Max is 3

Remember when you were amazed at how fast time flew and your kids grew up almost overnight? Well time goes even faster with your grandchildren. It is unbelievable to me that my little buddy Max is 3 already. How can I possibly bottle up all the sweet innocence and special "silent" connection that we have when our eyes meet. How much longer will he snuggle and say, "You like me Mimi? - I like you" and how sweet when with all of his 3 year bravado he looks out for me and growls at anyone he thinks isn't being nice to Mimi, or might make the mistake of sitting in my chair lol. Watching his brother growing up I know that time is so precious and short where we will be special and of extreme importance in their lives - the time before friends. hobbies and even girls take our place. So I will treasure this time and use whatever influence I have to train them to be strong, God-fearing young men who are gentle and merciful and kind to others. Who know how to stand up for their beliefs and make a difference in the lives of those around them.

December - Where did you go?

How can it possibly be that December is gone? All of the preparations and planning and parties are over and we have swung into a new year. It is mind boggling! We had an amazing time over the holidays with family and friends. Of course, our beautiful grand kids bring so much magic to the season. Having Adam and Salena home is great, we may not see them much until they are ready to move home. Four years since Adam joined the Marines and it seems like only yesterday (not to him I'm sure) It is hard for me to believe that I didn't find the time to blog once in December :( But I have some pics to share from Christmas of those adorable grandchildren of mine.

Labor Day Weekend

And what a weekend it has been. Adam & Salena made it home Friday night, we always stay up and visit until the wee hours then we took them out for breakfast. Salena, Katie, Mom and I went shopping on Saturday. Sunday was a very busy day, church in the morning then Raymond's 7th birthday party at our house. He had friends in the afternoon and they were a wild group of kids - so much fun to watch. Then the family came for supper and we had a houseful. The major excitement of the day was when he rode his brand new bike down the hill and realized he didn't know how to stop and bam right into the gas grill! Thankfully no serious injuries other than the small heart failures that the grandparents suffered. A wonderful time with good food and fun for all. Now we are enjoying a quiet Monday morning and then a fire later on, everyone can come and go as they please and appreciate the extra day of rest ☺

Three Weeks Old

Miss Maggy was 3 weeks old on Thursday. Here is Aunt Katie holding her at Vacation Bible School. We had the privilege of watching her while Mommy went with Max to his class. Working in the kitchen all week gives me a new appreciation for cafeteria workers. But it also allowed us the freedom to keep our little baby doll. She is such a sweet baby. Doesn't cry unless she is hungry or has a tummy ache. She is more alert everyday; watching everyone and following voices. Her hair is getting lighter and she has the palest blue eyes. I have been trying to figure out who she looks like - actually I see both of her brothers and features from many family members so I believe she is going to look just like Maggy ♥

♥ Bundle of Joy ♥

Well here is the ticker to count down for granddaughter #1. Since Sara is such a well behaved daughter-in-law I know we won't be too far off from the May 24th due date. It kind of dashes my hopes for my birthday present on May 10, I really don't expect her that early. However, the chances of hitting another special day are pretty steep. May 17 is Mommy and Daddy's 7th anniversary, May 20 is Aunt Katie's birthday, May 25 is Uncle Adam's birthday and May 29 would be her Daddy's birthday - now how special would that be! As you can see May is a fairly busy month in our family. What a special blessing grandchildren are, for the first time ever we were able to see our little bundle of joy through 3D or 4D ultrasound (not sure which it is) so I feel like I already know her. Her Mommy has had a couple of issues along the way and is scheduled for an echo cardiogram next week - but I trust completely that all will be well. I think of her often and pray for her safe arrival daily - if her personality is anything like her two big brothers we are in for a treat!

How precious new life is - the following excerpt from Psalm 139 says it all;

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me
were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Grandsons- Oh My!

What can be said about grand kids. It is something that cannot be described, like someone who has never tasted ice cream, you have to personally experience to comprehend the wonder. Joy is the word that always comes to mind when I think of Ray and Max. When I drop Ray's snacks off at kindergarten and I see his eyes light up when he notices me, or they pull in the driveway and as soon as the door is open we can hear Max, "Mimi, Mimi, Mimi, MIMI" and he just gets louder until I get to the door. I have often wondered why your own children don't love you like this - it is what makes the grandparent-child relationship so special. To anyone out there who isn't a grandparent, don't feel bad or old when the time comes - they are the "joie de vivre". I pray constantly for their safety and that they have a desire for God above all else.