Get it done! Clowning around!

Noah, finishing up her valentines.

Grey, working hard on his name tags for Valentine's Day.

Noah dressed up like Paw Paw.

Would the real Paw Paw please stand up?

Grey just had to dress up, too!  He said, "I'm Noah!"

Noah and Grey have been here for the last few days. We decided to do something constructive. They decided to make their own valentines. Noah's were pretty involved with gluing three heart shapes together and putting a piece of candy in each one. Grey glued hearts on squares and glued his name heart on the back. They each typed their names to glue on the back, yes, Grey typed his, too. after being shown the right letters a few times. Grey and I did make a run to the Dollar Tree and Kmart to get small containers, heart stickers, and M&Ms to complete his valentine project. They both did a great job! Noah made 26 valentines and Grey made 21.

Noah disappeared into our bedroom and emerged as Paw Paw. She then stood beside him and said, "Can you tell us apart?" Very funny, Noah. (Quite cute, actually.) Grey was not to be outdone and grabbed Noah's coat, her water bottle, and a book to be Noah's look alike!  I am so proud of their creativity and sense of humor! There is never a dull moment around here!

Thursday musings.

I do love working with young ones and I especially like it that I do it every other day. The constant planning and preparing as a public school teacher was so exhausting. I couldn't sit down until any tasks needing doing were done because I would fall asleep. Of course we have grands here usually, on our off school days, but that is different. The glory of being retired (Alf) and semi-retired (me) means we do what we want to do and spending time with grands is a joy!

Young ones aren't the only folks I enjoy.  I told a young friend on the phone today that I am at the place in my life where I really can't refer to "older folks" any more when I am one. I do know that I heard about a mentoring program on Christian radio a few years ago and would love to give it a whirl. I also mentioned this to my young friend and she said she would be game for such a commitment (it's a six week program). The program is all about older married women mentoring younger married women using a dinner preparing forum, along with a subject, relevant to their lives, bible study. Each session is led by an older woman that is gifted in the subject being studied. Hopefully, the outcome will be a personal relationship and support network for all involved. Though having a ladies bible study on Wednesday evenings is rewarding, developing real personal relationships with a spiritual connection sounds even more attractive to me. I am in prayer about this program and ordered some books about it tonight. God is good and I am so blessed to belong to Him!

Busy Monday!

Interested in video games already?

Yeah! It's warm enough to play outside!

Concentration! Good job, Ashlyn!

Noah is next. Way to go!

Happy Birthday, Larry (L. J.)!
           

Today was such a busy day! Jax and Grey were here to play and we took them to church because I had some stuff to do. Alf watched them on the playground while I took care of business.  It was wonderful to be able to let them play outside with 50 degree weather (the warmest it's been for a while.) We went to McDonald's for lunch and played for a while there, then came back home for a short while before we needed to pick the girls up at school. I gave the girls piano lessons after school. They are doing a good job and learning a lot. Finally, we invited Larry and Shirley to dinner at Red Lobster for Larry's birthday. I have known Larry since  first grade and he and Alf became close friends in high school. We have maintained a close friendship between families over the years, with Larry in the Navy and Alf in the Army, that was no small task! We were Larry and Shirley's only attendants at their wedding in 1973 and that knot has held firm over the years just like our friendship! They are two awesome people and we are so lucky to have them in our lives! Here's to many more happy years!            

Celebrating Jax! Part 3 Being thankful.

Jax had the "big" party today at the Hands On Science Center. There was quite a crowd!  Some of his classmates were there along with many relatives from both sides of the family. Of course his sister and cousins were present. Ashlyn was such a great helper with delivering gifts and disposing of wrapping paper. A party at the science center means you have a party room to yourself and freedom to roam the center to do experiments and observe all kinds of wondrous things. Also present are other children with birthdays and their friends and people from the community who find this place fascinating and fun, even if it is educational. I observed one father there taking his little boy, who appeared to have cerebral palsy, around to the different activities. The little boy had such excitement on his face and the father was so patient and kind. I looked around at the members of our family, especially the children, and thought about how truly blessed we are!  Sure our young ones can be mischief makers once in a while and they are still learning how to contol tempers and interact appropriately with others, but they are smart and healthy and strong! As I pray for my grands, along with all family members and many friends, each day, I thank God for the richness of His blessings! Most of all, I pray to never take those blessings for granted. May God bless us every one and may our Jax have many awesome years ahead of him!

Celebrating Jax! Part 2

Jax was able to share his birthday at school today. He was excited to eat Toy Story cupcakes with his friends. Since Ashlyn had gymnastics after school today, Jax came home with us. He had another cupcake for a snack and asked for "bunny milk" to go with it. (Bunny milk is milk with Nesquik chocolate syrup in it which has a bunny on the front of the syrup.) When I gave his milk to him as he watched a movie in the living room, he said, "Grandma, why did you give me a baby cup? I am a big boy now." I told him it was to prevent spills, but then I thought, maybe it is time to get rid of the cups with lids. Seems like yesterday that he was crawling around the house. I know everyone feels that way with children or grandchildren as they grow.  Our grands measure themselves on our growing wall every little bit and seem to be in such a hurry to get bigger. I have an inches marked measuring spot by our stairs where we have marked their height since age one. Looking at life from my perspective, I just want to soak up the joy of each moment and not be in a rush for them to "get bigger". Our thought filters certainly change with time. Yes, Jax, you are a big boy now and how you are loved, yes, how you are loved!

Celebrating Jax! Part 1

Four years ago today, our precious Jax was born. He loves people and usually intoduces himself to everyone he meets.  He gives new meaning to the phrase "never meets a stranger". Today when his mom asked where he wanted to eat lunch for his birthday, he said Waffle House.  Paw Paw and I joined his parents, Josh and Jen, at his choice spot. He was a happy, mannerly young man throughout our visit. He shared his cupcakes with the waitresses and threw kisses to them before he left.  He has won the hearts of all the ladies at church, young and old. Today, and every day, we give thanks for the joy that is Jax! How we love you, sweet boy!

So long snow. Hello preschool!

Today was our first day back to preschool after a week's absence because of snow.  It was a drizzling, foggy day outside but nothing could stop the excitement inside my classroom.  Everyone was glad to be back with friends, even if staying inside all day stimulated quite a bit of energy.  It turned out to be a productive, enjoyable day even though our director had to go to a doctor's appointment for her son's foot injury, two of our teachers had to leave for children's doctors appointments, one teaching assistant was out of pocket, and the other one was home with a sick child.  Needless to say, Mr. Al thought he would be a busy lone helper today but, luckily, our daughter-in-law, Blair, came to the rescue! Praise God for family!

Tomorrow is a special day as our first grandson was born on that day.  We will have another awesome celebration going on this weekend!  Seems like every day is a celebration around here which is as it should be!

The Celebration!

 "You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is still a sigh.  The fundamental things apply as time goes by."

The whole Rogers clan, along with extended family and many, many friends, gathered to celebrate Alf's folks 60th anniversary.  What a wonderful celebration it was on that beautiful, sunny day!  This precious lady and gentleman have been my folks, too, for 39 years.  We  have been so blessed to have two sets of godly parents to love and encourage us over the years.  My prayer is that their example of true love and commitment will be a guiding legacy for our children, grandchildren, and future generations.  We appreciate and love you, Mom and Dad, (Paw Paw and Nana to some, Poppy and Mamie to others)!

Ashlyn's cheerleading debut!

Tonight was an exciting one for Ashlyn!  She made her cheerleading debute at an Upwards basketball game.  She did an excellent job and threw in a couple of cartwheels for good measure.  She had a big cheering section of her own at the game, Grandaddy and Jan from Chattanooga, her Mommy, Daddy, and Jax, Noah, Grey, and Grandma and Paw Paw, of course!  Way to go Ashlyn!

We are having our big celebration tomorrow and I'll let you know more about it tomorrow night.  Quite a busy day today.

Getting ready to celebrate and celebrating life!

Today began final preparations for a very important celebration.  I will say more about that later.  Noah and Ashlyn were great helpers rolling thank you notes for the celebration.  As a reward, Paw Paw took them to see a movie they had been wanting to see. (Paw Paw doesn't really need a reason to go out with "his grand girls".)  Of course I love spending time with our grand boys so I wanted to do something with them to keep them from mourning Paw Paw's and the girl's desertion.  We went to the local mall and they road the kiddie rides.  I gave them 10 quarters a piece and said that they could ride until the money was gone.  I think they had a great time!  We also went shopping for a little prize for each and visited Grey's mom, Blair, at her work place.  What fun!

Play day with Noah and Grey

Noah and Grey were here today and I finally had some playmates in the snow.  We decided to be a little different and make a snow woman instead of a snow man.  She's wearing a lovely hat that is a beautiful shade of purple, Grey's favorite color.  After warming up inside and having lunch, I decided to make hat accessories for Noah's hat.  I thought our yo yo and felt flower turned out really well and Noah loved it.  We are out of school for snow again tomorrow and all four grands will be here.  We will try to think up some fun project but mostly we will enjoy just being together.

My sweet and patient sister, Holly, walked me through posting pictures.  I am so excited to be able to do it!  Thanks a million, Holly! XO

Snow bound!

We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning.  I'll try my hand at putting a picture up tomorrow.  It's too late to call my tutor tonight if I run into trouble.  I am home alone while Alf is at Josh's watching the Auburn game.  He has been the good Samaritan all day, fetching Jen and a friend from the hospital this morning and returning them to work this evening.  He got snow chains ready for our son, Jarrod, just in case, but Jarrod made it to work all right.  His wife, Blair, was off from work today and will have another weather day tomorrow.  Schools are still closed so no preschool tomorrow.  I did take a picture of our house in the snow and made myself a bowl of snow cream, yummy!  My biggest accomplishment of the day was catching up on laundry and that was no small feat.  I cooked chili for lunch and chicken pot pie for dinner.  We're eating pretty good around here.  This is the longest we've gone without grands in the house.  We'll probably have one or two tomorrow.  I need someone to play in the snow with me!  So far, this has been one awesome winter!

Snow watch?

What is it about snow that brings out the child in all of us?  My hubby just spied the first flake, he said, and we've been checking the snow watch for school closings.  Will we wake up to a blanket of white as predicted?  Admittedly, the weather people have become pretty accurate with their forecasting.  Our white Christmas this year made the day just about perfect and what a thrill it was to watch the grands sledding for the first time at my Mom and Dad's house (Gigi and Gida)!  They were sliding down the same hill that my brothers, sisters and I enjoyed as children.  One particular memory stands out for me.  I had this cool, leather (actually vinyl) coat and I was really tired of waiting for my brother to drag the sled back up the hill.  I had this terrific idea!  My coat felt pretty slick to me.  If I laid down on my back and curled into a ball, maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't need a sled!  I got into position and, wonder of wonders, slid speedily down the hill!  I must have looked pretty strange but I had a grand time!  Hummm, maybe I have an old leather coat in the closet some where.  I wonder?????

Home Alone! almost

I planned to clean out the laundry room.  I planned to really get the upstairs in order.  I planned to dust.  I planned to run the vacuum.  I planned to eat healthy.

I watched one of my favorite DVDs.  I had a soy burger for lunch.  I had vegetables and baked chicken for dinner.  Pretty healthy eating, you might say.  Then I made a chocolate pie and ate a piece and a half.  Oh, well!  I spent most of the day playing with a little dog, watching her romp outside with free abandon in the freezing cold.  I actually spent more time outside today than I had on a pleasant day in the recent past.  I played fetch indoors with a stuffed hot dog and hamburger and listened to a lot of yipping over the sight of horses and cats outside the back window. Yep, that was pretty much my day.  Guess we'll both go to bed.  Lord willing, I'll have another day to do those things I planned to do after church tomorrow.

Snow? Let's Go!!!!!

Alf, my hubby, has been chomping at the bit to teach our grand girls how to snow ski.  Today, after reading weather conditions in Gatlinburg, he could wait no longer.  He and Noah, our oldest granddaughter, our son Josh, his wife, Jen, their children Ashlyn and Jax are on their way to the mountains.  Jen and Jax plan to enjoy the scenery while the others ski.  Alf and Josh have skied in Germany and New Hampshire, Alf in Colorado and Gatlinburg as well.  This will be a new experience for Noah and Ashlyn.  I am already praying for an injury free and healthy weekend for all of them and a safe trip home following this adventure.  I opted out of this trip to babysit for Grey on Saturday and dog sit for Ava, Ashlyn's little dog.  She is good company and I am looking forward to my time with Grey.  I also teach Sunday school and enjoy it so much!

My Mama time today was most rewarding.  I packed up Christmas and my baby sister, Holly and I fixed dinner for everyone.  Holly is also a computer whiz (and I, definitely am not) but I am learning and hope to add more pictures to this blog soon.  I just love the addition of pictures of my grands with their sparklers (thanks Holly)!  I always love spending time at "home" with the folks and Holly.  We even had a surprise visit from my brother, Jerry!  He is excited about his new job and I know that his confidence in God will give him the confidence he needs to succeed.
He will definitely bless the lives of those in his work place!

May Gods blessings be upon us all.

When Mama needs a Mama.

Today my Mama went under the knife for a short time and my baby sister got to be the Mama.  She's a little bossy (really a lot) but she is one of the most caring moms I know.  I think my sister and I have turned the corner on just who needs the mama love.  Remember the days when we thought that our mama was way too much in our business and wanted to know where we were, who we were with and what we were doing when we weren't asleep?  Well now, my sweet sister and I spend a number of almost daily phone calls asking, "Have you talked to Mama or Daddy today?  Where were they going?  What were their plans?  How late will they be home?  Can you believe they didn't even call before they left the house?"  I often hear Mama say, " You two are way too much in my business (she is a little more tactful).  Why don't you just live your own lives and give me a day (she really means, week, month, maybe longer) to myself."  Oh, the joys of Mama love!

I remember when we were stationed in Germany and I was standing at a card rack picking out cards and a woman walked behind me that was wearing my Mama's cologne.  I actually followed that woman around for a while because I was so homesick for my Mama.  It's a feeling we never outgrow.  I hope to do a little Mama mamaing tomorrow just cause I feel so fortunate to have a Mama to mama.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me the opportunity.

Wednesday morning breakfast and other happenings.

Since my Dad retired a few years back, we have met every Wednesday morning for breakfast at 6:00 a.m. I figured with that early hour we could be consistent regardless of what "duties or obligations" might arise.  We meet at a sweet mom and pop restaurant half way between our homes.  We have become what you might call "regulars" to the extent that our waitress has our waters, his decaf, creamers, honey, and tobasco on the table at "our" booth when we walk in the door!  Thanks, Kim!  Even when Kim has a sub, she spreads the word.  The service is terrific!  We are so well known that when Dad forgets to order something on the side, she just submits the right order anyway.  He is a great tipper and for good reason.  It's so much fun to talk and revisit the past as well as discuss the problems or victories of the day.  We advise each other without judgment and have realized that our relationship as father and daughter has progressed into a real and valued friendship.

We only had one munchkin at our house today.  Grey has an ear infection and, after his visit to the doctor, he arrived in remarkably good spirits saying,  "I'm not sick.  I went to the doctor and I'm all better!"   We spent the day watching a movie or two, working puzzles, and playing games.  This is the usual fare when Grey is here by himself.  Big, sis, Noah joined us after school and I never cease to be amazed at how smart she is.  Watching her zip through her homework is a wowing experience.

As I wind up my day, I thank God for Wednesday breakfasts, discerning doctors and intelligent children that don't seem to mind at all spending time at their grandparent's house.

Facing my own mortality.

I was talking on the phone to a friend that graduated from high school with me.  She told me about a classmate that died last week.  That makes three classmates that have died since our reunion last July, 2009.  My best friend through most of elementary school and high school died six years ago and I guess that was the first time I really came face to face with my own mortality.  Inside, I don't feel any differently than I did when I graduated from high school in 1969 but then I pass a mirror and wonder why I see my Mom's face looking back at me.  When Jean died, I became more grateful for each day and continue to thank God first thing when I open my eyes each morning.  My family members would tell you that I tell them "I love you" way too often but I don't use those words flippantly.  If I am remembered for something when I depart this life, I hope they will remember that I truly did and do love them.  I think more about the words I speak to others and try to make them words of encouragement and healing.  It is sometimes hard to stay positive but then I remember, I may not know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.

Back to work (play)!

It's funny how one day melts into another during holiday breaks to the point that sometimes I forget what day of the week it is, but the feeling of freedom is wonderful.  Today was the last day with our grands before starting back to school and preschool.  Al (my sweetheart) wanted to give them special entertainment, maybe a movie or something.  The children chose to stay home and just play together and enjoy each other.  How refreshing!  Since we have been their babysitters since birth, our girls, ages 7 and 6, 8 months apart, and our boys, ages soon to be 4 and 3, 4 months apart, have such close and loving relationships.  Girls and boys always squeal, laugh and hug each other as they arrive each and every time they come to Grandma's and Paw Paw's and even when they see each other at church or run into one another by accident.  I hope they remain each others biggest cheerleaders in the years ahead.  We enjoy every minute of their lives because we know that in the blink of an eye, they will be all grown up.

Al and I both go back to work at our church preschool tomorrow, Al as volunteer co-director, and me as pre-K teacher.  Nothing is better than playing, singing, and learning new things with young ones.  Who says you can't be a child forever?  I hope I will always be young at heart.  It makes for a pretty interesting life.

Relaxing Sunday

The sky was a lovely blue on this brisk morning as we drove to pick up Ashlyn and Jax for church.  Jarrod and Blair, Noah and Grey joined us for worship.  What an awesome way to start the day!  It definitely does a body and spirit good!

The love of my life has been under the weather for the past several days.  Head congestion definitely doesn't lend itself to restful sleep.  As he dozed on the couch in front of the TV (our non side effect sedative) I looked at his profile and thought how lucky I am to be sharing my life with him.  It amazes me how we have grown over the years of our life together (39 years).  There have definitely been ups and downs but the sharing and sticking it out and loving each other, even when we occasionally didn't like each other very much, has definitely been worth it.  I hope the love of your life still takes your breath away.  I learned long ago that falling in or out of love is a myth.  Love is a decision and I am thankful that I chose and choose to love.

A New Year and a New Blog- Exciting Adventure

As I look forward to 364 more days (Lord willing) of events and undertakings yet to be experienced, I do so with an attitude of gratitude to the One that made this life possible.  I am thankful for the blessing of relationships:  the love of my life, my two terrific sons and my daughters in love, my four grands, my parents, parents in love and siblings with their extended families and many relatives that encourage and love me.  Whew!  My cup runneth over!

Life in my household might seem humdrum to some but between babysitting my grands and teaching pre-k classes twice a week at our church preschool, life is busy and sometimes hectic.  I choose to meet each day with an attitude of joy.  We sing the JOY song at preschool at just about every bible class.  J is for Jesus.  O is for others.  Y is for you (myself).  My prayer is that I keep this priority list in order and bless the lives of others while striving to walk in the footprints of my Lord.  Bring on this new year!  I am so excited about it!!!!!!