John and I are convinced we are the luckiest people we know. In large part because of our grandchildren. Our beautiful 2yo Kadence now lives 5 blocks down from us, and Caleb and soon-to-be Madison live 5 blocks up from us. We get to be a daily part of their lives and it honestly feels like the most important roles we've ever chosen. Yesterday was Caleb's last soccer game in what seemed a very short season
Kadence and her mom came to watch. Look at this little girl soak it all up like a sponge.
I kept her one day last week and MAN she is such a little mimic! I'm scheduled to keep her four days this week when her mom goes to work and I half-joked to John I'm going to teach her how to play the piano the first week. She really does seem that bright.
I found myself taking lots of tight shots at the game, and then realized how fabulously beautiful our surroundings are here. I think we sometimes just take it for granted but really, look at this natural forest and smog-free sky
This man is the happiest I've known him to be in the 13 years since meeting him.
He's finally starting to 'get it', and in my experience that can't be said about very many 50-something men, you know? I'm so glad. For him and for all of us.
Here's a shot I snapped of Melissa and Travis. Was hoping to show her out-of-town family the size of her tummy, but she hardly looks nine months pregnant here at all! I'll try again soon.
Wow. A lot sure can change in one short year. I don't even want to think about these two this time last year. I choose to live in the 'now' and today I am very happy for them. I worried that Melissa would be bored out of her mind when she went on pregnancy disability the first week of September, but she immediately got busy making a life for herself. She became Caleb's teacher's right-hand mom; working in the class almost daily. Is the co-leader of a C's cub scout pack, attends MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) through the church, and is talking about joining the church after the baby comes. That's some really WOW stuff. A complete 180 as they say. I try very hard to avoid personal personal stuff on this blog, but I felt like sharing a little bit just as a reminder to "Never say never!".
Here's my answers to this week's Friday Fiver
1. What is sweet? My life. My husband. My grandchildren. Those new shooter desserts for $1.99 at Applebee's. Perfect!
2. What hours do you work? I have absolutely no schedule so it's hard to say. I think I'd be more productive if I did have a schedule. Although when I'm watching a grandchild so their mom can work it's childcare all day and crafting all night.
3. When do you relax? When I first wake up. Over coffee I sit and watch my recorded shows.
4. How did you learn about the birds and the bees? Every other Friday night our family would drive about 40 minutes away to play bridge all night at my parent's best friends' house. Apparently all the way there and back I'd grill them with natural curiousity about all sorts of things that were on my mind, and sex was for sure one of the topics. I was five years old when I started asking.
5. Friday fill-in: The good vibes flow___ all around me.
The family pix are great. I miss everyone. Nick and I plus one have to visit next year. Looking forward to the update of Melissa's new ball of sunshine. Love you!
Posted by: Stacey | November 19, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Love your blog site, can't wait to snoop around some more. I think I found you at Retro Rosie (because of the tea towels) I'll be back for more.
Posted by: Julee Ann | October 30, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Love all the great photos!!! Everyone looks mighty happy!!! Now, we need to see a photo of happy you!!!
Posted by: Barbara | October 30, 2007 at 06:11 AM
Oh Jen, you are soooo lucky to have grandkids AND have them live near you. I sure hope someday I get that too. Your daughter is so pretty and looks very happy. Your hubby looks mighty happy himself.
Posted by: sharon | October 28, 2007 at 07:56 PM
are you sure she's 9 months pregnant?!!
i'm so happy for you. this post just beams happiness. good for you and yours.
the secret seems to be working in many areas of your life!
Posted by: michelle infantino | October 28, 2007 at 06:52 PM
What a wonderful post by such a caring mother & grandmother! Thanks for sharing!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
Posted by: kariandkijsa | October 28, 2007 at 03:57 PM