Tuesday

Billy Joel still has it!

Dave and I heard Billy Joel sing live last night and he was truly incredible. He belted out his songs for 2 1/2 hours non-stop while playing either the piano, guitar or harmonica. What a musical genius. For a 57 year old man he was extremely energetic as he seemingly couldn't keep his body from following along with the bouncy rhythms of his songs. The show ended with "The Piano Man" with most of the audience singing along. It was a great show and he made a believer out of me.

I got up this beautiful Tuesday morning and headed out for my usual walk. The temperature was perfect for a brisk walk....somewhere in the 50's with a lot of sunshine. It is even supposed to get up to 70 by this afternoon as we begin a gradual warm up here. Normally this would be a great day for some nice deep breathing as I walk through my neighborhood.... But, unfortunately, today is also "garbage day" and I ended up walking right behind a huge garbage truck as I headed down the long stretch of road. So, I was right in the path for the nasty odors emanating from the truck. yuck.

Tomorrow I have an appointment to meet with my accountant to see just how much money I will have to dish out to Uncle Sam. It certainly is not on my list of favorite things to do...but it is a necessary evil I'm afraid. It seems that as soon as I get all of my paperwork done for one year, I am already up to my knees in new 2007 paperwork. Neverending.

Adam and Jenny both flew back to Minnesota this weekend from being out of town. They were greeted with tons of snow upon their return. From the looks of things, snow is in their forecast for the whole week. Bundle up time! When Owen gets older I bet that he will learn to love playing in the snow. I still have memories of living in Long Island as a little girl and having so much fun after a good snow. Moving to South Florida when I was seven years old put an end to that wonderfully frozen white stuff. Instead I learned to swim and enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches.

Well, down to my studio to get some pottery painted! Have a good day and try not to walk behind any garbage trucks.... : )

The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum

Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart. Countess of Blessington

I will never forget the ominous signs above water fountains that were meant to separate the "whites" from the "coloreds" many years back. This offensive sorting was, unfortunately, a common site during my growing-up years in South Florida.

I can, however, speak personally about one man who refused make any differentiation between the bathrooms and water fountains...making them open to ALL people. I am proud to say that person was my Dad. After relocating the family from New York, he started managing a dry cleaning establishment in S. Florida. One of the first things that he did at this new job was to immediately remove these hateful signs. What an incredibly courageous act of defiance and humanity on his part.

The site of these divided water fountains faced us as Dave and I as we spent a part of our day today at the Civil Rights Museum here in Birmingham.

From there we walked through some of the history of the Civil Rights era that unfortunately had a lot of its story told right here in Alabama.

There was a statue of Rosa Parks sitting proudly in a seat in the front of the bus back in 1955. She bravely refused to give up her seat to a white gentleman...and the rest is history.

We listened to the moving words of Martin Luther King while viewing the actual bars from the cell that detained Dr. King in 1963. It is here that we heard the reading of his immortal "Letter from the Birmingham jail.

We strolled past authentic pews from the B'ham 16th Street Baptist Church where four little girls were killed during a racist bombing in 1963. This famous Church sits right across the street from the Museum.

There were also horrific images of the KKK and cross burnings and bombings. And who can forget the memories of the black marchers and protesters being tossed about by police-manned hoses and viciously barking dogs in Birmingham? These, too, were represented in the Museum. What an embarrassing time for this place that I call home.

But as one leaves this monument to the past, we are filled with hope for a better future for race relations. Great strides have been made here as we continue to move in a positive direction through education and understanding. Prejudice still exists in our country, but we are getting closer to the idea of acceptance and respect for our differences.

While at the Museum, I couldn't help but observe the sweet faces of the little black children that were viewing so much of this history for the very first time. Some of them were running around giggling- not quite comprehending what all of this meant. I am hopeful that they never, ever have to experience any abhorrently prejudiced events during their lifetime and instead grow up in a world of tolerance and acceptance.

"Accept me as I am-only then will we discover each other." from Fellini's 8 1/2

"Being nice..."

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato

Dave says that I am wanting to live in a Utopian world.

I say that I just want people to be gentle, gracious, and kind.

I truly cannot understand why "being nice" is such a difficult behavior for some. To me it is such an easy concept.

It takes the same amount of energy to show kindness and warmth as it does to be harsh and cold. I just don't get it!

A kindly nature can come across through a simple look on your face as well as a soft tone to your voice. It's simply that easy.

Some say that it is a result of the times that we live in...the fast paced, often violent world around us. I disagree. To me that is just an excuse for indifference and meanness. I think that we have become a nation of self-centered people who have lost some of their humanity and altruism towards others.

How difficult is it to greet someone with a smile? How hard is it to use a pleasant tone when speaking on the phone even if you don't know the person on the other end of the line? What about doing some deep breathing when stuck in traffic instead of laying on the horn or screaming out profanities?

And, when someone takes time to do something for you, even the smallest thing; why not take out a minute to either gratefully respond, write a note, or make a quick call? Thank you notes seem to be a dying art and that makes me sad. One of the first things that my boys learned was to show their appreciation by taking the time to write a note or card to the person who did the giving. I am happy to say that they continue with this to this day. It makes a mother proud! : )

Emailing and text messages have given us another venue for communication, but, to me, the same rules apply. Don't let an email go unanswered out there in cyberland....respond to it when you can. This lets the other person know that you received the message and and that they are important enough for you to take the time out of your busy schedule to let them know it.

I always say that kindness begets kindness. Speak to someone in a loving way and it will get passed on appreciatively to another or even eventually make its way back to you. How nice.

Well, you can call me a "Pollyanna" if you want (I am sure that I've been called worse!), but I am a real stickler when it comes to this subject. I will always feel this way about simple kindheartedness and compassionate behavior.

So, go out and try "being nice" to someone today. I promise you that it will feel good. : )

"Smile at strangers....you never know where angels are walking."

As I headed out this February morning I grabbed my camera.

I figured that I have taken pictures during other seasons of the year, so why not this winter day.

So, put on your walking shoes and let's take a walk. : )

It is a different scene out there from the last time that I took pictures as the majestic trees are shorn of most of their greenery and stand starkly against the winter sky.

It does seem as if the clouds are trying to break up a bit and let some blue sky peak out.

The trees are confused by the fluctuating temperatures and have started to bud.

I can't help but notice that a little yellow daffodil has braved the cold and decided to come out from under the earth...

I take that as a sign that Spring cannot be too far away. : )

Lakisha Jones.

Remember that name.

She blew the competition away last night on American Idol.

Out of the 12 girls, she really stood out. She took on the very difficult song from Dreamgirls that made ex-Idol star Jennifer Hudson a household word and really belted it out. http://us.video.aol.com/video.full.adp?pmmsid=1852449

What a phenomenal voice. Even Simon Cowell was impressed by her performance and that is a rare occurrence.

The rest of the girls were certainly an improvement over the guys the night before...tonight we will find out who stays and who goes. Should be interesting.

Any other "Idol" fans out there?

Chris Sligh, one of the more interesting candidates for American Idol 2007!

American "Idle"?

As many of you know, I am an already self-professed American Idol junkie. : )

The male competition started last night and in the words of Simon Cowell, (to be read with a British accent) "That was actually quite boring..."!

I was so disappointed as I had anticipated an incredible showing by the men in this competition. After all, the show is now in its 6th or so season and one just expects the level to rise with each year.

I will say that they certainly have a variety of star wannabees in the lineup. Each contestant is very unique as far as singing style, sound and physical look. One guy insists on singing barefoot (Simon suggested that he put shoes on the next time that he performs!), another rather "plump" contestant wears a full head of curls and cracks jokes (he doesn't fit the "Idol image" but he really has a beautifully interesting voice), while another has shaggy, dark, shoulder-length hair and looked like a deer caught in headlights last night as Simon totally tore his singing apart. My heart went out to him as this kid is only 17 years old, one of the youngest this year. A touching contestant's story was the United States sailor who actually missed the birth of his daughter because he was auditioning for Idol.(I wonder how his wife felt about that?!) There is even a burly guy named Sundance, which sounds like a name right out of the 60's. All in all, it was an interesting group without any one contestant really standing out from the crowd.

I do believe that most of the guys showed their extreme nervousness last night as this was the first show in which the public votes on the final 24. Not a night for the faint of heart as millions of people make it a point to watch this show!

Tonight, the top 12 girls will do their thing. I am hoping for a little more excitement on this evening's show.

You go, girls!

...more tomorrow.

contemplations on Owen...

"Most of us miss out on life's big prizes.

The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Oscars. Tonys. Emmys.

But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures.

A pat on the back.

A kiss behind the ear.

A full moon.

An empty parking space.

A crackling fire.

A great meal.

A glorious sunset.

Hot soup.

Cold beer.

Don't fret about copping life's grand awards.

Enjoy its tiny delights.

There are plenty for all of us."

United Technologies Corporation advertisement

"No longer forward nor behind

I look in hope or fear;

But, grateful, take the good I find,

The best of now and here. "

John Greenleaf Whittier

i love you, sweet Owen.

...and now a word from our sponsors....

Is it just me or do some television commercials make everyone a little crazy?

I sometimes find myself in a "zone" while watching tv and this slightly "catatonic" state continues as I absentmindedly sit and view the commercials.

A persistent question comes to mind, "What are these marketing specialists thinking?".

Some are such an insult to our intelligence, some are annoyingly repetitive, and some are just outright repulsive.

I mean, when they have these weight loss commercials where they have the "before" and "after" bikini- clad bodies walking on the beach showing how they have gone from blubbery to totally buff by just taking the product being represented. To me it is obvious that through the magic of photography they have "grafted" the same head onto a different body. Agree?

And, then what about the cute little gooey, slimy cartoon character for Mucinex? UGH. Do we really need a cartoon for that? Do they not realize that some people eat meals while watching tv?

I guess that one of my all time pet peeves would be the commercials where the spokesman is screaming at you through the tv over and over again. For some reason these are mostly for automobile sales. Most of us are wary of car salesmen already...doesn't this particular occupation have enough of a bad reputation without this unnecessary screaming?

It is a known fact that during commercials the television volume goes into extreme mode, sometimes making sounds that I believe can only be heard by dogs. aagh

How about that commercial that squeals "Head-on! Head-on! Head-on! Apply Directly to the Forehead Sinus Headache Relief"!! This goes on continuously until you run screaming to the nearest drugstore to get some of this product to alleviate your now throbbing headache.

Could that be part of their strategy? : o

And, then there are the lawyer commercials espousing that "...we don't collect a cent unless you do"... !! What they don't mention is how much they will collect when you DO win! Again, like car salesmen, lawyers need some positive PR. These commercials certainly don't help their image.

I could go on and on....

Don't get me wrong, I understand the competitive world that we live in.

I am just asking for a higher level of intelligence when trying to sell their products.

Over-the-top Grammie?

OK. I'll be the first to admit that I tend to overdo the amount of photos around my home.

There isn't a room in my house that doesn't have a grouping of pictures of my family and friends...and, as of late, tons of pictures of Owen.

I can't help it, it makes me feel surrounded with love.

With my family all living in other states and missing Owen as much as I do, I asked myself: "What's a Grammie to do?".

So, I ordered, and just received, the newest item to remind me of Owen. It sits at a place that I tend to spend a lot of time; my computer.

As you can see below, it is a new mouse pad with Owen's cute face printed on. I almost hate to cover it with the mouse... it is so sweet.

Have I gone too far?

Be honest.

I can take it.

: )

...missing my sweet Owen.....

Browsing through my bookshelves this morning, I came upon a small book called, "Desiderata".

Back in the 60's I can remember being so touched and inspired by this philosophical writing. It was thought to have been copied from a Church inscription dated 1692 but, truth be told, it was actually written by Indiana poet Max Ehrmann around 1927.

Nevertheless, its words still resonate a timeless message to me.

Finding myself in a bit of a pensive mood today, I read through the little book and was moved to share the words:

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story...

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world."

: )

A little wisdom....

I just got home and had to share the words from a local Church sign:

"Aspire to inspire before you expire. "

How timely....

After having written today's blog on aging last night, I woke up this morning and received an email from a friend about senior moments.

I won't print them all, but here are a few of my favorites:

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker.

I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my exercise tights on, the class was over.

And, finally:

Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing.

Have a nice day! : )

I'm feeling old tonight.

Let me explain.

I followed some links from a magazine article and got connected with a website where contributing bloggers are listed by the year that they were born. The oldest one is 95 years old. What a great idea!

Of course, my first inclination was to look down the list until I found some bloggers who were born on or near my date of birth, 1948.

I began to read.

While these blogs were fascinating to read, at first I found myself feeling a bit unsettled.

For my age range, I mostly found posts about "aging" and what if felt like to be getting older.

I kept reading each one in hopes that there would be a totally positive spin on this third trimester of life. I didn't want to identify with these people who were actually my age. Denial was setting in as I continued to read blog after fascinating blog.

My first thought was:"Oh, those are other people that they are talking about, not me." The more I read, the more I identified with what they were saying...the topics were timely and interesting....and I came to the realization that these people were definitely "me"!!!

I am, after all, someone's Grandmother. And, my youngest son will be turning 30 in a matter of days. When age categories are listed, mine is always next to last....right before "60 and older". Young people call me "ma'm". I will be turning 60 next year! Grey hairs are coming with more regularity these days. When I get down on the floor, getting up quickly can be challenging. I have been a member of AARP for the last 8 years and the articles in their monthly publication are very pertinent to my life right now. All of my doctors are much younger than I am. In a few years I will be able to get Senior Discounts at movies, etc. People don't get that shocked look on their faces anymore when I tell them how old I am...etc. etc.

OK, get a grip, Grammie!

But, I feel good. I walk several miles at a fast clip every day. I have a wonderful life. I am happy. I am active and able to enjoy so many things. I have read lately that "60 is the new 40"....I am young at heart....I like where I am in my life right now.....The joy of being a new grandma is incredible...I continue to learn more about myself each day. This self-discovery is part of my new found wisdom and maturity.

Age is just a number, right?

RIGHT???? : o

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

Birmingham is a small city that is trying to think like a bigger one.

For as long as I can remember we have always had only one available venue for seeing Broadway shows..."The Birmingham Broadway Series" (catchy title, eh?.) It slowly gained popularity here and filled it seats for most productions with people who had a love of live theatre.

The picture changed last year when "Broadway Across America" decided to set up camp here and sell tickets to its own touring productions.

This, of course, caused quite a bit of turmoil within the "Magic City" (as we like to call it here in Bham).

The original series was locally run, while the newer one was a national company. They both offered a different group of choices of Broadway musicals and plays.

This new competition concerned the original series as they did not think that Bham was big enough to support two similar programs. After all, we are known here more for our football teams than our culture! (Roll Tide and all that....!)

As the season was announced and choices were given, many switched over to the new series. Dave and I switched our season tickets because we liked the shows better that were being offered. We were, quite honestly, made to feel like traitors for leaving the local group and did feel a bit guilty. But, espousing "Free Enterprise" and all that, we made our move.

Well, several productions later, it seems as if Bham may not be large enough to give enough support to two programs....Both Series, it seems, are not filling their productions to the capacity that they would like. So, the original "Birmingham Broadway Series" is trying to win back it's original patrons. Letters went out offering free tickets to all of its old subscribers for an upcoming perfomance of, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".

So, of course, I dragged Dave there the other night (right after the tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings had all expired for our area!) to see this Tony award winning musical.

This show follows 6 finalists as they compete in a championship spelling bee.... simple premise for a two hour show. It would cause one to wonder how this time could be filled in a cute and lively way. But, I must say, they did it quite successfully. It was entertaining and fun as well as poignant and touching.

To add to it, four volunteers from the audience were picked to join the cast up on the stage and become part of the spelling bee. This added a lot of local flavor to the production as these "good sports" blended in and became instant "stars"!

I am not sure what the future holds for both of these Broadway Series, as that remains to be seen. I would like to think that, in time, both productions will be able to survive here, offering our city a variety of options and choices.

In the meantime, I highly recommend this show if it comes to your fair city. It was quite J-O-V-I-A-L and filled with a P-R-O-F-U-S-I-O-N of G-A-I-E-T-Y.

I did spell those correctly, didn't I?

: )

One of the incredibly beautiful roses....

and a miniature crystal bear from Dave....

A Day of Love

Ah, to have Valentine's Day every day of the year! (I can hear the groans of grown men all over the world!)

Love is in the air on this chilly February day in B'ham. and I LOVE it!!

My heart is filled by the beautiful red roses from Dave that sit on my countertop and brighten up the whole room...All of the sentimental messages of love from family and friends put a smile on my face and sweeten the day.

I know that I am a hopeless romantic, but I can't help it. I always have been and always will be.

How great would it be if the message of affection and love that is being expressed today lasted all year long?! If we could just wrap this tender and compassionate feeling around the world and find our way to PEACE...

I'm a hopeless dreamer too.

Well, my dear blogging friends, have a sweet and joyful Valentine's Day and spread the love....: )

Happy FIRST Valentine's Day, Owen! : )

Love and hugs, Grammie

The dress hunting continues....

The dreaded three-way mirror in the dressing room! (see yesterday's post)

The awaiting dresses...

...and more dresses....

By now I have probably lost most of my male readers...(sorry)

but, the hunt for the perfect dress continues.

I spent several hours in Saks Fifth Avenue trying on a variety of dresses for my upcoming black tie affair.

By the time that I had tried on about 5 of the dresses I had amassed a little group of onlookers: three salesgirls (it was a slow day at Saks!), two other shoppers, and an alterations lady.

They were bluntly honest with me and gave me a thumbs up or down with each outfit. I started entertaining them as I walked down the "runway" hallway in the middle of the dress section. Each dress brought a different response from laughter to "oooohs". (more laughter than "oooohs, I might add!)

About an hour later, I was still trying on and as confused as ever. My "crowd" was starting to have different opinions and this was not good for my decision-making.

The alterations lady only liked the ones that were "fun". One of the salesgirl's disagreed with her and liked me in the more serious ones. I just wanted a dress that I could zip up comfortably!

At this point my hair was starting to stand on end from all of the static released from pulling the dresses up over my head. This was really attractive (!) as you can imagine.

I continued with this little fashion show until I finally needed to just make a decision.

Which I did.

I left with two possibilities...one that I took home and one that is being sent from another store and mailed to me in my size.

I'm still not sure if I have found "THE DRESS", but it is a start.

I will put these on at home with the proper shoes and see how they look away from the store.

And, if I don't like how they look, I will just have to head out to another store tomorrow....

and start the process all over again... : O

A "Trying" Day? : )

Ah....feeling much better this morning and raring to go.

Today's quest- should I decide to accept it (!)- is to try and find a gown for an upcoming black tie wedding.

For me, this ranks only second to having to start trying on bathing suits in the springtime...and I know all of the women out there are shaking their heads in agreement.

Long, short, tea length, strapless, one shoulder, sleeveless, long-sleeved, fitted, loose, ruffled, sleek, black, soft-colors, brightly-colored........the choices are endless.

None of those decisions are the issue.

The issue here is finding one that I can actually go out in public dressed in.

(Dave, on the other hand, will unenthusiastically adorn himself with his black tuxedo that he purchased a couple of year's ago...and that will be that! How unfair is that?)

We women have to enter these brightly-lit dressing rooms with the very frightening mirrors that show how you look from the front, sides and back. I always used to think, "Who cares how it looks from the back...what I can't see can't hurt me, right?". Well, the department stores have taken care of that for us by installing these "tell-all, show-all" mirrors. Thank you very much. aagh

As soon as the salesgirl sees me perusing the gowns, she immediately comes to my rescue....or so I think. As I wait patiently in the dressing room of terrors, she will bring in a plethora of gowns for me to try on.

Most of them make me say, "Are you kidding me?". But, in hopes of miraculously turning back time and still being in the body that I had in my 20's, I acquiesce and try each one on.

I have always thought that a hidden camera in one of these "torture chamber" dressing rooms would make for great reality show fodder! If one listens carefully you can actually hear the private chuckles emanating from the stalls as each woman independently begins her "trying on experience"! Also heard will be the deep breaths as we try to suck in every inch of "excess" to make the sleek gown look fabulous.

It occurs to me that if the gown is too tight, I will have to hold in my breath during the entire wedding and after-party. I have always thought that a little too much wine could easily solve this issue as we loosen up and eventually let out our breaths and stop worrying about what we are wearing!! Maybe that is why there are always drinks at weddings and other formal occasions. *hic*

Well, back to the issue at hand.

The first challenge is "the zipper". Nothing is more humiliating than trying to zip up the back of the gown on your own without success and having to walk out in the hallway searching for a salesgirl to help you with this chore. It is similar to how Cinderella's stepsister's felt when trying on the too small glittery slipper. Hopeful, but humiliating in the end.

Once you are now actually wearing the dress, can you breathe reasonably well? Is anything showing that shouldn't be? Can you dance the night away in this dress or will you be happy just to be able to sit in it? If you eat one too many hors d'eurves, will the dress no longer fit?

These are just a few of the questions that must be asked.

Well, with all of this in mind, I am going to take on this challenge for the day.

I will report back tomorrow.

Wish me luck!

All day yesterday, I was quite blue.

As I had to fight the flu.

For it was now the start of day two.

There wasn't much that I could do.

I slept, I read and fluids I did drink.

"This is quite boring!" I did think.

Oh, when, oh when will I be back in the pink?

This being sick is beginning to stink.

I guess that lying low did pay off.

I woke up this morning with nary a cough.

Hopefully, this bug is on its way out.

Doing another day in bed is something I doubt.

Being active is what I'm about.

"I am going to feel better!" I will shout!

Now, how sick could I be if I am able to find the time?

To sit here and post this silly little rhyme?

: )

Blue Moon

I never get sick.

I rarely get sick.

I seldom get sick.

It is highly unusual for me to get sick.

It is once in a blue moon that I am not feeling well.

But, last night, I was up all night with a high fever, chills and general malaise.

The doctor said that it sounded like the flu. *groan*

I guess that the moon was blue last night. : O

More tomorrow...

OK. The word out on the "streets" is that there is some skepticism about my little Owen's being able to read at such an early age.

Many of you felt that I was just an overly proud Grammie exaggerating her first grandson's skills. Moi??

Well, as a follow up to yesterday's posting, I am uploading two more pictures of my "brilliant" Owen. More proof of this incredible early reading and comprehension skills!

Please note his intensity as he peruses the Sunday paper...as well as a later sighting where he was seen reading his brand new book from Aunt Janet and Uncle Jeffrey.

Case closed.

: ) LOL

(Truth be told....he was actually a bit more interested in "scrunching up and chewing" on the paper than actually reading it....but, hey, it's a start.... and it makes for a great photo opportunity!) Have a nice day!

My "Brilliant" Grandson!

My grandson is quite incredible...

While the rest of us went for a chilly walk outside on Sunday, Dave volunteered to stay behind and babysit Owen.

Upon our return we walked into the house and saw the following scene: my astute grandson reading the front page of The Birmingham News !!

Word has it that he next went to the financial section while Dave read the comics page...

That's my boy! : )

Ahhhhh.....

Monday morning in front of the fireplace...

Owen explores the little toys on the play seat and then wonders why Grammie is just sitting there smiling with that camera in her hand...

I never realized (before Owen) how wonderfully entertaining it could be to just sit and watch my grandson at play...

: )

My Little Prince

I think that one of the nicest moments that I shared with my grandson was early yesterday morning.

Adam and Jenny went back to sleep as I happily took over the "baby duties".

The house was quite chilly as Owen and I quietly slipped downstairs to be by ourselves.

I got the fireplace going so we could feel the warmth of the flames as I got us situated on the rug on the den floor. Holding him in my arms and staring at the dancing blaze together, I felt contentedly at peace. He made his cute little cooing noises and flailed his arms and legs with joy.

Laying him on his back we both studied each other. I saw little bits of Adam in his expressions...and definite features of Jenny in his precious face. He looked like he wanted to tell me something as the little noises came up from his throat in little high pitched sounds. Then he would absolutely melt my heart as he would smile with pure delight.

As most baby's do, Owen takes in everything that is going on around him. He especially loves bright colors and seems mesmerized by people's faces. His beautiful gray-blue eyes focus on all of the distractions that are out there in our world. Oh, to know what he is thinking as he takes it all in!

I read him some of the new picture books that he had received, put him in the play toy for a while where he explored all of the surrounding sounds and textures, gave him some "tummy time" on the quilt that Jenny had packed, and sang softly in his ear as he again sat on my lap. Heaven.

What a wonderful time of sharing with this lovable creature that has made his way into the deepest part of my heart and soul. Because he is so young, he most likely will not have any recollection of this morning spent with his Grammie....but I will smile and remember it forever.

I am sure that I will tell him all about it someday when he has grown up and can comprehend what I am saying.

Thank you for these sweet moments, Owen.

: )

The loves of my life!!!

It doesn't get much better than this..... : )

The Aftermath

Dropping Adam, Jenny, Owen, Jeffrey and Janet off at the airport today filled me with sadness. The saying: "Life is a balance of holding on and letting go." ran through my mind as I sent them all on their way back to their homes in Minnesota (where the high was 2 degrees today...brrrr!) and D.C..

I knew that this wonderful visit would have to eventually come to an end, but I was in a bit of denial that their leaving would happen so quickly. As I arrived back in my home after the airport run, I realized that this once noise-filled house would now become quietly empty.

Although it was a whirlwind of constant activity, we had a wonderful time together. Some of it seemed almost a blur as so many friends came by to visit my newest family member and see my kids again. He was, of course, precious and adorable as he was passed from person to person and oohed and ahhed endlessly. This was his third "come and meet me" get together in the last two weeks, so he knew the "drill" and acted accordingly. : )

Tons of pictures were taken during their visit and I promise that I will be posting many of them in the next few days. But for now, I am going to take this very tired Grammie and go and sift through the wonderfully joyous memories of being surrounded by my family these last few days...

My dear Owen, tonight you will be finally going to sleep in your very own crib back home in Minnesota...

As I looked at the picture of you deeply asleep in my bed today, I thought of your sweet face as you will be back home with your mommy and daddy tonight...

I miss you so much.

Sweet dreams my little angel.