anything else to do with the weather. So, we thought this would be an ideal birthday adventure for him.
In March, Maxwell turned 2 and his mommy and daddy threw a huge birthday bash with lots of guests and food and a bazillion balloons. Safe to say that all of us had a wonderful time, but none more than the Birthday Boy himself.
Marluce and Mateo always enjoy getting packages in the mail – and Grandma here always enjoys sending them. Happy Easter with lots of Love!
Marluce turned 6 years old on March 30th, and her birthday adventure was customized just for her!
On April 5th, we quietly celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. We didn’t need a big hoopla. Just each other. (an excerpt from my life story)
Easter was such a fun day as we entertained family and friends. Guests were on the back patio and in the house and on the front yard swing – eating, laughing and playing with the little ones.
Mother’s Day was celebrated at the Doubletree Sunday Buffet with the Mundle Family and the lil Gardners. After the scrumptious buffet, Maxwell and I took a walk on the beautiful green grounds to work off a few calories.
In June, Max got to show off his computer savvy while Poppa was not around!
Max receives July mail in his very own mailbox! And he shows off his bounty!
Max continues his culinary career with his signature dish of milk, crackers, cereal grapes and strawberries. I think we all see, the Next Iron Chef.
Early September, Bob and I worked on laying a laminate maple flooring in the kitchen/dining area of the little house. Max decided to assist us placing the planks the way he thought they should go. After a hard days work, he relaxed in a livingroom tent.
Mid September was a great getaway to Oceanside California for the beach wedding of Kyle Harvey & Megan Mundle. Lots of fun activities, a beautiful wedding and a surprise baby shower for Kerri filled the entire week and I enjoyed every moment of the time. We shared a condo with the lil Gardners which was a little piece of heaven compared to staying in a hotel room. And the additional time playing with Max was just an added bonus.
We spent a day in October at the Agua Linda Farm. Went thru the pumpkin patch and climbed on the hay bales. We had a picnic and watched Max ride a horse for the very first time. We walked thru the petting zoo and made friends with the billy goats. A perfect way to kick off the fall season.
November brought the most amazing reason to give thanks … she is petite and opinionated and loved and her name is Abigail Anne; Abby to us. The sweetest little bundle ever.
Thanksgiving in Virginia has Marluce slaving away in the kitchen making her first pumpkin pie.
Family and Friends enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at Chris & Maggie’s with beautiful Tucson weather in their gorgeous and inviting backyard.
Finishing a midnight shower, I emerge in a towel wrap and my wet hair upon my head only to come face to face with …Mateo? I honestly could not speak and finally, after staring at the poor kid for what seemed like minutes, I was able to spit out “how did you get here?” “Hi Grandma! We drove here.”
I look over on the sofa and there sits a very travel weary Katia and her mom, Gloria. Katia explained that she and her mom had left northern Virginia on Friday and had been switching driving back and forth allowing one of them to relax and catch a bit of sleep. Nevertheless, they set aside their physical discomfort and allowed us a good memory of a most special Christmas Eve!
Hugs and Kisses and more hugs before walking them to the truck. Driving off I hear their still little kid voices “I love you Grandma. Good-bye. Until next time!” My heart is so full that I can barely sleep for a few hours. Thank you Gloria. Thank you Katia. Best Christmas Eve ever!!
This year I had Robin’s name. I made her an ornament (kinda hard to see on the granite tile) that contained pearls from Gram’s necklaces, one of Gram’s earrings and one of her pins, a vintage button cover I bought in Oceanside and other goodies. Fun to make!
I have never before seen a rainbow in all of my life, where I could actually see all 5 colors. Until today. I stopped the car right on Speedway Blvd to capture this photo on my phone. Absolutely stunning and in the background, I swear I could hear Judy Garland’s sweet voice.
Max’s mommy makes home made play dough (with sparkles) and it was just the thing to brighten up a rainy day inside with a stir crazy 2 year old!
We used the rolling pin, slotted spoons to make a flower design, and plastic food items from Mini Max’s Mart to make textures and designs. It is safely stored in an airtight container for next visit!
When Max got here this morning, I told him that we were going to make popcorn and get on our jammies and drive around to look at lights tonight.
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| pjs – check jacket – check crocs – check |
When? Now?
No – when the sky gets darker.
Why?
Well, when it is dark, the lights are prettier and we can see them better.
Later in the day …
Nana! Ready to go and see the Christmas lights? I’m so excited!
Well, it is only lunchtime, buddy. Still have to wait until the sky gets dark.
Why?
Well, when it is dark, the lights are prettier and we can see them better.
At the dinner table …
The sky is getting dark, Nana! Are you ready to go and see the lights?
Well, we have to finish eating dinner first and then clean up and then we can go.
Why? I love Christmas lights Nana!
Popcorn is popped. Car seat is buckled. Christmas music is on the radio. Poppa is behind the wheel.
We drive to Mamaws neighborhood and I hear Max say “this is Oh Canada Poppa’s house”. We turn the corner on to the next block and I ask “Max, what lights do you see now?” The only response is a gentle baby-ish snoring coming from the back seat.
So much for driving around and seeing Christmas Lights!
Hey, are you gonna eat that?
Thanks to Anne in Rockland MA for purchasing my “you are my sunshine” wrapped canvas.
Please enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas
Before our first child was even born, I began saving. Just little things. Notes from a friend; cards from special people in my life; movie tickets from a favorite show – just stuff like that. I thought it would be fun for the kids and grand kids to look thru after I am gone and enjoy making up their own stories of why this note or what did the teacher mean by that? One cubbie contains a note from 5 year old Jeffry to me somewhat as follows: “dear mom. Ricky would not let me have a peice of my candie and you said I cud have it so will you plese talk to him about this?’ Just a small example of the fun stuff I have saved.
I have stored them all in little plastic boxes with lids and labeled by the years since 1970. I walked into Home Goods and voila! This had to be made especially for me! I mean, why else would I come face to face with such a piece of memorabilia furniture! And what a price at only $199. Alas, I walked away from the cabinet with a heavy heart. I will hate it when I go back in that store and see that someone else with the same vision has taken it home.
I may even cry.
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| Oct 2003 Kerri & Connie at a Halloween Concert in Tucson |
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| We picked up a couple of Wizards after the concert. |
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| Oct 1998 a 6 year old Tristan sans costume sorts out her bounty at our dining table. |
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October 2004 baby Mateo visits his first ever Pumpkin Patch and tries a taste of straw!
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| October 2007 Katia and little princess Marluce |
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| Jeffry inherited his mother’s talent for costumes. |
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| October 2003 at the Dunham halloween Spooktacular Dinner |
a few photos from the wedding of Megan Mundle and Kyle Harvey that we were so honored to attend in Oceanside California.
Remember watching old black and white shows and the pages of the calendar would go wooshing by to show time passing quickly? Well, another calendar page just wooshed by today and I feel as though I am back in a black and white movie bobbing and weaving to miss those flying pages! September – already. So we have been back in Tucson for over a year now and even that doesn’t seem possible. My eldest grandchild turned 20 today. She is no longer a child, but a young lady engaged to be married in the Spring. Maxwell already communicates like a 5 year old most of the time and watching Mateo and Marluce on skype or in photos makes me think my life is in fast forward.
We have so much happening in the next few months: Kerri’s sister, Megan is getting married in California in two weeks and we are honored to be invited. We plan on spending a week out there just RELAXING. In November, baby girl Gardner will greet us just before the Thanksgiving holiday – which reminds me that the Christmas holiday will not be far behind. Granddaughter #1, Tristan, will be getting married on St Patricks Day which will mean another short vacation for us and hopefully a visit with Mateo and Marluce as well.
I want to take my time and make these wonderful events last for a bit.
S-L-O-W down time! You move too fast.
I want to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.
Hello lamppost,
What cha knowing?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growing.
Ain’t cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in’ doo-doo,
Feelin’ groovy.
Got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep.
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you,
All is groovy.
I wanna be Groovy!
I believe this will be our next vacation (besides the 2013 Family Reunion).
I heard about this island a few years ago and could not remember the name. Now I have found it and bookmarked it! There are no motorized vehicles allowed on this island. Very quaint downtown and old fashioned carriage rides and dancing in the Grand Hotel! Sounds good to me.
a Sunshine yellow room for the new Baby Girl Gardner due just before Thanksgiving! Daddy Jeffry & Nana worked long hours today to complete the room painting and the crib assembly. Now, we just wait for baby.
Sometimes life is planned out and sometimes those plans don’t work. Bob met with his potential kidney donor this morning and the donor is unable to participate in the transplant. His doctors have advised against it and his family was uncomfortable with the procedure. Completely understandable.
We are blessed in just knowing that this man has been poked and prodded and questioned for the past year – all to help a friend. Yes, there ARE people like that in the world. Bob knows one!
And so we go on with life and work and family and friends. Bob is able to complete his daily dialysis routine through the night right in our home. We can pick up the machine and travel (the airlines HAVE to allow the machine on board and CANNOT charge you for the additional carry on!!). Bob is back to work at a less stressful job (Ventana tire on Sunrise & Kolb) has already been promoted to Manager and has made such a financial impact on the company that their CPA and Owner have called him several times to congratulate him on sales. We have a new grand baby on the way for Thanksgiving and healthy grand babies back east.
I am busy with work and fixing up the little house and accounting clients and Camp Nana with Max two days a week. He spends the night and I can count on waking up with a mini-flash lite shining in one eye and a little voice saying “wake up Nana – it’s morning time”.
We are planning on way more family/friend get togethers overflowing the tiny house! Already planning one for September! Also excited to attend megan and Kyle’s Wedding in Oceanside mid-September. We have extended our trip for a week long stay and will meet up with more family to enjoy.
I swiped this from daughter Kerri’s Pinterest Site!
When Katharine Bates placed pen on paper, surely she had my beautiful home state in mind.
Mateo was so excited by the dessert buffet, he brought the tongs back to the table! – Rick Gardner
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| Ricky, Katia, Mateo (8 years) Marluce (6 years) |
Lucky Mickey!
I think it is finished. Here is the final product! After the wedding, it would make a nice nightstand.
I first met my adorable precocious niece in 1995 at the tender age of 5 1/2. I had written to her since she was born and senT birthday gifts, but never met her before then. Cassi is the only child of my deceased brother, Larry. Larry was always so special to me, so it is no surprise that she stole my heart the moment I saw her. After that, she spent a week or so with me at our home in Tucson in the summer up until she was almost 13. I wish there had been more. But I cherish those summers and the crafts we did and the Gaslight Theatre shows we watched as well as big family dinners, roller skating and every night readings of Junie B Jones. After bath time, Cassi would curl up at the bottom of our bed and read chapters of Junie B Moon. She was such a smart little girl and read like a seasoned teacher. Now she is a beautiful young lady with a child of her own – Oliver James. He looks a lot like Cassi and a lot like Larry. Cannot wait to meet him someday and to wrap my arms around my niece. Until then – Happy Birthday, Cassi. I love you so much!
This house is waaaaay too little to carry a lot of heavy” design. So, after initially changing the fake kitchen island sides to oak, staining, poly-ing – I decided the look was too heavy since I was painting the cabinets white so……
A very light green makes the kitchen feel so clean & cottage-y! Not sure about the white trim around the granite top. Maybe it’s a bit too white? Suggestions?
Just went over the 10k mark. Thanks for visiting my Blog, everyone!
Fiesta Ware creamers – upper left (3 vintage and 1 reproduction)
Vintage Yellow Teapot from my sister, Robin
Vintage LuRay Pastel Blue Egg Cup from an antique sale
Tiny vintage peach/white cup made in Czechoslovakia
Pink LuRay Pastel Creamer January 1950
Green LuRay Pastel Creamer April 1948
Yellow LuRay Pastel Creamer no date
Blue LuRay Pastel Creamer November 1950
Vintage white creamer from England
Vintage blue handmade bowl from Grandma Tabor’s house
Not vintage ice cream bowls just for fun from World Market
To Do: remove panel from cabinet door; sand, prime and paint oak to white; add glass to door. Install, and add side, bottom and top trim pieces.
Finally finished touching up the paint on the wood panels. Nice and clean and pretty!
After and in between accounting client duties, I worked on kitchen cabinets and while doing so I added some glass tiles because nobody would expect that and then I finished polishing up the vintage stove
hand-made paper and charms and distressed but
(The fabric color did not show well in this photo, but is a soft seaform-ish green.)
Finished the Hubs Coffee Cabinet (sans door) this morning. Every since he got his first really good coffee maker (Cuisinart – and now graduated to the Keurig) he has enjoyed his morning coffee. He has always loved coffee cups and the ones from the kids are his favorites. In the last couple of homes, I have always set aside a special cabinet for his Coffee Cafe Java Mocha Cappuccino whatever. Here it is!
More photos AFTER all cabinets are finished and the trim and doors are up! In the meantime, five more uppers to complete before even thinking about doors and trim!
Some fresh white paint and retro color glass tiles make a happy home for my vintage and not so vintage bowls. Still have to finish the doors.
Wow – okay so yesterday was taken up with at least 6 hours scrubbing as clean as a 1960’s range and oven will get. I don’t think I have used SOS pads for 30 years, but they still get the job done when you have baked on food and who knows what else!! All in all, she is looking fairly good. I still need to take the glass doors apart and clean inside and we need to figure out the electrical on the larger oven to get it to work, need one small knob for the clock (also not working), white gloss rustoleum paint on the sides and touch up the paint job on the top and she will be ready to shine with all of the 60’s favorites … mac and cheese … tuna casserole … and, what else – meatloaf!!
But before all of that, gotta refinish the cabinets in what I like to refer to as evolving from 80’s oak to chic shabby chic!
Well, unlike the big heavy front door with a beautiful texture, these doors are void of any texture whatsoever. Using a fuzzy roller helps put a tiny element of texture, but not enough for my taste. I am thinking of maybe a paint-able wallpaper inside the moulding frames might be the answer.
All done except for the touch ups!
Finally got the hinges aligned and I cut the picture frame molding for the top half of the door. Betcha can’t wait to see it without the tape! Me too!!
Hoping to finish the bottom molding today, install the latch pieces on the frame, and then touch up any paint mishaps tomorrow and reveal the finished project. At least for door 1. Then 6 more to go!
Last night, the hubs installed the new Venetian oil rubbed handle & deadbolt. I opted NOT to get a fancy schmancy handle as there is already a lot going on with the wrought iron gate – so this one is the same style as the original, but much stronger and much prettier! Same style hinges will be installed AFTER the new white high gloss trim is completely dried and touch ups finished.
and now, I wait for paint to dry!
a gdovin girl's perspective 
