Category: MY PERSPECTIVE

Camp Nana 2017 Kickoff

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Tomorrow begins the 5th year of Camp Nana in Tucson, formerly known as Camp Grandma in Leesburg for 2 years.  It will be a short day, but for three and a half hours this tiny house will be filled with laughing and talking and some  “he took my paper and she knew I was going to use that one!”.  It will be loud and full of questions and quiet storytime and messy.  Connor, Ginny, Max and Abby will participate in all things rainbows.

Rainbow art.  Rainbow reading.  Rainbow  snack.  Maybe some rainbow songs, if there is time.

And then, just as fast as camp noisy began, 3 of the little ones will be whisked away to a swim meet … another will return to his Vail family and there will be scarcely a trace of the afternoon, save for tissue paper pieces floating around; sticky glue residue on the tables and chairs and bits of snacks abandoned on little plates and something squished on the floor over there.  Hmmm.

And as I drag the vacuum out, I will take another look around and picture the sticky fingers and messy faces and as though time had never even passed – I will hear his voice in my mind saying “good job, honey”.

 

 

 

 

a smorgasbord of an evening …

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tfr

Ricky & Isabel each prepared a dinner casserole featuring pasta and I did absolutely nothing except enjoy the food and company.

Victoria was suddenly overcome with shyness at the “kid’s table”.

We take some time out to remember this evening in pictures.

Alexander decides the perfect way to end the evening would be to form a pyramid of kids… what could possibly go wrong with four kids in a stack on a hard tile floor?

 

oh my

Published on by a gdovin girl

Most afternoons when I am on pick up duty for the Tucson Grand-Angels, everything goes smoothly.  Oh, there may be the occasional complaint or spat between the two, but such a rare event.

rare  

adjective

(of an event, situation, or condition) not occurring very often.

Today, rare picked itself up, put on it’s shoes, and walked right out the door and disappeared without a trace.

After Abby’s swim team, we make our way to my house for some play time and dinner while daddy has meetings and mommy gets a well deserved pedicure.  I am busy in the kitchen area and I hear Abigail from her relaxed position on the sofa.

“Max, can you please get me a blanket and a pop up book and a cuddle toy because I went swimming and I have my pajamas on and I really really need to rest here.”

“no”

“Maaaa-ax.  But I am tired and I asked you nicely and you should do it if I ask you nicely.”

“no.  If I get you a blanket then I will have to fold it and put it back and I don’t feel like it.”

“But I will put the blanket back, I pwomise I really really will!”

Max gives in to the high-pitched whine from the little sister, and not only returns with the blanket; but brings TWO – count ’em 2 – pop up books and THREE cuddle toys for her to choose from.  Max is tired from a busy day at school and Pokemon discussion with some friends at Abby’s swim team practice.  He tosses a pillow on the big shaggy living room rug, and with a big exhale, commences to close his eyes and begin operation unwind.

Abby begins to “read” the spelled out numbers in one of the books … loudly … and punctuating each syllable.

Forty-Five.  Sixty-Three.  Fifty-seven.

Max is getting annoyed and then, reaching his breaking point … “ABBY!!  Please give me some quiet time for a few minutes. Read it in your mind.  You are not even reading it right!’

thirty-three.  seventy-nine.  Nana, am I reading it right?

“ABBY!  PLEASE just read it in your MIND!”

Well, you can surmise for yourself how Abby responded – or, didn’t.  Max was now near tears and broke down, marched into my bedroom and shut the door.  I gave him a few moments and went in just to check on him.  He had piled some pillows near my big craft cabinet, laid down on the pillows and open the large drawer above him to make a little sleeping berth.  I hugged him and asked if he needed anything and he dried his tears and said he just wanted to rest.  I left him to it and returned to the kitchen to finish cooking dinner.  All the while Abby is still “reading” loudly, only stopping once to ask me what was wrong with Maxwell.  I had to leave the room to hide my laughter.

After dinner, I turn on the television to watch a Disney show with them, and on comes the ID channel where I had left it the night before.  As I start to change the channel Max holds up his hand  “Wait Nana!” On the screen it showed a hooligan family tormenting a grandpa next door with a dangerous growly dog and fireworks and loud music.  On commercial, I explained to the tiny Grand-Angels that they were just taunting him to be mean and that they should be more respectful.

ABBY:  “Nana, you might give me a time out for this, but I just have to say I would like to knock the shit out of those mean people.”

I am trying not to laugh while looking shocked and thought this would be a good time for a lesson.  No, Abby.  I am not giving you a time out, and then went on to explain that I do not like that language from my granddaughter.  And then to engage Max in my teaching moment, I asked Max what would be a better way to express that same feeling of anger.  He thought for just a split second, and replied …

“I am going to punch you right in the face!”

Turning to Abby to solidify my argument, apparently Max was not done with his thought on the matter.

“You Bastards!”

i give up.

a mini-man with a MAXi-heart

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Before he was 7 and before he could read … before he played soccer and before he went to Kindergarten … before he told jokes and before he knew his colors and shapes … before he danced to Cuban Pete … before all of that, he took my heart to places it had never known.

Together we have read books and colored pages.  We have gone on long walking adventures and out to lunch and in to nap. We have played tennis and badminton and t-ball.  We have painted and gardened and made home-made popsicles and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

We have laughed and giggled and cried together.  I have wiped his tears and he has wiped away mine.  He has patted me on my arm with a little hand when I needed it most.  He has helped me through the days; without even knowing it.  And I could not love him more.

He is 7 years old now.

He is Max.

 

 

confessions of a well meaning, but apparently negligent, Nana

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Yesterday, I published this original post in a private message to friends and family; cringing at what I had allowed to happen …

16935610_1226389610763343_836463381_oKids were up before 7. Nana got up about 8 o’clock. The children fixed their own breakfast of cereal and milk . And when I say cereal, I mean the entire box. I couldn’t post it on Facebook because Nana ain’t no snitch. shhhhhhh

While the children were lunching with Aunt Megan and family, I was picking up the house, and opened the pantry door to find this …

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What perfect kids!  They didn’t eat the entire box after all!  When I told Max the whole story he just laughed – in that same way as when Jeffry laughs at me as if to be saying “crazy old woman”.

disclaimer

Published on by a gdovin girl

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this article are fictitious. No identification with actual persons, places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

It was a lovely Thursday afternoon.  A Nana, (we’ll call her Lana) gently pulled the Impala with the tiny children (we’ll call them Jax and Gabby) secure and safe in their approved car seats, into the garage.  Lana was driving very slow and trying to judge how much room she had to inch around so as not to disturb the oh-so- adorable little bug car, also in the garage.

Lana sees the blue plastic recycle bin wobble just a bit.  Trying to ignore the issue in the hopes that the mini-passengers would do the same, she gingerly reverses in order to  endeavor a safe and careful position, once again calculating the available distance.

JAX:  ” Lana. You know you hit the recycle container, right?”

Lana takes time to reassure him that,yes, yes, she did notice that she barely touched the recycle bin.  No harm done.  Pulling forward again, she smiles to herself assured that she is missing the aforementioned recycle bin.  Oh … Lana sees a ladder begin to move.  With curse words on her tongue but not leaving her mouth; again a voice from the backseat.

JAX: “Lana.  You know that you hit the ladder this time, right?  Not the little ladder with the soft black seat.  The tall ladder that you stand on to put the color bulbs in outside.  Remember that you let me climb it one time when you were right there?  It was that one.  Did you see that you hit it?”

Apparently, little Jax has forgotten that Lana has been right in the same vehicle that he has, and although he has accused her of short-term memory loss in the past, she certainly does realize what she has done and responds to the six-year-old smarty pants that she certainly does remember the incident just seconds ago and that all is well.

Backing out one more time and inching forward so as not to disturb the parking police who has apparently completed some academy course since the last time I saw him two days ago; (okay, a curse word may have left my lips) as I see the big green canvas bag housing the  Christmas tree and Santa rug and wreaths dance a little jiggly dance, I sense another comment from the six-year-old Captain Obvious.  Instead, I hear the throaty roar of laughter coming from none other than a four-year old, as she loudly exclaims (as if I was not there) …

GABBY:  “did you see that one, Jax??  This time she crashed right into the Christmas tree bag!!”

and louder and longer laughter ensues.

I back the car out onto the driveway; shut off the engine; tell the kids that it is all clear to remove their seat belt harness and sheepishly retreat into the house, leaving the Impala just outside of the garage door with plenty of room not to hit anything.

 

gabby-jax
GABBY & JAX

 

 

 

 

Gilmore Girls Revival

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makes its debut on November 25, with all four 90-minute episodes available for my binge-watching pleasure over Thanksgiving weekend.  I will not be answering the phone or email messages or the doorbell.  You can try to bother me, but unless you are my oldest granddaughter (Gilmore Girls fan(atic), you will not succeed.  She is the only person I know who understands the need for all things Gilmore.

Twenty days – less than three weeks – Hey, I’ve changed my mind. I want to be a ballerina.

I will park myself on the sofa surrounded with fluffy pillows – I will take a leap of faith that Amy Sherman Palladino will not let me down.

You jump – I jump, Jack. In Omnia Paratus.

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eating at bars …

Published on by a gdovin girl

41 Days until the return of the Gilmore Girls.  I know them intimately – like family that I have lived with since October 5, 2000.  I know their quips.  I use their quips.  I drove my husband crazy with their quips and honey, come and watch this with me.  I don’t understand people who haven’t watched Gilmore Girls.  I am not sure they fully understand me.

Neither did the waiter at Texas Roadhouse when he offered us alternative seating …

hookers-eat-at-bars

Oh, Emily.  Can’t wait to spend some more time with you.

51 days … and counting …

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October 5 has been a full day of celebrating Gilmore Girls. First and foremost, this day marks the 16th anniversary of the premiere of the series we all know and love. So 200 coffee shops around the country became  Luke’s Diners, where you could get one of Luke’s signature cups of coffee.

Gilmore Girls lovers are counting the days until we can return – albeit for a very short time – to Stars Hollow.  The town meetings; the park gazebo; Luke’s Diner; Miss Patty’s Dance Studio and so much more  –

Better grab your feather boas and all of the junk food you can muster and get ready.

OY!

with the Poodles, already!4

 

 

 

Camp Nana Kick-Off 2016

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Max and Abby were raring to go at 8:30!  They were delighted with new Camp Nana shirts as we sat down to paint and design birdhouses.  Of course they each had to have their own paper plate with chosen dots of paints.  Abby chose mostly pastels while Max goes for the bright and vibrant colors.  The birdhouses are left alone to dry while O Canada Papa picks Abby up for her swim lesson.  Max plays with Legos until she returns.  They have carefully chosen some dried leaves from the back yard to adorn their birdhouses because “sometimes the birdhouses will be in the trees and leaves always die so new ones can grow and then the old leaves stick to the birdhouses and the birds don’t care”.   After adding the leaves to the roofs and a couple of birdies move in to each house, the glue is drying – on to the next project …

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With some rolls and deli meats and cheeses in front of them, Max and Abby are left to make their own lunches.  Listening to their chatter always brightens my day – no matter the content.

 “Abby, why did you break my giant chip?  Why, Abby.  Why?”

 “Oh Maxie.  It’s just a chip.” (insert heavy sigh)20160602_112856 20160602_112845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to be continued …

(… later that day …)

Max wants a nap.  It is Abby’s nap time anyway, so i put them both in my bed.  Abby is caught dancing around on the bed several times while Max just lays in the same position and place).  Max says he cannot sleep there.  I tell him he can lie on the sofa while I work.  From the bedroom, I hear the soft sobs of a 3-year-old, and I cannot let that pass.  “Why are you crying, Abby?”  The response breaks my heart and nearly brings me to tears.  “Brover left me and I want to cuddle with him while I nap.  He is my best friend ever.”  I then query Max on whether he might like to give this another chance.  He flatly states “no, thank you.”  Abby looks and me and softly asks if Max said no. and I barely nod my head.  The tears come easily as she literally falls into my arms.  What choice do I have but to carry her to the sofa to nap near her brother.

In the meantime, the birdhouses are dry and ready for their first showing to the awaiting public.  And so, without further adieu, I give you …THE BIRDHOUSE(S).

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every once in awhile

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if you are very blessed; someone makes their way into your life and settles right smack dab in the middle of your heart and stays put.

Never mind that you may be acting the fool or laughing at the wrong times or drowning in your own tears and self-pity.  Never mind that a million things are swirling around her brain with kids and work and home and family and couple of dozen tiny humans vying for her attention eight hours a day.  Never mind that exhaustion is setting in and her eyes and mind are craving sleep, but is still inviting of family dropping by.

Yes.  IF you are very blessed, someone makes their way into your life and settles right smack dab in the middle of your heart and stays put.  And her name is Kerri Anne.  She engages with her child while engaging with you and somehow gives 100% attention to both.  And sometimes, she cries because she senses your pain.  And sometimes she smiles because she understands.  But mostly, she laughs.  She laughs at a husband who can be not so easy to laugh with all the time.  She laughs at his intellectual humor and she laughs at his goofy humor.  And as she hides her face in her hands, attempting to wipe the streaming tears, her shoulders are shaking and the high-pitched squeak of a laugh can be heard here and there.

And the husband knows that his mission is complete.  He has taken a beautiful and graceful young woman and dissolved her into a beautiful and graceful mess of laughter and tears and an occasional sniffle and snort.  And Kerri ends with the same post script each time …You are such an idiot.

and life is good.

Blog 2016 02 21

Call me.

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Max wanted to play video games on my phone.  I had Judge Mathis on the television.  Whenever you watch a judge show, commercials for attorneys of all kind stream one after the other.  They always have catchy numbers – one has – 333 33 33 and 777 77 77.

I hear Max’s video game music stop, and I catch the familiar sound of cell phone touch tone dialing.

“Max, what are you doing?”  Thinking he was trying to get to a different game.

“I gotta call these guys!”

oy.

777 7777333 3333

Connor brings his Mommy to Tucson

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Such a treat to spend the day with my great grandson and my grand-daughter visiting all the way from southern Virginia.  Reviewing these photo pages are guaranteed to bring a little smile to your heart.  Enjoy.page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 page 8 page 9 page 10 page 11 page 12

In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning

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Over the past 5 years, Bob has been in the hospital for a fairly decent amount of time.  After living together for 45 years, I find that I handle things better when I busy myself with a project.  This month, with a two-week stay, I visited my patient, did the laundry, kept the house and yard up, worked accounting for long hours – and then I would find myself wide awake at 2 a.m.  I was too blurry eyed to stare at the computer and numbers, so I chose to work on the bathroom.

Still with the original 30-year-old tile on the floor – faded and dulled and just, well, gross – I found my project.  After laying half of the floor in a darker penny round, I awoke later in the morning, decided it was too dark.  I retrieved the square spade shovel from the garage and commenced to pulling it up – tossed it in the dumpster and hopped in the car to the tile store.  I chose a bright white glossy hexagon classic mosaic and set to work.  Working only a few early mornings until sleep finally claimed me, it was done.  Some trim work and some grouting and using my trusty “haze-be-gone” mitt, I think it came out pretty good.  Feels so nice and shiny and CLEAN and fresh – what a difference.  Even 5-year-old Max noticed … “hey, Nana.  I like your new floors here.”  Lovin’ that kid!

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Then I decided to freshen the bathroom door exterior with some Behr Marquee paint using the color cocoa.  Goes well with the decoupage I had done some months ago.

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Still needs a few paint touch ups and a new faucet, but all in good time.  For now, that’ll do pig.  That’ll do.

date night … dinner, uber and the Beatles

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A long and overdue date night began with a roaring downpour of a Tucson monsoon.  The east side of town was flooded and drenched.  By the time we reached mid-town and parked at the Outback Steakhouse, roads were dry and you never would have guessed that two minutes earlier, you could barely see in front of you because of the rain.  Mmmmm, I haven’t had the teriyaki steak medallions with peppers and onions for years, and it was just perfect with a strawberry margarita surrounded by a plentiful sugared rim.
 
uber-
ˈo͞obər/
combining form
 
  1. denoting an outstanding or supreme example
    of a particular kind of person or thing.
     
    We had already decided to leave our car parked at the restaurant after dinner, and to call Uber for the drive to and from downtown to the Fox Theatre.  We had never used this service before, and what a treat.  The car arrived within 6 minutes, nice and clean. What a relief not to have to find parking downtown and then walking back and forth to the car – and that is assuming that I would even remember where I parked!  Dropped right smack in front of the theater and the door politely opened for me, we step right up the curb to the will call window.  We have never been to the Fox Theatre, so this should be a treat!
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    10088 TextDividersSet1_20

    The Fox Tucson Theatre opened on April 11, 1930 as a dual vaudeville/movie house. The Fox featured a stage, full fly loft, and dressing rooms beneath the stage. The combined effects of “talkies” and the Depression limited the opportunities for live performance, and the dressing rooms were never completed.

    Opening night, April 11, 1930, proved to be the biggest party the small community of Tucson had ever seen. With Congress Street closed and waxed for dancing, four live bands, a live radio broadcast and free trolley rides downtown, the party was one not to be missed. So began Fox’s 40 year reign as the “crown jewel” of downtown Tucson’s entertainment world. Originally, the Fox served as Tucson’s Movie Palace, presenting films on the big screen as well as community events, vaudeville performances and the Tucson Chapter of the Mickey Mouse Club.

    Competition for new theaters and the decline of downtown shopping led to the Fox closing in 1974.  After sitting empty for 25 years, the theater was nearly beyond restoration. Extensive water damage, vandalism, and neglect had conspired to keep the building dark. The owners, who had decided to let the building slowly decay, had little interest in selling the property to anyone. Following a two-year negotiation the non-profit Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation was able to buy the building in 1999 for $250,000.553ec922b92e6.image

    Stabilization and planning for the rehabilitation/restoration began at once with a new roof being installed to stop further damage from the elements. Small restoration projects such as the repair and relighting of the original chandeliers kept the community engaged—through bi-annual open houses and special event fund-raisers.20150822_190957

    Following a six-year, $14 million rehabilitation the theatre reopened on New Year’s Eve 12/31/2005. The building is listed as on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique “Southwestern Art Deco” decor as well as it world-class acoustics. The 1164 seat audience capacity is big enough to attract national and international talent, yet small enough to boast an intimate entertainment experience. Once again the Fox is a premier performance venue, a classic film buff’s dream (showing classic 35mm films on the big screen “the way they were meant to be seen”), and a multi-purpose, elegant rental facility for corporate, non-profit and private events.20150822_19095010088 TextDividersSet1_20

    Twist & Shout – a Beatles review – unleashed memories of 12-year-old girls who had a dream of taking the train (we’re talking the California Zephyr here – not Amtrak) from Grand Junction to Denver to attend a Beatles concert.  Mona Hicks and I were planning – dreaming.  Could we really make our way to the middle of a screaming crowd of teenage girls at a Beatles concert.We had enough money for tickets and the train fare.  Just couldn’t work out the logistics of where 12-year-old kids would stay the night or get transportation and meals.  Not to mention that no parents in their right minds would allow such shenanigans.  I don’t really remember just how the hoped for plans ended.  I just know they did.  We didn’t really discuss it.  It kind of just faded away and we were back to the business of school and homework and the everyday life of a kid.

    The music tonight was fun and led by a local Tucson guy and that made it even more entertaining.  The loge seating (front balcony love-seats) allowed perfect views of the stage, and we were surrounded by a lively, woo-hooing, dancing crowd.  The singing quality was good but the instrumentation was spot on to the original Beatles songs.

    Twist & Shout is truly the definitive Beatles experience played by brilliantly talented musicians, and led by Tucson-based Tony Kishman (Paul).

    Another Uber met us at the curb and delivered us to our car back at the restaurant. Not one complaint beginning with dinner and ending with Uber.  The theater is a master-piece and takes you back to a gentler time.  We have already reserved tickets to two future concerts and are anxious to return to our date nights.  After the past 5 years of lengthy hospital stays and hundreds of medical appointments – I would say a date night here and there is deserved.

Clean up on Aisle 4

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The good people of Tucson are up in arms over our grocery stores.  Albertson bought Safeway and sold out to Haggen. Haggen took over some beloved Safeway stores – MY Safeway as they were commonly referred – and nothing was the same.  Prices went up.  My Safeway Select products were gone, and the immaculate produce department was no more.  People are writing letters and complaining to neighbors and now Haggen is closing the two stores they ruined for me and Tucson will have yet two more buildings vacant with nothing to show for the effort but some plywood over the windows and colorful gang tagging.

I have one word that can solve this issue and only needs three great locations in our fair city.  WEGMANS.  That’s it.  Not even a long word, really.  Easy to pronounce.  A Wegmans on the far south side, northwest side, and, of course, my favorite side – East Tucson.  Bring on the bulldozers and let’s get that land leveled and build three Wegmans.  The other grocers can close up shop.  Jobs?  There will be plenty, because you never walk into a Wegmans with long lines due to two cashiers manning the sixteen check stands.  There is never a rain when a Wegmans employee isn’t present to open an over-sized umbrella and walks you to your vehicle.  You do not have to ring a bell at the butcher counter or the bakery – they are always out front and ready to serve.  Come with me on a little tour of what your world could be, Tucson.wegmans1

Pull into the more than ample parking lot with wide spaces to discourage door dings.  The front of the store is wide and inviting.  No, there are no strip mall storefronts adjoining – it is all Wegmans.

Even the carts are unique.  Choose the full-sized cart or the “split level” with a small basket on top and a large on the bottom.  Pick an aisle – any aisle.  You will find more treats for the eye – and your taste buds – than you can imagine,  Strolling through the fresh fish aisle to find something for dinner?  Pull up a chair in the bistro and treat yourself to a little sushi and a glass of wine.

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Kids having a meltdown and you need to sugar them up?  No worries.  Wegmans is there for you, like an old family friend.  They’ve got your back.

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Or, maybe it’s dinner that they need.  The teenager wants pizza.  You want a healthy salad.  The twins  want Asian and the hubs wants to dig into a sub. Wegmans to the rescue.  Sushi. Burgers. Pizza. Subs. Calzones. Salads. Hot entrees. Asian – Chinese – Thai food bar. Chicken. Braised ribs. Turkey. Pulled pork.  Chipotle corn cakes.  Giant burritos.  Organic and gluten-free choices as well.wegmans5 wegmans6 wegmans7 wegmans8 wegmans9 wegmans10 wegmans4

Entertainment for the kids?  Don’t spend $14 a ticket for the movies.  Just grab some dinner and take it upstairs on a Friday night.  25 cent popcorn and movies are free.  Take the elevator if you are so inclined.  Join a cooking class. Have your kid’s birthday party there, and yes – there are weddings at Wegmans!

Of course, there are the usual meat departments, bakery (gotta get their signature W bread) floral, canned foods, lots of home decor and kitchen and dishware, beautiful produce, pharmacy etc etc.  But anyplace can brag about that.  THIS is Wegmans. 

Oh, how I miss my Wegmans.

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 Come on Tucson.  Who’s with me?

Max’s Musings

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Driving home on Friday with Max in the car.  He is talking about Oh Canada Papa and,he sounded a little down.  Mahmaw and Papa were in Portland to visit his cousin, baby Ginny.

“Can I call Papa?”  (Poppa Gardner dials the number and hands Max the phone.)  He talks to Papa and Mahmaw and Aunt Megan.

me:  “Max, you miss your Papa and Mahmaw, don’t you?”

a little boy sigh, followed by a quiet “yeah”.

me:  “Max, do you miss Nana when I am gone?”

“I dunno… you never go anywhere!”

I need a vacation.

sigh

Today’s ABBY-isms

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ME: Abby, want this grape? (last one)
A: I don’t need it, but thanks anyway.

A: I need a tookey sandwich (pulling open the refrigerator door – and removing Poppa’s balogna) Now… I need mustard.

ME: Abby, try these scalloped potatoes – you like potatoes.
A: I really don’t want to try something if it might be yucky.

A: I need some glue, Nana. I need some glue to make my crafts.

A: Nana, you’re so cute I wanna wear you like a suit. (followed by a high pitched scream/laugh.

She is only 2 and 1/2!! Talks like a 4 year old.

A lot.

And by a lot, I mean constantly.

Like, all of the time.

20150512_124447But it is so damn cute, I cannot tell her to stop!

Camp NANA 2015 – Week 2

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page 1
Such a soggy and humid day in Tucson, forced us to stay indoors. We had frozen rolls to get ready for family dinner, so that seemed like a good place to start! Maxwell is meticulous about lining the frozen dough balls just so. Abby, being only two, couldn’t grasp the concept that these little frozen rounds would need space to grow. Max would roll his eyes as he calmly re-arranged the rolls when Abby turned away.

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While Abby busied herself with her toys, Max and I got busy making the mini-pumpkin pie cups – bite sized treats that he later topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. He never seems to tire of cooking. He is imaginative and will probably give Tom Colicchio a run for his money in a few years.

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Following heart-shaped pb&j’s for lunch, we indulged in a little music time, conducted by Abby. She glances around to make certain that we all have an instrument and that we are all singing the same song and at the same time. The campers were so tired, they fell asleep at 1:30 until 4:30!

page 4 Family dinner followed shortly after the end of the nap when mommy and daddy arrived. This is always a noisy and a bit chaotic time, until Kerri has Max begin the dinner time question to each person at the table “What was your favorite part of the Day?” It is Max’s responsibility to decide who answers first, second and so on. He takes this seriously and seems quite interested in the response.

Another successful Camp Nana Tuesday!

Camp Nana 2015 – Week ONE

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 The first day of Camp Nana 2015 seemed to be a success.  I was met at the front door by two fresh scrubbed campers, attired in their brand new Camp Nana shirts!  Lookin’ sharp. We began with a little T-Ball.  While Abby was consport-boys-02tent to hit the T-Ball spring stand with the bat and watching the ball fall gently to the ground. while Max – well, Max was a natural.  He took his place at the T-Ball stand, and batting left-handed, knocked nearly every ball out of the park.  That is not a metaphor, but a fact.  Nana had to chase every ball down as both grandchildren stood by and cheered me on … “Get the ball, Nana!  Get it.”  Apparently watching Nana zigzagging all over the little park exhausted the 2-year-old Abigail and 5-year-old Maxwell.  So much so that they had to return home for a cooling down Popsicle break at Max & Abby’s little diner!  It was so cute to watch Abby pull her pink chair up to the outdoor dining bar and chatter back and forth with her brother.

Then it was time to begin our baking lesson.  Do you really know just howdough abby difficult it is to keep little fingers from swiping through the batter for just a taste?  Max took charge of the whisk and the duty of mixing, while Abby delighted in dumping in the oil and water and eggs.  They took turns helping to spoon the batter into the mini cake loaf pans.  Max busied himself with coloring while Abby darted back and forth to check the progress of the mini-cakes through the oven glass.

The room was filled with constant chatter and then … complete silence.  Ahhhhh.  Lunchtime.  Nothing but the slurping of milk and crunching of crackers and once in a little while … “Brudder.  You don’t want your cheese?  I have it?”  Topping it off with a banana and they are good to go!

Next, we settle in to create a diorama.

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di·o·ram·a     noun

a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures

Lightweight wood shadow box frames and some 3-D zoo animals were lined up and ready to go.  Max took great care in painting his diorama.  Lovely blue skies over lush green fields and dirt below where the animals will walk.  His fence was painted green to blend in with the grassy meadow.  He decided that the monkey should be climbing in the tree and the giraffe should be eating leaves of the tree.  Abby, however, had a more abstract approach.  She painted the entire inside of the diorama blue and then a touch of brown in the mix, happily stating “I made a waterfall.”  She was thrilled with the result, and that is all that matters.

The campers were getting a little tired and were ready for a nap.  Max climbed in the bed and immediately closed his eyes and just wanted to sleep.  Abby was less interested in sleep, even though her perfect blue eyes were droopy and tired.  Max didn’t make a peep.  However, I heard what I thought was a quacking duck, and walked in the bedroom to see Abby sitting on her knees with her head bent down close to Max’s face while a very loud and raspy “QUACK QUACK QUACK” yelled from her mouth.  I stood there until she noticed me.  She immediately squinted her eyes tightly shut and  made her way back to the pillow.

After nap time, we enjoyed reading the new books and playing with the stickers that came with the books.  Mommy and Daddy joined us for Family Dinner and a little playtime.  Great first camp day!

So, this is what 5 years look like

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Maxwell Edward Gardner first entered my heart over the airwaves some 2000 miles away.  Aunt Megan graciously held her cell phone so I could capture the first gentle baby noises of my grandson.  My baby had just witnessed the birth of his baby, and a whole new world opened up.

We attended Max’s first birthday party over Skype and were honored to watch Max toddle around and open gifts and play with paper and boxes, as is the tradition of all children, it seems.  By the time we moved back to Tucson from Leesburg, Virginia, Maxwell was eighteen months old blond hair and big blue eyes and a different expression every day.  He wowed us with his curiosity in all things out of his reach and his wonderment at the small things that we adults forget about.  Fluttering butterflies and puddles of rain water were at the forefront of his enjoyment, while we tend to put them on the back burner with usually a fleeting glance.  Max would stop on our walk and crouch down to silently watch a butterfly tenderly landing on one bloom of a Bougainvillea and then another.  And after his mind was satisfied with that display, he moved on to another, all the time taking it in and storing it in his memory to recall in a conversation later with mommy and daddy.

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By age 3, Max was able to reason and explain himself like a high school graduate – only with cuter grammar!  All through his five years, he has been a gentle, caring soul.  Always tender with a hug and sweet word.  As he has gotten closer to this milestone age of 5, he has mastered a dry sense of humor, the art of schmoozing  and an imagination beyond his years.  He takes great pride in his artwork and teaching me a song and entertaining a 2-year-old Abby.  He has brought so much sunshine into my life.

Happy Birthday, Max.  I can’t wait to see what you do in the next 5 years.  But, let’s not have it go quite as fast.  Deal?  Your Nana wants to savor every moment.

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Mission POSSIBLE

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I met my husband 48 years ago.  We were only 15.  We are getting ready to celebrate our 44th Wedding Anniversary this coming Easter Sunday.  But there is a dark cloud looming.  Bob needs a kidney.  He is in end stage renal failure – stage 5.

He has struggled over the past decade with numerous ambulance rides and multiple stays at hospitals, and several near death episodes.  He is determined, but in order to be placed back on the UNOS transplant list (United Network for Organ Sharing) at the University of Arizona Medical Center, we must pay the $12000. deductible as well as about $1000 in funds transfer fees.  Our son, Jeffry, has set up a gofundme page, and in only thirteen days, friends, family and strangers have donated just over $11k.  Such remarkable people in this world.  We need you to spread the word.  If you can share this post and send a prayer, it would mean more than we could ever say.  Here is the link to the fund:  http://www.gofundme.com/bobneedsakidney

Six of our grand children say it better than we ever could.

Project Ugly Sofa/Sectional Part 1

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Say “Hello” to part of my ugly sofa.  We bought this sectional in Virginia in May of 2010 before we moved into our brand new apartment.  I love this sectional.  It is yellow.  It is roomy (seats 6).  It is bouncy (just ask the grand kids).  It is comfy.  BUT … since it has been through grand kids in two states and of various ages;  several Christmas open houses; family dinners and Easter get togethers, it is more than ready for a makeover.  After drooling over $50 a yard fabrics at the fabric/craft stores, it was beyond my budget.  Until one day when my friend, Joanne, advised me to pay a visit to Sas Fabric store.  I had seen this store before, but figured it was more for able body seamstresses who knew what they were doing.  So I took Joanne’s advice and headed down to Sas Fabrics.  I found an amazing assortments of all types and colors and textures of fabrics at a fraction of the price at the other fabric/craft stores.  Fabric that originally would sell for 38.99 per yard, was priced at 4.99.  I took the fifteen yards they had left, figuring I would need at least 12 yards.  $75 to cover the base parts of both pieces of the sectional was right up my alley.  I will worry about getting complimentary fabric for the twelve cushions later.

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Nice, new pale yellow with tiny squares of a soft sage color upholstery fabric in hand, I begin to formulate my plan.  I set the fabric aside for several days, waiting to make my first move.  Just not sure what that first move will be.

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I removed all the back and seat cushions from both pieces of the sectional, tip them both over so that I am looking at the bottom of the sofa. I draped the fabric over the large piece, leaving about 3 feet of fabric hanging on each side and then do the same to the other piece. Since the backs are just flat, I think that would be the best place to start.
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Trusty staple gun in hand, I attach the fabric to the bottom underneath and staple away.
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So far, so good! With a quick flip of the sofas to their upright positions, I pull the fabric over the top and down to the seat, leaving about 4 inches to play with adhering the fabric to the front piece of the sofa that will be the backboard to the cushions. I cover the tailored skirt with the new fabric using the double-sided fusing. This also added a nice weight. I was careful to cover the entire strip underneath the skirts first, so that if/when a piece of the skirt was moved, I would still see the new fabric and not the old stuff. Yes, I am a bit OCD about things like that.
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The upper corners are not finished – but the back is!

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Look at the skirt – not the yucky cushions!

Of course, nothing beats working with a noteworthy assistant.  Not too handy with the tools, but the face is to die for.

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2014 Gdovins and More Family Reunion Day 4

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Thanksgiving Day.  Couldn’t have asked for nicer weather.  Jeffry and Kerri and the grandkids arrived the night before, and we had planned on getting together for Thanksgiving Dinner at a local buffet.  Mateo and Marluce and I were ready to make the trek to Whitewater to pick up Gramma Anne to join us for some family time.  I was quite proud of myself that I kind of winged my way to her home!  Mateo got out of the backseat and held her arm as she got situated in the front seat.  He is quite the little gentleman!  I could tell that  Anne was quite taken with him.  We were off to meet the other Gardners for an early dinner!

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 And now, outdoors to enjoy some beautiful Thanksgiving weather and family photography!IMG_3244

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After dropping off Gramma Anne at her house, I took the kids over to meet Dennis & Sandra Forsgren.  Dennis was married to Bob’s sister, Linda until Linda was killed in a vehicle accident in 1996.  Dennis was and remains a part of our family and close to my heart.  A really nice visit followed – so nice to catch up.

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Dennis actually owns the house that Gramma Anne resides.  Don’t know why I cannot find anymore info on it, as that house was the original Whitewater Post Office.  There is still a little side door that had the US Post Office in that old gold script.  I would think it would be listed as a historical place, but I literally cannot find anything as far as research.

After a brief respite at our hotel room to let the kids lay around and wrestle a bit and me to do a tad of accounting, Robin and Alina rolled into town after a 2-day drive from Austin.  We all met up at Denny’s for dinner and laughter and general catching up.  It gave Robin a chance to meet Mateo and Marluce and for me to meet Alina.  She is a sweet and precocious 3-year old with silky dark hair and brown eyes on the verge of turning green.  What a beauty!robin1 robin2

We had a wonderful day, albeit a tad long. Lots of family visiting. Lots of laughter and conversation. Lots to be Thankful. Back to the hotel early. In our pjs and the kids played their games on iPad while I caught up on some blogging and accounting. Good times.

2014 Gdovins and More Family Reunion Day 3

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The day before Thanksgiving and lots to do.  Lori and I, along with my trusted assistants, Mateo & Marluce, are off to the venue to set up for Friday’s fun.  I purchased 19 tablecloths of every color I could find.  Lori purchased a gazillion disposable chafing trays with racks and Sterno and silverware and all the dinnerware and napkins you can imagine.  We set out moving and arranging tables and chairs.  Mateo and Marluce strung twisted crepe paper around the room.Day 3d

and they made the banners WELCOME FAMILY 2014 REUNION.

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Day 3c Day 3f The last thing to do was to set up the kids table to keep them from being bored. We had crayons and coloring pages, wooden ornaments and colored pencils, clay and shaping tools, Skip Bo and Story Cubes. I am thinking this table will be a hit!

2014 Gdovins & More Family Reunion Day 2

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Breakfast at the Hotel and enjoying the type of conversation that you can only experience while dining with a 10-year-old grandson and an 8-year-old granddaughter.  All of the sudden, I feel a thick mane of hair on my neck and get a huge sister hug from my youngest sibling, Lori.  After surprising us at breakfast, we head up to the room to gather anything else we need for the day.  Day 2a

Finishing a great photo-op with Auntie Lori, we jump in her new red Ford Focus and head out to see the hall in Palisade that she rented for our reunion. Always a pretty drive to Palisade and brings back so many memories of our entire family going out to the peach orchards to pick the best peaches that I have ever tasted.  Kind of makes a lump in my throat as we pass so many familiar places from, oh, so long ago.  Back to reality as I quiz Mateo and Marluce on the landmarks surrounding us as we drive.  “Mateo, what is that mountain?”  Mt Garfield.  He catches on quickly.  “And what is this long flat top mountain?”  Right again.  The Grand Mesa.

Lori and I take a lot of the drive to reminisce,  And within a few minutes, the valley has enveloped me in her arms, and I am home again.  My mind wanders from seeing myself as a child in a peach orchard with the family laughing and picking fruit and back to the present conversation of reunion plans.   Lori picks up the keys and we check out the reunion hall and make mental notes of supplies we still need.  Mateo and Marluce decided that some decorations were needed to add some color.  After Lori drops us off at our hotel, we hop in the car and head out to Hobby Lobby and find crepe paper and banners and big sticky letters.  It has been a long and busy day, so we decide on an early dinner at, in my opinion, the world’s best pizza ever – Junct’n Square.Day 2d Day 2c Day 2b

After a pizza that Mateo is talking about three days later and describing it as “AMAZING”, (that, in itself, is amazing!  Mateo is, shall we say, a very particular dining guest), we head back to the hotel and hop into pajamas and make an early evening of it.  iPad games for them and accounting for me  A wonderful day in my wondrous home town with people I love to share.

Gdovins & More 2014 Family Reunion Day 1

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Monday, the 24th,  was a comedy of errors as far as our flight.  Bob was unable to travel to Grand Junction Colorado, so Ricky remained behind to stay with his dad, while Mateo, Marluce and I headed to the airport.  From before we even left home, our flight was delayed by 45 minutes.  Okay – no problem as we had an almost 2 hour layover in Phoenix.  So, 1:45 passes us by and then 2:15 and I am thinking, boy our layover is getting fairly short!  At 2:40, we are moved to another gate to board a different flight to Phoenix.  As we are landing with 7 minutes before the boarding gate is closed on our connection, the flight attendant asks everyone who is not connecting to stay seated as we are all running out of the plane to get to our gate.  With one minute to spare, we make it.   We taxi out to the runway and then stop and wait…and wait … and then the Captain announces that he received an error message on the plane’s computer and maintenance people are on their way so we wait and wait and 2 guys come on board and check this and that and then they leave and we are thinking “woo hoo”.   Well, we woo-hoo’d way too early.  After the men leave and the stairs are pulled back up and we are getting ready to take off, Captain has other ideas.  He announces that we have to go back to the terminal and we will sit on the plane while some other mechanics surmised the situation.  A fuse.  We needed a new little fuse.  A short time later, we were on our way – although, since this was the 2nd attempt at take-off, the enthusiasm had waned somewhat.  As we settled in the air at 30,000 feet, Mateo and Marluce played on their iPads (Yes, the each have one and Mateo won them both at different events).  Once in a while you could hear their voices and a little giggle.  Just good kids having a little fun.A1 A2

This smaller jet has much more engine noise than the bigger ones, so any conversations were muffled, as if they were whispering.  Captain announces that he is beginning the descent into Grand Junction and clapping follows.  I like a grateful crowd.  Just as the first wheel touches down, Mateo, not realizing the volume of his voice after such a noisy plane ride, exclaims (okay – he yells!) PREPARE FOR LANDING!!!  And then comments on how he didn’t realize that his voice got so loud.  Several passengers joined me in laughter.

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I will admit to the embarrassing confession that I have never rented a car myself up until age 62. The hubs always handles these things and I have not minded one bit that I have been spoiled for my many years of marriage. Off we go in a 2015 Nissan Altima with key-less ignition. Zippy little thing and if I could, I would pack it up and take it home!! So, back to our day … We arrive at the Marriott’s Spring Hill Suites in beautiful downtown Grand Junction, facing Main Street and all the beautifully lit trees ready for the holidays.springhill

Camp Nana Week 7

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Our Camp day began with a bowl of cereal, washing hands and faces and off to Bookman’s on East Grant Road.  For you non-Tucson residents, Bookmans, officially known as Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, is the largest used book retailer based in Arizona. It was founded in 1976 by Bob Oldfather, who is the current president of the company.  There are now several Bookman stores selling high quality used books, sporting goods, musical instruments – you name it. This particular location has a kid’s Friday morning StoryTime session.  They call it StoryTime, but it is so much more.  Off we go!

2294226_FLHalcJxEnBOf9rtITMHTY0IPm7loU9wWPBpFox00b0These kids love books.  Even Abby, not yet 2 years old, will grab a book and sit by herself and carefully turn the pages and scan intently at the words and illustrations.  Once in a while you hear a delightful squeal as she finds something particularly interesting.  It really is a site to see.

Max was very excited when we reached our destination.  “I think my mommy taked me here, afore.”  He is most likely correct, as Kerri has a love for books like I have never seen before.  We make our way back to the “community room” complete with audience seating for probably 30.  Some long tables off to the side are covered in paper plates, crayons, paints, kid friendly scissors, stickers, pipe cleaners, glitter and lots more.  In the back corner of the room on a smaller area, is a cart with juice for the kids when they are ready.

Of course, I am early, so Max and Abby find a seat in the front row while I sit off to the side to not block little ones sitting behind me.  As soon as storytime begins, all is quiet.   In the first of several stories, Papa Chicken agrees to read a bedtime story to Little Red Chicken, but only if he promises NOT to interrupt.  As Papa Chicken begins to read the book, Little Red Chicken chimes in with his imaginative contributions to the story.  This continues throughout the book and as the kids caught on, laughter followed each interruption.

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IMAG0464After a few more entertaining stories, time for some tunes! Before the hostess played songs on her guitar, she would announce each title.

Does everyone know the Wheels on the Bus?

MAX:  oh, I know this song.  

I know’d this song for a long long time.

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Good job, everyone! How about the Itsy Bitsy Spider?

MAX:  omusic5 copyh, my mommy teached me this song and she teached Abby too, but she can’t really do it very well.

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Wow! You are all really good singers. How about You Are My Sunshine?

thCAIGJ0P4MAX:  oh, I know that one.  That is mommy’s favorite!    

    

music5 copyOkay, before we do some crafts, let’s try My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.

MAX: (sporting a sad little frowny face)  I don’t know that song,  I don’t know the words.  I haven’t heard that song a’fore.  Nobody teached me that and I can’t read words yet.

(music and singing begin, and as the music and singing fill the air, one little voice stands out.  Because he thinks that the hostess maybe did not hear him, Max removes himself from his chair and stands maybe a foot away from the singing hostess.  All the while the music plays on,) 

MAX:  I don’t know these words.  I can’t sing this song.  Nobody teached me that song a’fore.

The song ends.  Max politely tells the hostess “Thank You” and returns to his seat before heading over to the craft table where we shall magically turn a paper plate into a beautiful, custom-made butterfly.

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After an exhausting morning, it was a very quiet ride home to have lunch.IMAG0472
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After a nice lunch and an almost two-hour nap (them – not me) it was time for Poppa to read some of the new books from our excursion to Bookman’s. Abby had to have the giant storybook that I made so she could sit inside of it. A little toy time to take up the rest of our camp day.
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Camp Nana Week 6

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Started off bright and early with a Junket Joyride to Pantano Riding Stables.  Always a good thing to visit the horses and their world for an hour or so.

pantano_menu_items_bluebgAbby was a little stand-offish at the beginning while Max acted as though the horses were his best buddies from years (all 4 of them) gone by.

He especially liked the miniature pony and made several remarks such as “boy, that Chester sure did like me!”.  And he wasn’t wrong.

Chester would follow Max as we walked by and at one time, even put his hoof up on the corral rail as though he was having a good old-fashioned chat with Max.

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Max made certain that all horses wanting his attention did not go unnoticed.  He was always ready with an open hand and a pet on the nose.

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Most of the horses were wearing the mesh masks to protect their eyes from flies and mosquitoes and diseases of the eyes from such and from the Tucson sun’s harsh rays.  They can see through them and it seems they are not the least bit bothered by the masks.  On the other hand, Max was concerned at first thinking it was some type of blindfold.

 

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 Max, being a bit disgusted by the smell at first, pinched his nose shut for some relief.

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We watched a couple of the horses get their morning baths.  This one kept wanting to drink the water instead of getting rinsed and

Abby and Max giggled openly watching the horse raise his head to sneak a little drink.

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Abby, hold my hand.

no.

Okay, then hold just my finger.

totay, brudder. you’re welcome, brudder.

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025Hey!  There’s a horse in here!!

024Taking a little breather from the heat and long walk!

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Meanwhile, Maxwell maps our route so that we don’t miss anything.

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Culinary Corner brought us back home on the range to a hearty lunch of hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese.

By the way, Abby is not in pain.  She is saying “cheeeeeeese” for the camera.

The kids helped make lunch.  Abby placed each hot dog on the giant crescent rolls and Max rolled them up to make a bun!

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A little trip down Artist Avenueis a great place to relax and unwind from such a busy morning.

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Abby takes charge of her own Camp Nana adventure, by rearranging my wallet!

Today’s Max-ism:   Max “needed” a baggie to take home some art, etc.

Nana, where are those bags with the zippers?

In that little cabinet Max. Just grab one of the boxes.  There are big ones and little ones.   (After too long of a silence, I make my way to the kitchen to find about 60 sandwich sized baggies on the floor and Max is still sitting on the rug, pulling each bag out one by one and stacking them, making a lovely pile of clear bags.)  Max, what are you doing?

Looking for the bigger ones.  I figure that they must be at the back of the bag because the little ones are “afront”.

Oh, Max.  the big ones are in their own box.  Now, you need to pick all the small bags up and put them back in the box and then I will get you a large baggie.

Can’t you just do it, Nana?  You’re the one who advised me!

Closing out another fun day at Camp Nana 2014.

I have a young niece.

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Her birthday is tomorrow, July 15th.  Cassandra Michele is the only child of my late brother, Larry.  She never really got to know her daddy.  Oh, she met him a couple of times, but Larry had issues with his mental health and always thought she was better off without him.  Oh, how wrong he was.  But that is the not so happy story.

The happy part of the story is Cassi, herself.  When Cassi was just a little girl, she came from California to visit with us for a week or two for several summers.  Since we had raised three boys, having a little girl around was a delight.  She was an energetic, happy little jabber box.  Every day we would do some type of little craft, play card and board games and made meals.  In the evenings after dinner, shower and yet more games, Cassi would curl up in her little bed we made just for her in the loft of our condo with a Junie B Jones book and read until her eyelids began to lower into a happy sleep.  Some nights she would come to our room and lie atop the comforter and read Junie B Jones to her Uncle Bob and me.  This is one of my favorite memories of Cassi’s summer visits.Junie-B-Jones

Other evenings were spent with Tristan (3 years younger) spending the night or eating dinner at Little Anthony’s Diner watching Cassi and Tristan both slurping down their ice cream sundaes.  We had family dinners to celebrate Cassi’s visit and roller skating at the rink and special shows at the Gaslight Theater.  There was always a good time when Cassi came to visit.

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And then she grew older and probably felt to “big” to visit her crazy aunt in Arizona.  And now?  Now, she is a stunning young woman wearing a Julia Robert’s smile and her hand clutching an adorable son, Oliver James, (James being Larry’s middle name).  I have gotten to watch Cassi and Oliver grow and have their own adventures through photos and social media messages.  I hope soon I will get to meet Oliver and to hug Cassi again.  Until then, happy birthday and wishes for the best ever year ahead of you.  I love you very much, Cassandra Michele Gdovin – you know that. Nothing you could do to ever change that.  Give that little mini-Larry a kiss from great Aunt Connie and tell him I will meet him soon!

 

Camp Nana Week 5

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We had a change of Camp dates for this week due to the 4th of July holiday and got a late start to the day as I attended a graveside service in the morning. We still managed to squeeze in a little Camp fun in the afternoon.

Since this was the day before the 4th of July, or as Max calls it “Ind-pendence Day”; the theme of the day was Red, White & Blue. Max painted a patriotic looking wooden train and added sparkly red, white & blue stars after the paint had dried. Abby worked on an equally patriotic wooden airplane. She is not much into spreading her stickers around a project – she likes to pile her sticky embellishments up in a stack, one by one all placed on top of the one prior.

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After a little lunch and screen time, we were back to our red, white & blue projects. Next up, fireworks! White circles exploded with red, white and blue paint using a plastic fork and after a few embellishments, a handle was added to finish the project. Max had a great time making exploding noises as he held the “fireworks” high up and then fizzling out sounds on the way down.

Some reading time before we met mommy & daddy for an impromptu dinner.

January – June 2012 Photo album pages completed …Finally!

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yeah yeah.  I am a bit behind in my photo albums.  Now, on to the last half of 2012.  Stay Tuned!


 01 02 2012 Ashburn 01 02 2012 Max Paints 01 04 2012 Mateo 01 07 2012 Max

01 29 2012 Max 1 01 29 2012 Max 2 01 29 2012 Max 3 01 29 2012 Max 4 01 29 2012 Max 5 01 29 2012 Max 6.02 11 2012 Mateo 102 11 2012 Mateo 202 11 2012 Mateo 2a 2b02 11 2012 Mateo 302 11 2012 Mateo 402 11 2012 Mateo 502 14 2012 Alina02 20 2012 Quinn02 21 2012 Marluce02 23 2012 Chase and Quinn02 26 2012 Alina double spread03 01 2012 Max03 11 2012 Max B-day03 15 2012 Easter Invites03 16 2012 Max 03 29 2012 03 30 2012 Marluce 03 30 2012 Max 04 04 2012 04 06 2012 Marluce 04 06 2012 Mateo 04 07 2012 Marluce04 12 2012 Max and Poppa04 14 2012 Marluce04 16 201204 18 201204 19 201204 25 201205 03 201205 10 2012 105 10 2012 205 10 2012 305 10 2012 405 10 2012 505 10 2012 605 11 2012 105 11 2012 205 22 201206 04 2012 106 04 2012 206 04 2012 306 05 2012 a06 05 2012 Ashburn06 05 2012 b06 05 2012 c06 05 2012 d2012 06 20 Mateo & Marluce2012 06 21 Max at Lunch2012 06 27 Abigail Ultrasound

 

Camp Nana Week 3

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JOYRIDE JUNKET & LETTERS LANE Our busy camp day began with a field trip to Jesse Owen’s Park with colorful bags labeled A B C to search for items from the Friday Farmer’s Market that began with those letters. Max, what do you see that begins with an A? Tomato? No, not tomato.  What sounds like a a a (Nana makes the a short vowel sound). Well, I was going to say apple first, but I only saw tomatoes! What can I say – the kid was right.  Apples are not in season here, but we did find some apple chips and apricot jam and broccoli and beans and cauliflower and two baby carrots with, much to Abby and Max’s delight, still had the little soft greens attached.  Bags in hand, we headed for the car and a quick (not so much) trip to the grocery store to pick up items for dinner. Max and Abby insisted on the cart with a car attached to the front.  It took me a while to realize that every time another shopper stopped in front of us, the toy car horn would make a series of HONK HONK HONK HONK HONK until the nice shoppers moved from in front of our cart!  I quietly explained to the sweet children that it was not very nice to honk at people because they were just shopping for their dinner as well and probably did not realize that they were in our way.  Max calmly stated that it was also not nice to block people and also not nice to say “outta the way…outta the way”.  Once again, right on both counts.  So, if I were keeping track;  image With a big old “L” on my forehead, I head for home with the toddlers in an effort to escape my shame.  Once home, a new project. ARTIST AVENUE Painters paper is taped to the floor and long white cardboard strips are laid out nicely on top of the protective paper.  Max helped to pour out washable finger paints in different areas of the paper.  Abby’s turn first … I painted different colors on the bottom of her feet and helped her press er, smear her footprints on the white cardboard.  Camp Nana Tip:  try not to use cardboard that is on the shiny side as it smears rather easily.   ]Max was next, and after a practice run, ended up with footprints of every color!  After the projects dried, Max thought of things he and Abby use their feet for while Nana wrote them next to the prints.  He was very particular about coming up with different suggestions for Abby and him.  He is such a creative and smart little guy! CULINARY CORNER Although was not too creative this week, Max enjoyed spacing the cookie dough just so and making certain that all the dough balls were approximately the same size.  He was also quite accurate on telling me when the oven temperature reached 350 and was ready to bake treats to be enjoyed at a later, cooled down, time. IMAG0315           IMAG0317

 

Lunch time. A little rest time. A little STORYTOWN time with Biscuit, the dog.

WET & WONDERFUL WATER PLAY

When the sun moved from the play yard, out came the bright pink pool and the towels.  After the pool was adequately filled, Max climbed up on the bench (a grownup bench for Nana and Poppa to observe water play) and the next thing I hear is cannonballlllll and since the bench is only a foot from the pool, and Nana was on the bench … well, I guess you can surmise the results.  Later, I was sitting by the pool on the lawn picking up some toys for Abby to play with.  Max has a little rubber fishy in his hand and a twinkle in his eye as he coaxed me “Nana, just lean over here a little bit”.  And with that, I receive a long stream of water squirting from the fishy mouth directly to my face.  As I holler and try to block the stream with my hands, I hear a belly laughing grandson.  Time for Nana to dry off and get out of this danger zone. Soon, we are dry and in fresh clothing and indulge in a bit of play dough time around the kiddie table.  We relax with books and a little Zoodles and some good all around quiet time until daddy Jeffry arrives.  Just another wonderful day at Camp Nana.

Camp Nana Week 2

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Started off with Culinary Corner fresh fruit popsicles,  constructed and some deconstructed, while tiny little fingers helped themselves to a snack.  Of course the project was peppered with “Abigail … no.  This is not to eat!” resulting in high-pitched screams from a not yet 2-year-old.  It wouldn’t be Camp Nana without a little drama.  Max takes some time to scoot a little bench over to the refrigerator, climbs and stands atop and checks out the progress of the fruit pops.
 

Designated screen time followed with Chuggington.  Maxwell watches intently while Abby watches, then colors in her coloring book, then gets a book, watches another minute and retreats to the bookshelf to read.  Nana has time to regroup!

We move on to Artist Avenue and begin our top secret project for Father’s Day.  Final project will be published after Father’s Day.  Let’s just say it involved a lot of paper and glue and washcloths and paper towels.  Max says he is exhausted when we finish.  Kid can’t hang with Nana.

The kids make their way to the camp table (their outdoor picnic table with a big umbrella moved to the inside of the house for June and July Camp time) for some quiet coloring time while Nana prepares lunch of pb&j (Smuckers crustless), salad, a few chips, strawberries and milk.  Max completed his lunch in record time while Abby strays from the table and has to be coaxed back,  Max reminds her that he is learning pre-K rules and in pre-K, if you leave the table, you are done with the lunch.  Abby looks up at him, grabs a chip and leaves the table and then Nana picks her up and places her back on the bench.  Max heaves a heavy sigh, realizing his advice has gone unheeded.

After lunch clean-up, we journey to Imagination Station where we are going to write our very own storybook.  Nana’s contributions are in black type, Maxwell’s in green type and Abby’s in pink.

ONCE UPON A TIME, IT WAS ABOUT A LITTLE LION STUCK IN THE WOODS.  AND THE LITTLE LION WAS NO-NO.  AFTER THAT, A GORILLA HELPED HIM FIND HIS WAS HOME.AND HE WAS DONE.  AND HE SAID "I AM NOT GOING TO HUNT WITH YOU.I AM GOING TO HUNT BY MYSELF".  AND THEN A DIFFERENT GORILLA HELPED HIM FIND HIS WAY HOME AND HE SAID "MOMMY DADDY" WHEN HE SAW THEM.  SO HE SLEEPS WHEN HE GETS HOME.  NIGHT NIGHT.     ~  the end.

Abby naps while Maxwell indulges in a bit of well deserved Zoodles on my phone.  Zoodles time expires, so Max and I play SNAP – a card game where, despite my quick instincts, they cannot compare to Maxwell’s unique interpretation of the rules.  As a result, I lose 26 to 14.  Hanging my head in shame, I gather up what is left of my dignity and go outdoors to fill up the swimming pool.  When Abby awakens, we are off to Wet & Wonderful Water Play.   For an hour, giggles and splashes and blowing bubbles fill the air.  Best noise ever.  Nothing like toddler giggles to make you realize what is really important in life.

This is where I am meant to be.  In this home.  In these circumstances.  Right here with my jeans now soaked from splashes and my heart so filled with the love of these two toddlers.  It was a good Camp Nana day.  A very good day indeed.

P.S.  As promised, here is the Father’s Day gift Max and Abby made for their daddy.  Abby was quite good at tearing up the papers and Max excelled at gluing, sticking on the letters, and writing his name!

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Day 1 of Camp Nana 2014

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0dThe activities are set.  Supplies are at the ready.  A picnic table and outdoor umbrella have been added to the living room for the next 2 months.  Shirts were received.  0e

Add a couple of little ones and Camp Nana begins.

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First order of monkey business; we visit Culinary Corner and whip up a batch of banana nut mini-muffins. The campers squished bananas and stirred in eggs and oil and Max and I spooned the mixture into the tiny colorful cups.
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Made for a delicious morning snack! After an hour of Wet and Wonderful Water Play, (where Maxwell made the world’s largest Ice Cream Cone) 6awe donned dry and fresh clothes and readied ourselves for the next Camp project.

Our Artistic Avenue project was painted handprints and a list of five things that our hands can do. (hug my baby sister … stir bananas … splash in the pool … ) 4c4b

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After lunch, it was time for Imagination Station where we built a fort and Maxwell and Abby rough-housed a bit until they giggled themselves out.
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Story Time Town took us to reading our new book, “How to Babysit a Grandpa”.  An adorable story that I highly recommend.

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With that, I would say that the first day of Camp Nana 2014 was quite the success.  Now, Nana must rest!

Camp Nana 2014 …

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Max and Abby’s Summer Camp Nana 2014 begins next week.  One day every week in June and July will be dedicated to Camp Nana.  This year will be a bit more structured than the past years.  We will participate in 3 activities each camp day which will leave time for naps and lunches and relaxing time.

CAMP NANA 2014

CAMP NANA 1 2014

 

IMAGINATION STATION will allow the kids to help write a story, dress up as a character, or take an imaginary trip!

STORY TOWN will be a great winding down activity with reading stories and relaxing.

JUNKET JOYRIDES  will be time for a “field trip”.  A trip to Pantano Stables to visit with the equine residents.  Or maybe a ride on the train at the Reid Park Zoo after visiting the animals.  Lots of places to choose from in Tucson.

SPLISH SPLASH water play in a kiddie pool.  Fishing for magnetic fishes and just some good old-fashioned splashing around.

ARTIST AVENUE will be the place for finger painting, coloring, clay molding and making fun stuff.

In the CULINARY CORNER, the kids will make family and kid friendly creations.  They may even make a dinner (with Nana’s help) for the family.

TINY TUNES will be the time for Music.  Dancing and singing and playing instruments and even making up a new song will be included.

Camp Nana T-Shirts have been ordered and are on their way – hopefully before the first day of camp!  I am collecting character and fun dress up clothes … New finger paints and Play-Dough and a large roll of crisp art paper are waiting.  Tambourines and a xylophone and some mini-recorders are ready for music making.

Off to Hobby Lobby in the morning for more supplies!

 

 

There’s always next Year!

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Well, my promise to myself to keep up scheduled blog postings for 2013 did not come to fruition!  In my defense, I have my bookkeeping business every day; grand babies 4 days a week; help the hubs daily; laundry and housework and yard work and shopping – something almost every day.   So, there.  I think I made my case!  Have a seat.  Relax.  Put your feet up and get ready to be amazed at my blog postings.  Okay, maybe not amazed.  But, still …Sofa (2)

Best Gift EVER!

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A few short years ago, I started a sibling Christmas gift exchange.  The reason was a simple one.  After the death of our oldest and youngest brothers, I just wanted the remaining four siblings to connect.  The idea was to be nothing fancy but should be handmade or recycled or at least had some kind of personal aspect.  We all were living in different places so far away from one another.  Lori in Grand Junction, Mark in Colorado Springs, Robin in Austin and me in Tucson.

blog map The first year I had Mark’s name and made him a calendar with footprints of his grand kids and family photos. The second year, I made Robin an ornament using some of Gram’s old costume jewelry. I cannot say what I did this year for Lori, because it would ruin her surprise!

I loved the gifts that Robin and Lori bestowed on me the previous two Christmases. This year, Mark had my name. Imagine my surprise to see a huge package all wrapped in cardboard and taped together by our front gate yesterday. As soon as I began cutting the tape, I realized just what my gift from the heart was.

Some years back, with the blessing of Gram,  I signed over the deed to her house to her niece, whom I affectionately called Sissy.  This house shared a split deed with Sissy’s home since the day they were built.  Gram’s home was built in the late 1800’s and Sissy’s house built in the early 1900’s.  Gram’s house at 4500 Perry Street in Denver, was the original family home of my great grandparents and was built by my great-grandfather and other friends and relatives.  Years later, in 1906,  my grandma was born in the front bedroom of that little 2 bedroom home, as was my mother in 1927.  To say that this home had sentimental family history that always touched my heart, is an understatement at the very least.

After Sissy passed away, my cousin had both homes demolished.  Gram’s home was nowhere near modern building code and would have been cost prohibitive to bring it to building and safety code.  After the demolition, Mark made the trek from Colorado Springs to Denver and managed to salvage a little 24 inch door for me.  It must have been a difficult thing to see the house gone, but still, he did it because I asked.  I had to hold back tears as I removed the layers of cardboard and packing and tape to discover the door that Mark took the time to grab and then store at his home for several years.

I have so many ideas for this door. Shall I make it into a kitchen table? Maybe a wall hanging? In the meantime, my first instinct was to dress her for the holidays. And here she stands in her glory showing off a new wreath. Thanks, Mark. You made my day. No, not day. You made my Christmas oh so special, and I love you so much for your thoughtfulness. 12 19 2013 3

a Picnic in the Park

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Our little neighborhood has a little green patch about 30 feet by 50 feet in size.   Max thinks this is the greatest park ever!  Sometimes we take a ball to the “park” and kick it.  Sometimes Poppa rides his bike around the perimeter while Max drives his little car around the sidewalk.  Other times, Max and I kick off our shoes and run barefoot on the lawn and chase each other or have races.

Today, Max decided we should have an impromptu picnic at the neighborhood park.  He decided on jello with fruit and cheesy organic bunny crackers and bottles of water.  The weather was beautiful as we sat on the wall and enjoyed watching a very little boy in his glory in his great big park.  My heart grew just watching him enjoy his little picnic – that face is truly priceless.11 08 2013 Picnic

Max reminds me that I need to take time for simpler things.  Thank you, Maxwell.

bad Nana

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10 30 2013 MaxThe other day, Max got a treat of his organic bunny gummy thingys. He asked for another package and was told by me that he had probably had enough for the time being. His reply to me was “okay”, but as he walked away I heard him quietly mutter … “bad Nana. bad bad Nana.”

 

photo courtesy of Kerri Gardner

not my cup of tea

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I suppose that anyone who has known me for over ten minutes, most likely is knowledgeable of the fact that Halloween is not my “thing”.  Even as a little girl, I did not like costumes.  I did not like having my face made up and calling attention to myself.  Luckily, I began dance lessons at the tender age of two, so I always had a tutu around to dress up like a ballerina.  And my little black cowgirl outfit with the white fringe from “Ragtime Cowboy Joe“.  Or, my blue costume from “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue”, so I could dress up in my big blue bonnet and be a Dresden Doll for the holiday.  I was a small child and it seemed like I always got swallowed up in a sea of huge witches capes and black hats and yards of billowy white ghosts.  I did not like to look funny or scary.  I had zero confidence for that type of shenanigans!  I enjoyed seeing everyone else’s costumes and admired their guts to have dark paint smeared on their faces or teeth blacked out.  Not for me.  Imagine how mortified I was each year when my Mom dressed up for her bowling team party.  She would smear honey – gooey sticky honey, on her cheeks and chin and then rub COFFEE GROUNDS into the honey so it looked like a scraggly beard.  To make matters worse, she would find an old stained shirt of Daddy’s that she had used with furniture polish and wear that ugly, dirty looking, wrinkled thing over some torn pants.  And then, much to my horror, she would mess up her thick black hair and then Aqua Net it to hold the entire mess in place.  She would get in the car, windows rolled down, and wave to anyone who looked her way.  She always came home with some sort of prize for her winning look.  Apparently I was the only one who did not appreciate her “costume”.

So, when I had children of my own, I was always in a panic.  I didn’t want them to be a plain Jane and not be up to par with their classmates and friends.  I experimented with different looks, but always came back to a clown.  I just had zero talent for any other look.   We always had something around the house to make their shoes look like clown shoes or an over-sized tie and shirt.  Red lipstick on the cheeks and mouth and some eyeliner tear drops and eyebrows completed the transformation.  Clowns.  I tried something new every year, but I admit it – they always looked like a clown.

I never decorated the house save for the pumpkins that the boys and their Dad carved – front on center on the porch of wherever we lived.  Mom and Dad would turn most of their house into a haunted house with dark lighting and cold spaghetti “brains” and jello “guts” and peeled grape “eyeballs”.  They took great delight in scaring the living hell out of me while working on the house for several days.  They had stuff in every one of the five bedrooms and, needless to say, I had many sleepless nights until Halloween was over.  I did not like scaring people and I did not like being scared.  I had enough of that on a daily basis while little brothers, Mark and Larry, would hide in my closet or in the bathroom, waiting for me so they could jump out or yell and watch me have a panic attack.  Yeah, those were sure fun days.  My brother-in-law had great fun digging out some dirt in the front yard of his Tucson home and, laying as flat as he could, and would raise up in the dark of the night and scare the bejesus out of the neighbors.  How sad it was one Halloween evening, watching little kids walk a huge arc around the front of Dan’s and Robin’s house out of fear of the crazy guy in the dark.  Robin always had lots of good candy left over!

So, here it is, October, and I will be damned if Halloween is once again upon me.  Now I have grandkids and have enjoyed entertaining them on Halloween from Tristan and Chase to Mateo and Marluce and now Max and Abby.  I have never had the chance to spend a Halloween with Quinn, but perhaps one day.  So, Max comes to spend the day last week and flatly states, Nana, you need to decorate for Halloween”.  Well, I did decorate (or at least I thought I had) by displaying a cute little pumpkin from Safeway where someone had artfully drawn a cute face with red lips and long eyelashes.  And, if that was not enough, voila, look at my cute Halloween owl in the front garden!

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Max gave me a patronizing smile and a soft “oh”, but I could tell he was not very impressed.  Then he said, “you should see our house Nana!  We have skeletons and pumpkins and decorations inside the house and outside of the house.”  I assumed from that statement, that the kids house had more than an “indoor” pumpkin and a tin owl stuck in the dirt.  “Come on, Nana!  We need to decorate!”  Looking into those clear blue eyes, I had no choice but to get in the car and high-tail it to the store before Max came back the next day.

I was NOT going to spend a ton of money on a holiday that I do not even really consider a holiday.  Afterall, November 1 begins “my” holiday season of Thanksgiving-Christmas-Epiphany.  THAT is my kind of holiday and I have always said that Halloween is just in the way.  But, little kids and big kid enjoy the dark holiday, so who am I to quibble?  I decided to make some melting witches.  Some black pointy hats, black gauze, black and green and purple ribbons and hang them from the courtyard lights and presto! we have melted witches.  A couple long pairs of Halloween socks filled with some squished up plastic bags made for the stylish footwear left from the melting witches.  Max and Poppa found some orange and green lights in our Christmas light stash and I replaced some clear ones with the colorful ones to add a little flair!  I got 5 little battery lit pumpkins which max has had a great time arranging them and rearranging them!  Add two Sassy Witches to the front door, and we have  the final product.  Not going to win any prize, but seeing my grandson’s eyes light up and the smile on his face is my blue ribbon.

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Happy Halloween, everyone.   I am going to start getting my Thanksgiving-Christmas-Epiphany decorations ready.  November 1 will be here before you know it!

Sometimes cooking brings back so many memories … circa 1990

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Robbie Rolls (rob bee rolls)

n.  a dinner roll placed in a hot oven until charred on the bottom of the roll.

adj.  the appearance of being burnt to a crisp, leaving the top of the roll still edible.

derivation – from the Slavic Robin Gdovin  (overcook, char, burnt beyond recognition, briquets)

example:  “Oh look.  I made some Robbie Rolls.”

robbie rolls

thank you, Joanne, for sharing this … Just what I needed!

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I grew up with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen before they had a name for it.  A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.  Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer’s night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that … sometimes there isn’t any more. Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away…never to return.. So… While we have it….. it’s best we love it…. And care for it… And fix it when it’s broken……… And heal it when it’s sick. This is true. For marriage……. And old cars….. And children with bad report cards….. And dogs with bad hips…. And aging parents…… And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special…….. And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thinks I am a ‘keeper’, so I’ve sent it via my blog, to the people I think of in the same way.Flower Pink (1)

Happy 21st Birthday to my Beautiful Granddaughter, TRISTAN

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Hard to believe that this tiny mite who bounced into my life at the age of two, is now a 21-year-old, married, self-sufficient young adult.  And, oh, the adventures we have shared.

1998

Here she is in 1998 taking inventory of all of her Halloween bounty!  Tristan first Trick or Treated in her neighborhood, and then Trick or Treated around our neighborhood; and Gramps drove her to some surrounding neighborhoods, so it could be assured that her treats were a-plenty!

1999An unforgettable Performance by a 6-year-old Sand Dollar first grade spring concert in 1999.

2003

The Summer of 2001, after one of our annual School Supply Shopping excursions.  Many years ago when Tristan, was just a little girl, I began a new tradition of school supply shopping.  Since we lived in the same city, I would pick Tristan up and off we headed to Target to find just the perfect school supplies.  We would pick some items from the list send home by the school, and we added some other things just for fun.  Everyone needs paper and pencils and erasers and such.  But it is much more fun to have pink pencils with silly erasers and fun characters on homework folders.  Works just the same, but puts a smile on your face when you are working on a math problem!

2002

Tristan commandeers Gramps computer to play games in 2002.  He never lets anyone else do that!

2004

A 2004 portrait with two of the most important ladies who have shaped my life.

2005

I enjoyed an after Christmas dinner with Tristan in 2005 at yet another fun-filled Granddaughter weekend.

2006

Just one of our special 2006 weekends with a Butterflied Granddaughter,  Our special weekends were always filled with dining out, game night and spoiling!  Oh yeah, shopping.  Lots of shopping.

2007

a 2007 trip to Costco during one of our Granddaughter Weekends where Gramps and Tristan grazed their way thru all the food samples!

2011

In the summer of 2011, a very grown-up Granddaughter drove to Leesburg Virginia to bid farewell to Grandparents making their way back to Arizona.

2013

And the little girl has blossomed into a young married lady.  Happy Birthday, Sassy Marie.  I love you more than words can say.  Be Happy!

I’m a Chain!

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Remember that part in Steel Magnolias after Shelby dies and everybody is moving on with their lives and Dolly Parton’s husband drives her to a strip mall to surprise her with a second location for her hair salon called “Truvy’s West? ”

Well, my card designs are expanding to my “Truvy’s West” location on RedBubble.com.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/papiergrace/portfolio

Stop by.  Have a looksie.  Right now I am adding my popular designs from my Zazzle sales, but will be adding new designs very soon!

Monday Tuesday Happy Days . Wednesday, Thursday …

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albums You have most likely read it here before, but if you missed it – Wednesdays are now Family Dinner night at our house.  The nights change once in a while when Jeffry and Kerri begin new kickball seasons.  For now, Wednesday it is.  Tonight was Retro Diner themed.  Max and I shopped at the local party store for some plates and napkins and mini banana split cups.  (Okay, they are really plastic martini cups, but you make do with what you find.  And since we are not a martini imbibing family, no one seemed to notice anyway!)

The announcement was made on the new family chalkboard mounted right on our front door.  (Doesn’t everyone have a chalkboard on their front door??).  And the most important part of the announcement – Bow Ties are required.

Chalkboard

Max and I worked on making 5 bow ties from scrapbook paper and jewels!  Max’s favorite part of this Camp Nana project was cutting paper.  And then cutting some more paper.  And, well, then cutting a bit more paper.  He makes great confetti!  We set the table with retro blue and pink plates and napkins and silverware, atop the 1950’s tablecloth we found the day before.  We even put markers out for everyone to enjoy writing on the tablecloth.  Dinner was finally served with hamburgers plated with lettuce, tomato and onion using the style of the Woolworth’s counter service on Main Street of Grand Junction.  Home made fries (note:  if you want to make homemade fries, google the recipe from Guy Fieri – but remember to add some prep time because these things take a while to brown up!)., cheese pizza and grilled cheese were also on the menu.  Even Abby got to dine on some organic mac ‘n cheese, just like her big brother.  Max had milk while the adults enjoyed old-fashioned bottled root beer and creme soda.

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The evening ended with mini banana splits where Max was treated to his first ever spray of whipped cream right into the mouth!

I urge you to try a retro diner dinner – although this was more work than most of the other dinners, it was worth the fun.

Ser up your own retro dinner, and until then, HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU….UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN! 

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Camp Nana with Max and the Abericot Twee

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apricot tree

Max has recently discovered abericots – aka apricots.  We decided that we needed to grow a tree.    So, here is Max’s account of our abericot twee planting.

First we had to eat an abericot.  We spit the seeds in the water (cup).  We tooked them out of the water so they could grow. (the water bath was to clean all the pulp from the pit.  Max learned that if the pit floats to the top of the cup, it will never grow into a tree – just not viable.  None of ours did – they all dutifully sat at the bottom of the cup.)  Then we put the seeds on a plate. (to dry out for a couple of days)  I came to Nana’s house and we hammered on them and then the seeds came out.  We went to the store and got big big BIG bags of dirt and a big flower pot.  We put dirt in the planter.   I used my shovel handle and poked one hundred (four, to be exact) holes in the dirt.  We put seeds in the flower-pot.  We covered them with dirt.  We watered the seeds.  THE END

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The perfect end to a morning of hard labor – making it rain on his head – and watching a rainbow slowly form on the sidewalk.

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Max’s rendition of what his abericot twee will look like in a couple of years!

Max’s Excellent Park Adventures #3

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For this new adventure, we ventured out to Purple Heart Park  on Rita Road in the Rita Ranch subdivision.  The day was cloud covered for the most part so it seemed a bit cooler than the 98 degrees it actually was.

Purple Heart Park is another one of those parks nestled within a neighborhood.  It is quite a pretty little area with a baseball field, playground, swim center, and benches under the shade of huge trees.  Not sure where the rest of the acreage is, but I can only assume that if we had gotten onto the walking path,we would have seen a lot more than we did.  However, 3-year-old Max is more concerned with the playground and drawing circles in the dirt with found branches from the ground.

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This is a really peaceful little area for reflection and remembrance.  Notice the purple tiles inset into the stone in the shape of a heart.  Nice and simple and beautifully thoughtful.

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Higher, Poppa. HIGHER!
Higher, Poppa. HIGHER!

We need to revisit this quiet little park and explore the undeveloped nature as well.  This is a great place for family get togethers as the playground is close to benches and BBQ grilles – so the little ones could be in your sight while enjoying the day.  Good amount of shade for the Tucson desert.  Max and I both give Purple Heart Park a thumbs up!

 

Max’s Excellent Park Adventure #2

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Today we ventured out to Terra Del Sol Park at 6700 E Calle Marte, Tucson, AZ 85710.  This is a little park tucked away in an older neighborhood.  Max was very excited when we arrived as the playground equipment was large and colorful and in full view of the street.  No need to wonder where to look for that!  The park is older, so it has huge trees to give shade to the several benches nestled around the playground or in a clump of trees.  A B

This is a beautiful structure and quite large and clean for a family and friends get together.  Surrounded by plants, it makes a really pretty statement.

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Max insisted that I climb up the playground equipment and check out the built-in benches and the lookout tower and the tic tac toe game all contained in little nooks and crannies of the structure.   Although the slides were too hot to use, the rest of the toys and treats were just fine, due to a textured coating on some of the railings.

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Pretty sure I could curl up on that bench with a good book and enjoy several lazy hours there.

EMax gave the park the thumbs up.  Visitors should know that there are no porta-potties on site.  We were lucky because there was a ladies exercise program going on in the pool area and we could come and go and use the restrooms with no problem.  A fun little park and a new place to enjoy a family picnic!

 

Max’s Excellent Park Adventures – Camp Nana 2013 – Tucson Arizona

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Max and I decided that for our project Camp Nana 2013, we would explore and review some of the lesser known parks (and we will probably hit some of the well-known ones as well).  Our first adventure took us to Case Park at 9851 E Kenyon Drive.   Just a scant 2.7 mile drive from our home and passing through a subdivision, this beautiful bit of green rises up through the cactus and rocks to present a truly serene area.  I can picture myself on a bench engrossed in a book so the only noise that can break through is the gentle giggles of little ones on the playground.  But I digress. blog 1

The park itself is clean and save for two pieces of litter (a water bottle and a drink cup) there was nary a paper nor doggy poo in sight.  There is a large grassy area in a circle surrounded by trees and some cactus and the walkway to the playground.  Impeccably groomed and just waiting for some bare feet to tickle.  There are various smooth paths: one leading to a nature walk around the reserve and one to the playground and picnic area.  The tables – well, the tables are a whole other story!  They are tiled, but not just tiled.  They are all done in mosaic with an artist’s touch and tell stories of the hummingbirds feeding on a nearby cactus flower and more.  Leave the tablecloth at home and enjoy these unique tables while you picnic.  blog 2The playground is covered in that shock absorbent rubbery recycled stuff and is so cushioned that I daresay I could actually sleep on it.  The playground equipment is in perfect shape.  Of course, there is no way around the burning slides and monkey bars in Tucson – just have to avoid those and climb up to the tower and descend using the plastic “rock” stairs.  There are two sets of swings – one for older kids up to 109!  We opted for the “these are not for babies” swings that were in the shade.  Max was thrilled and giggled about the fact that he was “flying” through the air!  blog 3

What is that I see off the path?  A Butterfly and Hummingbird Sanctuary that is by far the cutest dang thing I have ever seen in a park.  Not only is the gate beautifully constructed showing a butterfly and hummingbird, as well as the sign on the gate to remind us to latch it to deter little hoppity bunnies from going in and eating away on the greens, but ever little inch of the sanctuary itself has been decorated by grownups and kids alike.  Little touches all over the place just to make your heart smile.  Treats for the eye for certain.  page 4

So, if you want a little oasis in the desert, Case Park is where you want to be.  Well done City Parks Department and all the kids who contributed their handprints and artwork!  Well done, indeed.  Max and I give this park adventure a hearty thumbs up!

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inside the MUSIC

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I love music.  Lots of kinds of music.  And when I find some music I like I let it envelop me.  And pretty much everyone else around me since I will play it over and over and over and … well, you get the idea.

My latest kick is the Ray Charles duet cd.  My favorite is Here She Comes Again with Norah Jones.

Here we go again

 She’s back in town again

I’ll take her back again

One more time

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The first verse sets the tone with the familiar juxtaposition of gravel and silk that most of us have heard a better part of our lives.  My Mom and Dad were huge fans and introduced me to the music of the legendary Mr. Charles at an early age on a huge round vinyl record under the needle of a sliver of diamond.  I was immediately smitten with the emotions and realistic lyrics.

You give your hand to me. 

And then you say, “Hello”. 

And  I can hardly speak,

my  heart is beating so …

Ray Charles casually makes himself at home on the piano.  And when you thought it couldn’t get any better, in sneaks the staccato of a church  organ mastered by Billy Preston with a seamless transition.  prestonI cannot get over the genius of this combination of voices and lyrics and instrument.  So, excuse me while I sit in the car and crank up Ray, Norah and Billy.   Sets the tone for my weekend.

Grandma Tabor

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Marjorie Grace.  Born June 14 1906 – on Flag Day – before there even was a Flag Day!  Born to James Benjamin  Daigle and Mary (Minnie) Victoria Gardner (Daigle) in the family home at 4500 Perry Street in Denver.  A mere 21 years later, my mother would be born in that very same house!grandmataborholdingmomat4500perrystreetdenvercolorado

Gram was the youngest of four children.  Two older brothers died at very young ages (one from an accidental discharge of a rifle and one electrocuted from felled power lines near their home.  She was, admittedly, very spoiled and that carried through until the day she died in 2004.  When Mom would take us to visit Gram in Denver no less than twice a year, everything revolved around her and care was taken to make certain that she did not prepare a meal, wash a dish or vacuum a floor the entire time we were visiting.  When Gram visited Grand Junction, also twice a year, everything revolved around her and care was taken to make certain that she did not prepare a meal, wash a dish or vacuum a floor the entire time she was visiting.  Déjà vu all over again!

Gram’s one and only chore during any visit was to take me shopping.  The famous phrase still rings in my head “we need to buy you a new top!”  Off to the May D&F or Fashion Bar we would go and I would return with no less than 4 blouses each time.  In my much younger days, I received pinafore dresses with layers of crinoline complete with hoop petticoats, matching socks, shoes and sometimes even a bonnet – her word for a hat.  When I was 3 or 4, I was dressed up in a pale pink dress layered with a pinafore.  A pale pink hat was placed atop my head, brand new shiny white paten leather shoes atop the pale pink ruffled socks, AND the piece de la resistance, white gloves.  The dainty kind that just barely covered my hands below the wrist.  I cared not where we were headed when I was walked to the 1952 dark maroon color Chevy with the most enormous steering wheel I have ever seen.  I was only concerned with not scuffing my shoes or soiling my pristine white gloves.  After a short drive, I was out of the car and walked into a big building which was all quiet and hushed-like.  I dutifully sat in the bench style seat next to Gram like the little lady I was.

I don’t know exactly when it was that I realized there was a dead body in an ornate box at the front of the building.  I felt so betrayed.  Why would Gram have me all dressed up in my signature pale pink color attire to bring me to sit on a hard bench looking at a box with a dead person in it.  I should be going to Luby’s for lunch and taken to another store to shop!  Nothing was ever discussed about that quiet day.  But I do know that I learned some grace from Gram that day.

Happy Birthday to Gram who left us in this world to watch over us from another.  I think I hear her voice now … don’t wear that.  You look like a hussy! 

and then as quickly as they arrived … it was time for them to depart.

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Ricky and Mateo and Marluce left early in the morning for the airport and their return trip to beautiful northern Virginia.  The paints and crafts were all back in their rightful place.  The house was too quiet.  Nobody asking for snacks.  Nobody asking to play in the water.  Nobody trying to talk their daddy into a little more screen time.  Just the quiet.

I do not accompany my kids to airports, if I can avoid it.  I am too emotional.  Watching them walk into the building and having them beyond my grasp is just too much.  So, I leave that to the other son or the husband.  Although, I am certain you wouldn’t have to look too close to see a tear in Jeffry’s eye as the glass doors of TIA closed behind them.

I remember the many times we would leave Grandma Tabor’s house for our return trip to Grand Junction, and we silently giggled at the fact that “uh oh.  Grandma is crying again”.  I think I can hear her voice in my ear asking “well, how do YOU like it?”

I don’t, Gram.  I don’t like it at all.

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Abby’s Father’s Day art project

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Since Mateo and Marluce and Maxwell made their Father’s day project on Tuesday evening, it was only fair to use some of the Abby and Nana time on Wednesday to complete her masterpiece!2

as soon as the paint was squirted on to the canvas … 3

her hands went into the paint and we were off and running!  5 6 8 9 10 11 12

Do you know just how difficult it is to keep a baby from putting her hand in her mouth when it is covered in paint??

ready. set. GO to Grandma’s for cooking, crafts and a sleepover!

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Oh, the plans we have for an evening with three grandbabies.  First on the schedule – we needed to make dinner.  The menu?  Mac and Cheese, Pigs in a Blanket.  Chips.  Milk.  The chefs are quite pleased with their creations.

Here, they practice their pose for the cover of Kid Foodies –  June edition.IMG_1395 IMG_1396 IMG_1397

After dinner, we finished up some cool art projects of painting on canvas.  Each one designed and created their very own piece of art to present to their daddies for Father’s Day in a couple of days.

What is better than an evening movie and some trail mix?

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 Marluce was an abundance of kisses all evening … Mateo was his special sweet self gently guiding Max from fun to task…Max was in his element and loving every minute with his Virginia cousins.  Marluce and Mateo shared the sectional, sleeping toe to toe.  Max had his mattress out there with every intention on sleeping out with his cousins.  But, he is still just a little boy and came in to to very late with tears “Nana, I want to sleep in my room”  Well, I cannot turn that down, so I got his mattress and his bedding and moved it into his room (which is really a cutout in our bedroom wall that just fits the width of his mattress.  Sound asleep seconds later.

What a wonderful evening.  A Nana’s dream.

Crafts and Water Play to conquer a hot Tucson day

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Kerri is so clever – no wonder she is a teacher.  She always knows just the right thing to make kids happy.   She set up an arts and crafts table for the kids – as well as finger painting with color shaving cream.  Fun for the kids and easy to clean!  And what kid doesn’t enjoy getting gooey stuff all over their hands?

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When they tired of  squishing shaving cream paint between their fingers; and when the creative painting had been set aside to dry, it was time for a little cooling off in Max’s backyard.

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A cousin relaxes in the kiddie pool, while

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a younger cousin tries to drown him!

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 Nana gets some grand baby time before we all sit down for a family dinner on Pantano Edge Drive.  What could be better?

Day 2 with the Ashburn Gardners in Tucson

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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!

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From Ashburn Virginia to Tucson Arizona

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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.

Mateo multi-tasks.
Mateo multi-tasks.

Relaxing and visiting and listening to tales of a grand kid’s life!

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Marluce works with Maxwell while creating a masterpiece!

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Max likes to make a good impression on his cousins by dressing up for the occasion!

7 6 4The 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.

 

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so very hot in Tucson

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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!20130603_15425720130603_154519

on this day in 2007 …

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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?

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today

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05 21 2013 Orange Juice

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”.

the Life of Pi

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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.

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a crazy little thing called LIFE

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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.

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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!2013 mothers day 1

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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.

Look what I can do, nana!
Look what I can do, nana!

 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.

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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!

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The Adventures of Nigel & Buffy on the court.

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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 …1 Max plays tennis

our first Bountiful Basket

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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!

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Virginia – Day 12

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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.

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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.

Virginia – Day 10 Dinner!

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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!1

Virginia Day FOUR

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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.

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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!

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Virginia Day THREE

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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

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Mateo tries his hand at air hockey and is quite successful.

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Marluce and Abuela Gloria show off their dancing finesse.

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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.

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Nydia, Carolina, Estevan, Valeria & Carlos

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Dancers and Bubbles and Games and Prizes!

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Ricky, Minnie, Marluce, Mateo, Mickey & Me

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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.

Blue Ridge Grille

Virginia Day TWO

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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! 2013-03-15 20.24.482013-03-15 20.24.57