Thursday, January 6, 2011

Abuela aka "Grandmother"












The Visit...

Two grandchildren accompanied by their father, our oldest son, arrived by plane from Mexico the evening of December 30th. Even though it was 10:30 PM the children were excited about seeing "Abuela" ("Grandmother" in Spanish) and "Pop's" Christmas tree and decorations. AND probably more excited to see what Santa had left under the tree.
   Carmen noticed almost immediately upon seeing my nativity scene that Baby Jesus was not in the manger. I showed her where I had placed him, just waiting for her arrival. Carefully Carmen put the Baby Jesus where he belonged. Christmas for us had begun!
  Presents and surprises were handed out and there was so much excitement. Bedtime was late but who was worried about that??
  New Year's Eve we gathered our belongings and drove to the deer lease, mearly a one hour and twenty minute drive away. Friends were gathering for the annual year end festivities, eager to welcome in 2011. Barbecuing and cooking was well underway. My husband and son took the children to the deer blind to see the deer and photograph them. They loved it!
  The party was great and the children enjoyed it as much as the big kids... us!
  Sleeping in late while the dads hunted I prepared a big breakfast with friends.
  After three nights we made our way back to our home. We had a "play-date" with Nancy's (Nancy's Notes) daughter and grandchildren. What fun!
  Carmen and I enjoyed a little retail therapy and I treated Carmen to a mini-manicure. Pink polish of course!
  Shopping was the major sport almost until they left. Living in Mexico there are just things that you think you have to have from the U.S.  The mall, Sephora, Best-Buy, Dillard's, Macy's, lunch at Pappadeaux's and then pizza while seeing old friends was how the day was spent. Evening entertainment along with packing was watching "The Wizard of Oz". Fun! No fear of the monkeys!! What's "wrong " with kids today. No Fear!! Isn't that what the t-shirt says? Guess it's right. (Is that good?)

They have left...


A very early morning trip to the airport to get them on a flight to Guadalajara, a few tears,  breakfast at iHop to delay walking back into a very quiet and empty home. It was a whirlwind visit full of activity, fun, no rest, constant washing, fun, cooking, fun, eating out, fun... well, you get the picture. Grandchildren are so precious. It was great to have them here in our home along with their dad, our oldest son. We are feeling the let-down but starting to plan for a trip down to see them.

Time to start 2011 with new plans and goals. I'll leave that for Monday!

I'm linking to
Show and Tell Friday
at My Romantic Home

My posting is not about a home or decor or the latest craft,
but these grandchildren are the most wonderful
creation in my world.

An interesting transition... my grandchildren speak Spanish as their first language, however, Carmen speaks English as well. David has not started speaking English yet, but does understand it. Carmen was doing a lot of translating in her mind.. and before the visit was over I was no longer "Abuela" but "Grandmother". She says it so sweetly I keep hearing her little voice over and over.

Just made a fun discovery.... Carmen and I are almost the same age and in first grade when this picture of her was taken and the one of me on my first day of school!

Abuela aka "Grandmother"

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy New Year!




HAPPY  NEW  YEAR!

Wishing my dear blogging family
good health and wealth.

See you next year...



A New Year’s Prayer



May God make your year a happy one!


Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,


But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;


Not by making your path easy,


But by making you sturdy to travel any path;


Not by taking hardships from you,


But by taking fear from your heart;


Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,


But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;


Not by making your life always pleasant,


But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,


and by making you anxious to be there to help.


God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

...Anonymous




Wednesday, December 29, 2010

They're coming, they're coming!!



Our Grandchildren!

It was a wonderful surprise last week when we found out our grandchildren will be flying up from Mexico
with their father, our oldest son.
We absolutely cannot wait to see them!
It will be the first time they have stayed in our home so this
truly will be a treat. I'm busy planning meals and activities.
It is a challenge as Carmen has Celiac Disease. If you are not
familiar with that, it means that she is extremely gluten sensitive. It means we watch everything from breads to canned and bottled items.
Carmen is almost seven and David is almost three.
So, it's going to be a wonderful week, so if you
don't hear much from me, you know I'll be with
grandchildren!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Today you are ours....

 
Beau
You came to us in a phone call. A home for you was needed. Loving parents were desired. You flew thousands of miles, a gift from God. A significant connection with a friendship
brought you into our lives...
A young woman and young man, a loving couple were waiting for you.
God said, "This is the moment..."
Lives were turned upside "UP"... We spun in circles to
prepare for you, Beau. We ran to the stores to purchase your needs with such excitement... arriving back home to find your new "Daddy", new grandfather and forever friend,
circled around you in amazement.
It was for a moment a scene from
"Three Men and a Baby".
You make us laugh, Beau. You brighten our days. You are an amazing reminder of the best things God does for us.
We'll stand in court today and hear the words that nothing can change ... you are "ours".
Forever and ever...

We love you, Beau!

In celebration of the adoption of Beau I am linking to

Little Red House for
http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/
Mosaic Monday

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Bonnie Braids, Dick Tracy dolls for Christmas 1952


Christmas 1952

My sister and I are showing off our Bonnie Braids, Dick Tracy dolls. What a Christmas that was! I remember it so well. This was in Midland, Texas.

 Today I am linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday where The Colorado Lady highlights her vintage treasures and invites us to do the same!   http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Ready for Tabletop Tuesday


Tabletop Tuesday - Ready to Entertain

Maybe this fits more under a tablescape, but if you
look closely I am featuring my peacocks that I love so dearly. My mother had these on her mantel in her home for
several years that I was aware of. I had no idea they would be considered an "heirloom" but after looking at pictures of
my grandmother's home back in the 1950's, I saw them on
her mantel as well. That was AFTER I had chosen them to be a part of my household after the passing of my parents.
They can still be found in antique stores I have been told... and if I saw one or a pair someday in a store... I would then
start my "peacock rescue club".

Today I am linking to
A Stroll Thru Life
for Marty's 44th
Tabletop Tuesday.


Visit Marty for some very inspiring photos!