SO grown up....

How did this happen???  I still remember the day at the lake when Jamie told us we were going to be grandparents...she took a pregnancy test and (even though she had planned to keep it a secret for a while), came right out to the deck and told us!  What an exciting day for us all, a baby on the way!  And now, today, that baby, "A" started 3rd grade! Holy Cow!! 

And, the news of his sister, Miss "K", was equally exciting. We even got to be with them the day that the ultrasound tech told us all that she was a "SHE!"  And now, today, that little "SHE" started Kindergarten!
These two (along with our other four grandchildren) are just growing up way too fast! 

Time spent with grandchildren is ALWAYS a good time.  My Mom always told me that being a grandparent was the "BEST," and now I know exactly what she was talking about.  I think that is why it is so hard to see them growing up so quickly...I just hope that the day never comes when it isn't "cool" to spend time with Nana and Papa! :0)

"Good-by August"...

...Sad to see you go, but it's been GREAT!  Baby "G" is growing (TOO quickly!)  Here he is (6 weeks old last week), with his big brother. ("L's" big brown eyes just melt my heart!!) :0)

 Been doing some more "Doodling" practice...

When "K" and "R" were here last week they decided they wanted to give it a try...

Can you "DOODLE?"...

As I said in my last post, I have always LOVED the amazing "doodling" talent of Stephanie Ackerman!!  Her "doodled quotes" just make me smile!!  (Just a couple examples of her amazing work)...

So, as I practice, practice, practice for the "Doodling 101" on-line class I am taking from her, my admiration has turned to total "worship" and "envy!"  This girl is Talented, with a capital "T!"  I have discovered that doodling is not for sissies!! :0)  It's hard!!!  (At least for me!!)  But, I'm determined to "try" to master this new talent, so I will keep practicing.  Here is a little sample of my first attempts from my practice session yesterday.

Doodling...

I signed up for "Doodles 101 Twenty Ten" and I am SO exciged!!  It is an online class offered by Stephanie Ackerman, my very favorite "doodler!"I have always admired her doodles and wished that I was talented enough to do it.  Well...I doubt I will achieve her level of "doodling" but she says we can all do it, so I'm going to give it a try!!  Check back for updates...if I accomplish something that is "blog worthy" I will share it with you here!! :0)

42 Years Today...What A Ride!

Love doesn't make the world go around...

LOVE is what makes the ride worthwhile!

Progress...

The house is really starting to take shape...we really might just make the October move-in date!! 

SO hard...

...to say good-by to these little guys, knowing how quickly they change!  Our hearts are full of love and so many special memories from the past two weeks.  Thank goodness for Skype...it's not the same, but will have to do until next time! We love you L and G!!

Grandparents bestow upon their grandchildren

The strength and wisdom that time

And experience have given them.

Grandchildren bless their Grandparents

With a youthful vitality and innocence

That help them stay young at heart forever.

Together they create a chain of love

Linking the past with the future.

The chain may lengthen,

But it will never part...

~Author Unknown~

My Little Brother...

Follow me, little brother and I'll show you the way,

 I'll hold your hand in mine and stand beside you every day.

There are many things for you to learn

and I'd like to be your guide,

Don't be afraid, little brother for I am always at your side.

I can teach you how to ride a bike

 and how to catch and throw,

So if you listen carefully I'll show you what I know.

I know some things seem scary

and you may be afraid to try,

But don't worry, little brother on me you can rely.

I'll always be there to protect you

and catch you when you fall,

For when we stick together

we can make it through it all.

As the years go by and we are both becoming men,

 I know we'll remain not only brothers

but also best of friends.