Babies are wondrous creatures

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Baby C.

She, along with all of our grandchildren, was the delight of our life:)

One day this Spring (well more like several days) she came over for a visit--

actually several visits.

During these visits we, her grandparents, became avid observers and students of her every gesture, accomplishment and facial expression.

And we've learned she's a baby of many moods and expressions while we've fallen under her 'baby magic'.

Take for instance this one...

So serious & pensive. What could she be thinking?

I'm almost afraid to ask...

actually since I forgot my 'baby-ese' decades ago, I can't ask.

-

Then we have crying Baby C...

We've learned to prevent scenes like this...

grandpa simply cannot shave off his Santa beard or make any other major changes before her arrival.

Silly grandpa!

You know Baby C's dad and uncle didn't like it either when they were younger.

-

We've also learned BIG white dogs shouldn't come out for a visit while Baby C is around. Sorry but I can't bring myself to show you THE photo of their recent encounter; Dustie needs to learn better baby-is-around-manners.

He's just way too eager to give her doggie kisses.

I can tell you that it was much more painful to see then this picture here....

much, much worse.

Actually not really--it was actually kinda cute.

It's hard not to be cute when you're a baby.

See what I mean? I know - cute.

-

But let's move on to happy Baby C--my favorite!

I've learned that the wise sage Kermit was wrong.

It really IS easy being green.

It takes 1 jar of pureed peas & potatoes.

Combine this with a baby spoon and

2 fast moving baby hands.

Just a few minutes later you end up with one content-to-be-green baby,

one really happy-to-be-green baby.

And if you don't have peas & potatoes...

we've learned there is another cure for a cranky baby.

You just turn on your ceiling light & fan.

See?

But a lot of the time when Baby C visits,

we see this and I think it's because instinctively babies know they can,

with a smile, turn their grandparents to mush.

So they employ their secret 'weapon' often.

And it works---every time.

Blessings, b

Photos: taken in May.

Baby C can now roll over, sit up, has taken her first ride in a grocery cart sitting up, likes veggies better then fruit, seems very attached to her baby spoon, has had her hair up in a ponytail (mom says that was quite the feat to accomplish!) and more...

What was it?

We had a good Easter, including hearing from our youngest son which was wonderful!

However it was wierd too as I encountered a really strange visitor when I was taking my morning shower. I'm still not sure what to think about 'it'.

First there were ears---(technically speaking I did not see this wonderful shadow during the first 'live', surprise, unrehearsed and totally unexpected appearance of 'it')

Then there it was; whatever you call it.

Yes, only a mother -- or a wife of many, many years could love a face like that! That hubby of mine--you never know what to expect from him--even when you are just taking a shower. .

Silly man. But a good man too---and one willing to recreate the 'event' for you all and give me the OK to post 'it'.

Blessings, b

Update From Us +

Spring is here and our garden is changing on a daily basis--yellow forsythia, lilac daphne & rhododendron, white pieris & plum, pink camellias and more. Birds are singing and the koi seem happy and eager to start their annual feeding schedule whenever I'm around the pond! It is beautiful here (even when the sky isn't blue) and all the work of redoing our Japanese and other gardens have given me both a diversion and blessing.
Hubby man is fine too:) He enjoys visits and e-mails from Jenn and the kids. Speaking of changes and the kids --here is Baby C about 1/2 month ago. The little one is growing and is now, per her mom, enjoying veggies and bananas -- ah, the joy of pureed bananas!
Blessings, b

A Love Letter...

About 28 years ago God blessed me with a new family--a really large family :)--made up of many brothers and sisters, a mom and dad, nieces and nephews, and a wonderful daughter!

Time passed and God added to that blessing by giving me even more family...two more wonderful children, five great (as in awesome) grandchildren, a fun son-in-law, a kind DIL and a kind DIL-to-be!

But, sadly, because of work & other challenges of life, I did not always recognize this new family (or even my birth family) as the God-given blessings they were (and are)...and so I often neglected to show that I cared and loved them.

Sometimes I still neglect to do that :(

So on this week leading to St Valentine's Day (the day of love) I want to say that I thank God for all of you and wish you a week (and lifetime) of blessings and love!

God bless you! b

"A friend loveth at all times..."

Proverbs 17:17 KJV

A Heritage of the Lord

Baby C~

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalms 127:3 KJV

"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged"

Proverbs 17: 6 NLT

I agree:)

Blessings, B

NLT verse from Ilumina © Tyndale House Publishers.

From Up Here..

Our Update:

We are doing OK--I just got back from a day trip to the coast with my best friend (and my hubby's blessing). We left frost covered fields here, and after crossing a sunny pass we ended up on the coast where it felt more like summer or spring then winter! It was beautiful--the ocean was blue, skies were pretty clear, the wind was almost non-existent and the food (fresh crab on the bay) was fantastic! Don't worry the wonderful, sweet loving man who made the trip possible was gifted with some awesome chocolates:)

On the homefront--signs of spring are around here too. I actually found one of our plants blooming, the lilac is showing signs of new life and the bulbs (daffodils and irises are between 2-4 or so inches high). It has been pretty cold here at night so I am not sure why the blossoms but they are quite pretty:)

Baby C continues to grow (sorry but her latest photo is--along with the coast photos--still on my camera). Her 'hair-fuzz" looks reddish so we might have a Celtic baby on our hands and her eyes are still a beautiful blue (just like her wonderful grandpa's). Her mom and big sister visited on the holiday which was really fun--unfortunately her grandfather who adores his little granddaughters was at work:(

We continue to hear from our youngest son occasionally -- he seems to be doing OK. I can hardly wait till his time is finished there though...

Our oldest son and his fiancee now have a new pet--a cute little kitty. From what I understand they are both very happy with their little addition. They both were recently in Las Vegas for a short trip to visit relatives there.

Well that's about it for now--

Blessings all! b

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. " Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

We wish you a Merry Christmas--thanks to blogger!

Eek! I am late by 3 3/4 hours and yet....through the magical technology here at blogger I am right on time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Now isn't that cool? I can be good & totally organized even when I'm not:)

And to add to the snow photos----

A new view--------------Snowy table and chairs--------Snow hats on apples

I measured the snow on the table--before we got more--and it was somewhere between 13-14 inches. We do have some storm damage though--the gazebo collapsed, some trees lost boughs and some other plants (camellias, arborvitaes especially) suffered damage.

However, on the positive side---I am really enjoying my new, improved view of the mountains, am getting regular exercise each day outside and my (I mean my hubby's camera) is getting a real work out!

Blessings, b

I'll later post Baby C's newest photo. We were unable to see her due to snow and such but we have a very good DIL who knows how to use a cell phone:)

Update on the rest of the family! (Last update 12/21)

Since everyone in the family knows how much I love snow, they know I am quite happy over our scenery lately! But here is an update on the rest of tha family:

• My wonderful, long suffering hubby is only 3 days away from his 2 week long vacation. Update: hubby is on vacation--yea!!
• My DIL recently heard from her hubby. Please continue in prayers for him. She is doing fine although she is blaming me for this snow (imagine that?? LOL) Update: still snowing here! Unfortunately ice too. But the ice is beautiful on the trees. I am so glad we always leave fruit on the trees. I've noticed a bird enjoying it today:)
• My oldest son is doing fine; we will -- hopefully--be getting together with him and his fiancee around Christmas for dinner. Update: Christmas may be postponed till after Christmas; depends on the weather. So maybe while everyone is in the stores after the 25th we'll be eating out!
• I am going through BF withdrawal as my friend of 21 years is out of state. Good time for my hubby to have vacation!! Update: She may be even longer getting home. Since she is in nice weather that may not be too bad.
• Baby C is growing and has produced her first big chuckle in response to her big sister!! Needless to say, big sister thought that was pretty neat! Update: Baby C is rolling over now. So cute:) Kind DIL is sending us video updates --- fun!!
• Nothing to report from my daughter's way; she has been super busy with work for the last several months though. Update: Now she is getting our weather---looks like we are in winter now!

Blessings, b

Checking In

Baby Grace modeling the latest in baby girl wear:)

We’re doing OK and hoping for some snow (well at least one of us is).

Hubby person will soon have 2 whole weeks off and I am very excited for him!!He deserves it -- I can say that because he never logs on here so he won’t know I am bragging on him:) That is unless one of you tell him!!

We are moving back to the ‘abnormal-normal’ that goes with having a child/ spouse in the Service. It's a difficult time as I can’t help comparing this year to what was happening last year. Would appreciate your prayers on that. Oh and I am supposed to say that the young one made it back there.

Have been searching through a lot of blogs and sites studying recipes for Nordic treats (one of my big weaknesses!). Since the man has repaired/replaced our cook top/oven and microwave I can hardly wait to really use them for more then just dinner. And besides I have till Jan 1--well maybe Jan 2 to enjoy my old style of carbo-loving eating. Oh the joys of lefse, aebleskivers and more!!

Hope all of you are well!! Blessings, b

Up late again!!!

Happy Advent season to all--hope everyone is well:)

Since my great & wondrous (and most patient) hubby person thinks I should be in bed by now so I can (shock!) do actual housework tomorrow (today) like most homemakers .. I will make this fast (that is if modern technology and a very slow dial up modem cooperates).

I just wanted to pass on that Baby C sends her Thanksgiving greetings to all the family! She would have posted it here herself but is still recovering from the festivities. Oh and she has not had any computer classes -- yet.

It was a very busy Thanksgiving day for her. She was put in charge of entertaining her 2 grandmas, 2 great grandparents, 1 grandpa and uncle J throughout the evening. It was very hard "work" but she proved to be a trooper and did it with a lot of grace.

She managed to survive the torture of having every little grin, smile, scowl, clothing change, cuddle, etc photographed by a certain, unnamed, very pesky grandma. And being held and loved a whole bunch, talked to whenever she made an appearance and loved more, photographed again, fed and changed. It was a very, very busy day for her.

Poor child. Soon Christmas is coming ... and I have it on good authority that those very pesky grandparents will be back again.

Blessings, b

Happy Thanksgiving!

Despite the uncertainty of these times, we as Americans have much to be grateful for.

The Bible teaches that giving thanks to God is right and that it should be done often.

Giving thanks takes the focus off our current problems and reminds us of all we have been given while it helps to increase our faith in God and in His providence for us in the future.

On this day of thanksgiving what are you thankful for? Good health? Your family? A warm home? Thanksgiving dinner? This beautiful world? Your church? Life itself? The freedom to worship as you choose to? A job? I invite you to join me today and give thanks for something you are grateful for.

Blessings,
A Pilgrim's Child

My Thanksgiving list:

• My youngest being home for Thanksgiving.
• My very talented husband who replaced our washer and cook-top, repaired our oven AND bought me a new microwave. WooHoo!! I can cook again!!
• My mom, dad, sister and best friend; Hubby's mom and family.
• All my children who have taught me so very much.
• The cross and what it represents.
• And so much more!