OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO

Yippee!!!! Another first for Gram and Pap! Last week we picked up Emma and Ben for and overnighter TOGETHER! Actually, it was TWO nights! Wwhohoo!!! The itinerary was to spend Sunday night at Gram and Pap's house and then travel to Mamaw's (great-grandma) house Monday morning. There were some tearful goodbyes (but not from the kids!) They did so well at our house, listened, played, slept.

Monday morning started at 7:30 a.m. Poked my head in the kid's room and they were awake and just talking (smile). I saw immediate smiles and heard "Hi!" How precious. We had breakfast, then got dressed and went to our new city playground for an hour, then packed and got on the road. Plan was to leave so we would be in the car during nap-time. We were all excited! Pap had to work, so this trip was just me (Gram), Emma and Ben. Sorry Ty. School takes priority. Next time.

We set out (geezze, mommy's, forgot how much stuff you gotta take with kiddo's!), me, Emma, Ben, and Bob and Larry (This is the day...if you haven't heard the kids singing in the car - see previous post) : VeggieTales for the next 2 hrs and 15 min.! Yeah!

On the way, we stopped at Dairy Queen for lunch, then took our food to a nearby rest area where we had a picnic. What fun! Kid's got to eat and exercise a little and feed the birds with leftover bread from their hot dogs. They now know what a robin is, and as Ben says: "They have a orange beldy" (belly). And the nap?? There were no naps taken!!! Just a LOT of "This is the day"! (smile)

At Mamaw's, both kids gave her big hugs and kisses (Emma first, Ben took a little longer to warm up). Mamaw had recently broken her hip, so she moves a little slower and also needed to have a ramp built to make it easier getting in and out of the house. The kids called it a "bridge". Up and down the "bridge" they marched, having loads of fun. Mamaw like the word so much, she said from now on it is no longer a ramp - it is a bridge!!! I like that. A bridge that connects youth and age. A bridge that connects far and near. A bridge making new adventures possible.

One of the highlights of being in the country is being able to see wildlife up close. Mom feeds the deer, so they come to the backyard for supper every day around 5 p.m. The kids and I put food out for the various animals: corn for the deer (cobs which the kids enjoyed throwing), peanuts for the birds, and DanDee's Corn Twisties for the raccoon and possum. Ben had a great time. Emma was a little fearful that "the animals will get me. I want to go inside." After much assurance, she participated in the feeding too.

Did our feeding pay off????

Children, children, what do you see?......

I see raindeer looking at me!!!!!

Emma looked at them and said, "They can't get in the house. They don't have hands." Don't know where these fears are coming from, but hope this one at least is laid to rest. Gram won't let anything happen to you, little one.

Emma found an old teddy bear that used to belong to my brother. She hugged it and said, "The teddy bear is crying." Guess it just needed a little lovin'. Later she put it in a corner and said, "You need a time out." Ha!

Both kids were enthralled with the antique mantle clock that chimes on the hour. When we told them about it, Emma was afraid and said, "It will be too loud." Mom and I spoke with exaggerated excitement for the kids as the clock struck 4. They both had surprised looks and Emma said, "It dings!" Then Ben said, "Now 5??" So it became a game: time for the clock, lets go listen, the the kids count the "dings". Makes me smile to remember it.

At bathtime, Ben went first and enjoyed his bubble bath. During that time, Emma wanted Mamaw to read stories, and blessed Mamaw's heart by asking if she could sit on her lap. Sorry, sweetie, Mamaw has a hurt leg. So we did the next best thing, a chair as close as we could get to Mamaw's chair. Emma enjoyed many stories. When it was Ben's turn, he was more interested in exploring than in being read stories.

The beds were so high, we were afraid the kids would roll off and get hurt. So I brought along a blow-up mattress for the kids to sleep on. It worked very well. Yes, it is ok for Gram to rile them up at bedtime!!!! They went right to sleep when told anyway!!!!

This was a GREAT experience. The children were well behaved, ate well, listened to what Gram and Mamaw said, didn't get into things. At one point, Ben touched a nicknack and Emma said, "Benjamin! That is breakable!" heehee. Mamaw LOVED having the little ones there and said to me: "I hope they remember this, and me. Well, if you do this MORE OFTEN maybe they will."
I can tell you, they will. And we WILL do this again.

On the way home? Yes, there were naps. All the activity had tuckered them out!!!

We had an amazing time! Blessings abound! Family is so important. Never get so busy that you don't take time to spend with family. Each minute is precious and is such a joy and blessing. What a wonderful gift God has given us in family, immediate and extended.

Blessings and Shalom and much love to all - Gram

Video Addition

I am going to attempt to download the singing video. Hope it works and hope you are blessed by it. Blessings and Shalom and much love for your day.

PAP TOOK US TO THE ZOO TODAY

Does this remind you of a song? "Daddy's takin us to the zoo tomorrow and we can stay all day!"

Today was a first for us, not going to the zoo, but taking Ben and Emma. It was too cold to walk around outside so we walked around inside the rainforest! What a blessing and gift of a day!!!! I am still flying high on joy!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have such wonderful grandchildren!!!!!! No brag, just fact. We looked at turtles, frogs, birds, snakes, bats, deer, anteater, crocodiles, fish, monkeys and more. It is such fun to see things through the excitement of a child! Gram and Pap had as much fun as the kids.

Another wonderful blessing is that these little ones already have a heart for God and love to sing his praises. I am thankful to their beautiful parents for modeling love for God and for giving this legacy to their children. I am overwhelmed in happiness. Ben wanted to bring his Veggie Tales CD to play in the car (apparently Jon and Jenna can't go anywhere without playing that CD in the car when Ben is with them). Although the zoo was much fun, I think this was the highlight of the day. (So sorry - had a wonderful video of the kids singing "This is the day that the Lord has made". Tried downloading it, but after 45 minutes and no success, I gave up. Hope to post it tomorrow.)

We ate at Diana's for lunch. Both kiddos were well behaved and clean platers!!!!

After taking Ben home, we cuddled with Sam. Too small yet baby, but soon you will be coming too.

After taking Emma home she wanted to know "Are you guys going to hang out with Mommy and Emma???" How sweet! Then proceeded to tell Mommy what she saw at the zoo: "A monkey peeing!" What a hoot!!!

Thanks for a wonderful day, babies! Ty, gotta plan something for you soon!

Blessings and Shalom and much love.

February Update

WELCOME TO HOME HEALTH CARE!!!!!!! February brought with it a strange and quick set of events. I had been battling a sore finger for a month. Oral antibiotics (two 10 day rounds) were not making an impact. Saw a hand specialist and was told infection was in the bone and that I needed immediate surgery to remove the affected area and be on IV antibiotics for 6 weeks, or I could opt to have that part of the finger amputated!!!!!!!!

Needless to say was in shock. We both were. Didn't expect that. Was instructed that the antibiotics therapy had a 50/50 chance of working and still may end up in amputation. So there is was. Opted for saving the finger.

Many prayers went up, and after the surgery on Feb. 10, the doctor said that after he got in there, it wasn't as bad as he thought it would be!! PRAISE GOD!!! PICC line was placed and I began the antibiotic therapy the Friday following the surgery. That procedure was worse that having the surgery!!!

God is so good! Am on the road to healing. I believe that this is going to work - no amputation in store. This is just a small blip on the radar, and God is in control. There are things that come along in life that test our faith. I know that God works for the good of those who trust in him.

On my arm is a tattoo reminding me of just that. It is a molecular diagram of a laminin molecule: the cell adhesion molecule - the stuff that is the glue that holds our bodies together and cause it to function. It is in the perfect shape of the cross of Jesus! So in all our troubles, in all our weaknesses and temptations, in illness, in sadness and depression, there are thousands upon thousands of crosses giving us strength and holding us together. To hear and see laminin, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
What other proof is there that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by an awesome and loving God? Colossians 1:17 All things were created by him and for him, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth; and in him all things hold together."

Up, Up and Away

Ohio weather has a way of making one yearn for sunny skies and balmy breezes, ocean scenery and toes in the sand. January yielded just that! For the last 3 (counting this one) years, Corrie and I have done a getaway for my birthday. This year was to warmer climate - Orlando, Florida.

What a wonderful time we had, walking on the beach kissing Jack Sparrow (or a very good likeness anyway), seeing shows, getting into Disney FREE because it was my birthday, and the very best part was being there with my wonderful daughter. What a blessing and what a gift!

We drove to Clearwater and walked on the beach, shopped booths on the boardwalk, and collected shells. After returning to the hotel room, we realized that three of the shells we collected still had creatures in them, poor things! They made it through to the next day, so we put them in a dixie cup and through them into a pond. (I won't say where, perhaps this will turn out to be another zebra mussel incident).

We saw Arabian Nights, a dinner theatre show with lots of horse acts. Have been to Medieval Times three times and decided I like this much better - more horse acts and acrobatics; also had a choice of 5 different entres for dinner!

The Disney park we chose was Animal Kingdom. Here are beautiful habitats with amazing animals. Since it was my birthday, I had to wear a button with my name on it. 18 complete strangers called me by name and wished me happy birthday that day! Kinda hokey, but kinda fun too. Here are some pics of that wonderful day.

Last day was spent shopping. I think the most fun Corrie and I had was picking out Legos for Tyler. In this store was a wall full of bins with an amazing choice of legos. You just picked out your size of container and then set out to fill it up. We put small pieces in the bottom, tapped it down to settle them and make more room. Couldn't wait to get back home and give Ty his surprise. The displays outside the store were made of legos - remarkable!

I'll close with this amazing picture of a crane, my favorite bird. I understand that some cultures believe that the crane is a messenger of God. Perhaps that's why I love them so much. Seeing one just blesses my day.

Thank you, my precious daughter, for taking time with your mom, and for making this a wonderful memorable time together. I love you dearly.

new blog for Pastor Scott

Scott has started another blog to communicate with the members and friends of the Ravenna (Ohio) First United Methodist Church. The link is:

http://rspurdum.wordpress.com/

Come visit there too!

What's up since New Years?

Have done a lot of things since new years. My sisters and Corrie and I went to my mom's house (Mamaw's house) and redid her bathroom as her Christmas present. She was very excited and pleased with the finished product. I don't think we could have chosen anything better! I loved the wallpaper so much, I redid my bathroom too with the same paper. No pics taken of that one yet.


Our yearly winter activity has begun. Most years we try to put out a puzzle on the dining room table and just leave it there all winter, placing a piece here and there as we go through the room. Haven't done it in a couple of years. Last one we tried is on a board under the bed as the completed puzzle was "Starry Night" but each piece of the puzzle had a pixel of an outerspace picture or an astronaut, or other space stuff. And to top that off, the pixels repeated. We got frustrated and quit on it. (The puzzle was a gift from Corrie - so sorry sweetie!) Any body up for a challenging puzzle???

Had Friday night dinner with all of the kids and grandkids this Friday. A wonderful time was had by all.


Tyler came home with us after dinner. Today he helped me clean out the pantry, a much needed and long awaited job. It had become one of my "cram it and slam it" places. He took out all the goods and arranged them on the counter by category (i.e. vegetables, fruit, etc.) We then cleaned the shelves and replaced items, having thrown out two garbage bags of expired stuff.

Are you wondering what the winning expiration date was??????? HERE IT IS:::::

Corrie, I know you are REALLY freaked out now! I know you check labels, but it will probably be even worse now! Ha!

This afternoon, Ty and Pap and I went to see "Hotel for Dogs". It was a cute movie. Predictable, but cute. Ty had earned some spending money for helping with the pantry so we also made a stop at Toys R Us and he purchased this Lego racer set. He is quite adept in putting legos together - takes after his Uncle Jon there.

It's been a great weekend. Hope you all are safe and warm. Blessings and Shalom and much love.

Up to New Year's Day! Hurray!

Corrie posted a comment on New Year's Eve's Post saying she was pleased that I posted New Years so soon! Ha! On to New Year's Day!

Aaron, Prasti, Tyler and Emma weren't able to come on Christmas, so they came for New Year's Day. It was wonderful! Christmas all over again.

The kids were excited about presents under the tree and were pleased with their takings I think. Tyler had told me before Christmas, "Gram, you know kids do not like opening up clothes for Christmas." I, however, was drawn in by a hoodie I found and matched it to pants and a knit hat (black of course with a little red). He wore the hat the whole day and had the hoodie on before they left. So guess I didn't do too badly. Emma had Christmas when we went up on Christmas day, but I did have a chance to finish a Hello Kitty pillow case for her. Zeke liked helping her open that present, probably hoping it was food.

Emma found books and wanted to read. Ty stood by and listened too. Pap also got in on the action. Neither one of us can pass it up when one of our little ones wants to cuddle up.

We all sat down to a scrumptuous feast, especially more tasty because we were all together. Jon and Jenna and the boys were unable to come because Jon was sick with the flu. Poor guy! Don't think barbequed ribs would have set well on that stomach.

I was so glad Mamaw was able to spend time with two of her great-grandchildren. They were so loving to her and I know she felt so happy to be with them.

As for resolutions, I have long ago decided not to do resolutions. Scott (i.e. Hon i.e. Dad i.e. Pap) read part of "Horton Hatches an Egg" for Children's sermon. He talked about perseverance and following God no matter what and ended with the line: "I meant what I said and I said what I meant. I'll be faithful to God 100%!" That one I can do. Hope you are living it too. Blessings and Shalom and much love. Happy New Year!