Bring it on!

We have had several nice (considering) days here lately and will have another one tomorrow, if the forecast holds. Then, tho, it is back in the deep freeze. We have had enough cold weather this winter that we have already burned a stack of wood like this. We only use the fireplace when the temps get down to zero or so. And those darn weather men are calling for more of that this weekend.

No, we didn't cut this. We buy it here in town.

Products of Summer

Took 'Lil Audri out today to swing today. She is an outdoor girl -- even in the winter.

It is Martin Luther King's birthday and I had a paid holiday.

While outside, these bright pots caught my eye and gave me very nice memories of summer days and children and grandchildren.

Nana's favorite things

here's several of my favorite things . . . there is Jack and Joe and child's play.

I love the land of "let's pretend".

What on Earth . . .

Audri is thinking! What is that crazy Nana doing now? Well, when the surgeon took my gall bladder, they had to blow my belly up with carbon dioxide or some such thing. They "domed" my belly so to make it easier for the surgeon to rummage around in there, get ahold of the gallbladder and yank it out my belly button. (Still doesn't seem right, does it?)

Now, never once in all the times I talked to a doctor about having my gallbladder out did one of them tell me that at my age, "doming" my belly would ruin the stomach muscles. That my "abs" would abscond! That my bread basket would "rise"! I am just plain flabby! And I don't like it.

So, in a half hearted effort to get those muscles back in shape (lacking a WII fitness) I have been spending some floor time with Audri.

Hasn't worked yet . . .

But it sure is fun!

Jack and Audri

Here is one dark eyed baby (oh no, not a baby. a big boy!) and one blue eyed baby.

These two, at this moment in time, have a mutual admiration society. You can't tell which one likes the other best! Remember when Gabby used to kiss on Jack? I think that day is coming with Audri. Yet, this past weekend, Jack was good and patient and gentle with Audri . . . and yes, even, kissed on her some!

Missie Blue Eyes

Just like her brother and a couple of cousins, Gabrielle has blue eyes. Her Great Grampsy had these blue eyes. I didn't get them but a couple of my siblings did.


In this picture, we might call Gabby "Hollywood" . . . what with the sunglasses and fur around her neck. This was taken in the giftshop at the Science Center, after we experienced the Polar Express on the I-Max Screen. It was a good day. I hope it is the beginning of a Christmas tradition.

Gracie Pie

Morghan Grace, due to her personality (courage/chutzpah) and the fact that I have dragged her along to visit Great Granny ever since Morghan was a little bitty girl, is comfortable and natural around her Great Granny. We went over the other evening and Morghan and I tried to coax a smile out of my Mama. In this picture Granny is thinking about it. She is on the "verge".

I think Morghan is tickling Granny's neck -- no, just kidding.

Discovery

On December 31, 2008 Miss Maddie Mae Philena discovered a loose tooth! This is her very first loose tooth and it takes up a lot of time and attention.

Can you remember your first loose tooth?

First we had to determine was it really loose. It was!

Then we had to figure out how long it might be loose and we found one of those little tooth boxes from the dentist so that Maddie would have a place to park her tooth should it fall out this every day. (It didn't and it wouldn't but it is best to be prepared!)

Then we had to call her Mama and Dad and they were so surprised! And Nana was so pleased to participate in Maddie Mae's first loose tooth!

Games

Maybe PaPa remembers playing cards with his Grandma Hof. I think his Grandmother played cribbage, pitch and POKER! with her grandsons.

Or maybe PaPa just likes playing cards and Sorry with the little ones. Either way PaPa is very good to play Kings in the Corner and Sorry with grandchildren. He's not so good with Old Maid or Concentration but raise up a little one 'til they are old enough for Kings in the Corner then sit back and watch them play!

PaPa is saying "are you done?"