I want to introduce you to my new little grandson, Tallen Oscar, born on October 7th weighing 8lbs and 6 oz. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him - just look at his pictures and you will understand why that was not hard to do.
We enjoyed some family time with the grandkids this fall too. These are random pictures of some things we have done with them.
Wildflowers bloom in the field
Ducks and their babies
Deer checking out what is on the menu
Yard Projects
Yummy Raspberries
Leisurely walks on the Douglas Trail
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I Love Summer
The last month has seemed to be a whirlwind of activity: weddings, open houses, company, planting in my new garden, getting flowers started, in addition to all the "normal" stuff. This week I have been able to take a deep breath and all the while I keep telling myself that it is now summer break - deep breath again. It hasn't quite sunk in yet. I enjoyed my cup of coffee this morning, went on a walk with Maggie and worked on my new Bible study: Sweeter Than Chocolate: An Inductive Study of Hebrews 11.
This past month I have taken some pictures of things I think are interesting and would like to share. Enjoy.
Would you like to take a guess of the critter who lives in this hole?
Another clue for you: Black with a white stripe down his back. Yeah, Fun.
Some wildflowers - so pretty.
What a cutie - Elise could swing for hours.
My square foot garden.
Ducks on the pond - they had 8 babies.
Dan's hedge project - The planting is done and now mulch and TLC to make it grow.
Ten Years - One Decade Old
Where have the years gone? It seems that my little grand girl is just growing up way too fast. She turned ten - her first double digit birthday. Mikaela has been such a joy and delight to us and is growing up to be such a fine young lady. As the years go by and she continues to grow and mature it is our prayer that she will grow not only in stature but in wisdom and knowledge of God. We love you Mikaela.
50 Years - Half a Century
Mary, my one and only sister and very dear to me also celebrated a milestone birthday this year. We headed down to Des Moines after work on Friday night and with Dee's help planned on surprising her at Outback. Little did we know when we left that we were going to drive through a raging snow storm in Iowa. Dee in order to hold dinner off late enough for us to arrive planned to look at cars after work and to hold true to his plan they went car shopping while the snow was piling up. Mary thought for sure that he was crazy to want to do this at this particular time. It all worked out, we arrived just a little later than planned and they were waiting to be seated still when we walked in. Yes, she was surprised and we had a wonderful weekend.
Happy Birthday to two of my special people.
It was homecoming day for Elise as she spent the last few days in the hospital recovering from a bad infection. Poor little girl, she has been pretty miserable and is fairly convinced that anyone with a cutsy uniform top or scrubs is not her friend. She was poked, prodded and harassed by these people when all she really wanted was to be left alone. Praise God, she is home from the hospital and though she still has a way to go to be declared well she is recovering. It is scary to think what life was like before the days of antibiotics, iv fluids and Tylenol.
This day is also celebrated by Wesley in honor of his 15th birthday.
We celebrated with stuffed crust pizza and cake with caramel frosting. Happy Birthday Wesley!
The weeks kind of fly by and activities blend into each other and so while I am thinking about this last week just thought I will put down some of the things that happened.
On Monday Kathryn came over to introduce us to Daisy. She joined the family just this past week. She is just a little ball of fluff and is still a tad wobbly on her feet.
Our next big event was the Better Chance Gala. This event is the major fund raiser for the organization and Tom and Denise and family were there with bells on their toes. Besides being a very enjoyable evening it was rewarding to see the success of our children in the opportunity they have of being resident directors and having an influence on the lives of teenage boys as well as watching them raise their daughters. I pray God's blessings and strength upon them as they undertake this huge job.
Lastly, the weather is starting to warm up a bit and snow is melting finally. We have a flower bed that is up next to the house and this is what I found just today. Yes, there is hope that winter is leaving and summer is coming. Of course, how could I doubt because I believe in a faithful God who has promised that day will always follow night and that seasons will not cease to exist. Thank you God for spring.
