nana & papas house

Slumber Party :)

2011-10-01T13:48:00.001-07:00

Last night we had four of the grandchildren over for a slumber party.
They are getting to an age
where they really enjoy each other and play so well together.
We spent some quality time at the park
and
went for ice cream.
Always a great way to get everyone in a good mood...ha..ha!
Seeing 3 five year olds asleep in a big bed is so precious!!!
They played Wii games,
piano,
painted,
played army
and
tag.
The sad part is
that don't really need you anymore to entertain them.
They are growing up!

The boys playing duets :D

Carly turned 3.........................

2011-09-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

This sweet little granddaughter
turned 3 this last week-end:D
We had a nice party and dinner at Christine and Chris' house:D

She has arrived:D

2011-07-21T15:37:00.001-07:00

Olivia Rion Westmeyer made her arrival early:D
She entered this world Saturday morning,
July 15th 2011.
She arrived weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 19" long!
Healthy and happy this little peeps is as beautiful
as her sister!!!!!
Mom and baby are doing fine.
God is good!

Sophie had a Birthday :)

2011-06-26T09:02:00.001-07:00

This little girl just turned 9 and we all celebrated:D

Tearing my heart out!

2011-05-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was watching part of the Casey trial........mom Cindy was on the stand! It was all I could do to hold the tears back! Knowing how important your grandchildren are to you.......the heart wrenching testimony brought me to my knees! I can not imagine a more devastating situation.....OMG....and she has to relive every sorted detail! I don't think I can watch anymore:(

Autism Therapy at Exceptional Equestrian riding lesson....Margo

2011-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Treadmills

A.S.A.P. for AUTISM

2011-04-14T06:49:00.001-07:00

ASAP for AUTISM! My new venture!

I have started a new venture......stemming from my love of this little girl and the need she has for a better life with Autism!
Margo, as most of you know, is 8 yrs. old and Autistic. I would give anything to make her world easier and better.
This new project could help many families with an Autistic child.
I am going to provide
"ASAP for AUTISM"
(A Safe After-school Program for Autism).
In the summer the public schools in our area only
provide schooling for disabled children until noon!
What I have in mind is a program that will fill the afternoons for these children
while providing peace of mind for their working parents.
I have applied for the 503c non-profit tax status and several grants offered by the govt. and Pepsi Cola!
I have a program set up providing ABA, speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Autistic children will learn while having fun on field trips,
exercising,
arts & crafts
and
possibly horseback riding.
I will keep you updated if this interests you:D
The blog is located here!

A few new collages.......

2011-03-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

My smallest peeps! Miss Maddie in all her glory!!!!!!

Have Binky, will travel..........................

Our little trooper.....apprehensive but trying!!!!!

My Milly girl.................my precious in the last couple of weeks:D

Constant movement.....my sweet baby Margo..........doing her thing:D

Josie and Gabby celebrating Papa and my Birthdays with a fabulous dinner their mommy and daddy made for us:D

A little Spring skirt I made for our little Sophie...............

Our last lesson........Margo doing her tricks on horseback:D

Sister love................Margo and Milly out to dinner the other night! They communicate so well in their own way....you gotta love it:D

My Sweeties.....Hunter and Chase..................
Collage of two days with the boys:D They are too much fun!!!!! Always keep me smiling.

Our "Ralph Lauren" moment on film.....Margo after feeding her horse carrots:D

An old photos of Margo and Nana I just love!

A beautiful day outside with Margo...................

"Seussical"

2011-03-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Our Grandson, Jack was in a Jr. High Seuss Production

last night and it was Fabulous!

Here he is in the green shirt:D

Bravo Jackson!!!!

Some catching up!

2011-02-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

In no particular order......we have been able to spend a lot of time lately with the kids and these are some of the shots I have taken in the last week or so! Milly is now taking gymnastics, Margo is still doing exceptionally well with her horseback training and the twins spent almost a week with us while Mommy and daddy attended to some out of town business:D All in all it has been a fabulous time!

My boys have been visiting:D

2011-02-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

We have been enjoying this Spring-like weather in the middle of Winter! Yesterday it was almost 70 degrees

and today just a little cooler!

Off to the park for a good run and play....

hen home for a bubble bath:D

Out to dinner tonight......not sure where Papa is taking us.

They are such sweet peeps. Most of the time playing so well together:D Yesterday we went and got shoot guns and board games to keep us busy!

Pure Joy..........

2011-01-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

Although many Austic children don't want to be touched and are not affectionate.......not the case with my precious Margo! She has her moments, but most of the time is very happy and loving! When she grabs my face and puts her nose to mine with a big grin.....I melt!!!!! Each of our grandchildren are special for MANY different reasons.....and all are loving....but when a child that is not supposed to react that way due to her disability kisses you it puts goose bumps on your arms:D

2010 Memories............

2011-01-02T01:15:00.001-08:00

This year has been chocked full of memories of all my peeps growing and maturing:D What fun retirement has allowed me! I get to be a part of their lives on a more constant level! Milly and Margo now live within a couple of miles and I am able to see them at a moments notice........love that! The twins are taking part in many things that I can be a part of.......watching mostly...LOL. Hunter, Chase and Milly have been taking Tai Quando and Margo has been taking horseback riding and gymnastics. The twins are also involved in gymnastics and Milly will be starting mid January. Maddie has been in for visits every few months as well as us heading up to K.C. Soon there will be another in K.C.......come August....YEA! The kids are what my world revolves around.........in some ways it makes me feel like a mom again......something I always loved being:D Can't wait to see what these little ones bring to 2011!

The Twins Gymnastic Event!

2010-04-18T17:12:00.001-07:00

Papa had to work and didn't get to come, but the boys joined us for dinner afterwards where they showed off their metals:D

Precious little boys!

Little Peeps........

2010-01-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel about you....Chase, Hunter, Margo, Milly and Maddie!

The boys Christmas Program...ha..ha

2009-12-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

I was invited to my first Christmas Program for the twins! Mommy said they had been practicing their songs for weeks and now was time to perform!!!!! They were so sweet:D Hunter was into it, but Chase kept looking longingly to mommy. He was not thrilled about staying up front and wanted to come and sit with Mommy in the audience. They sang a large number of Christmas songs and heard the Christmas story from the pastor. Lovely way to start the Christmas Holiday!!!!!

My Littlest Angel......Maddie

2009-12-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

My smallest "Peeps" couldn't join us this year for Christmas......but.....the next best thing is hearing her voice on the phone and seeing pictures is (Almost) real time:D Here she is ready to party at her other grandma's house! She looks like a little package all tied up with ribbons and ready to be opened:D Merry Christmas Maddie XOXOXO

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours......

2009-12-22T07:36:00.001-08:00

I hope your Holiday is filled with love, peace and family!

Just Milly and Me..................

2009-12-21T19:16:00.001-08:00

What a precious little girl......so full of life!!!!!

When Carrie works I love having Milly! It gives us our own time.....quality time.....together:D Today we painted, read and cooked together. She is really something at 3 yrs. old and carries on a running conversation all day long:D

When she wraps her around my neck and says, "Grandma, I love you".....I melt:D

A week full of babies:D

2009-12-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

The reason I retired!!!!!

Quality time with the little ones in my life........

can it get any better than this? I don't think so......................

Relaxing...............................

2009-12-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

After a nice dinner at Chris and Sheila's house Sunday night.......the boys got hooked on a movie! When I say HOOKED, I mean they tune out the world:D Aren't they cute so absorbed in the monsters on screen!!!!!

Not even the camera phased them....LOL

My Sweetie and I :)

2009-11-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Routine....routine....routine:) That is what Autism is all about! There is nothing my sweetie loves more than her bubble bath. She starts asking about "Bath" as soon as she reaches our house. She love the Jacuzzi (don't know if that is spelled correctly, but you get the idea). She loves to control the power of the bubbles and the on/off switch:D Margo shows her love in different ways than typical children. She loves to play with your face....and.....she will give you plenty of kisses, she also loves to rub noses....LOL! She is a hoot! She is so loving and sweet I can't get enough of her....neither can her Papa:D.

Together wherever we go..........

2009-11-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

When Margo sleeps over we have our little routines:D If I am working in my studio, she has a swing right there to be with me. After her bath the other night, I decided to take a few pics. No fair judging me on the shape of my studio though.....LOL! She heads downstairs and swings wildly while grandma works on her projects. Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Children with Autism need to swing for 20 minutes several times a day! This is not for ALL children, but it really calms my little munchkin:D

Twins at "Build a Bear"......

2009-11-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

It was Milly's birthday party at Build-a-Bear and the twins celebrated with us! After lunch we make our bears and then took them to the play area for a romp around:D

More pics of Milly and her cat at Studio Stuff.....my other blog!

Last night..........in Webster!

2009-11-01T13:40:00.001-08:00

Papa went to visit the kids while Nana went to see "So You Think You Can Dance" review!!!!! I think we both had a really good time:D

Halloween Party!

2009-10-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

My girls in Poodle Skirts

2009-10-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Longing to Hold Her..................

2009-10-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

My little precious will celebrate Halloween without her Nana:( I hate missing all these little things! She is getting so big I can hardly believe it. I look at her and see her father. It brings so many happy memories back........................I Love You Little Girl!

MIlly, Hunter and Chase at the Pumpkin Farm:D

2009-10-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

We all sure had fun on this beautiful day! Sheila, Carrie and I spent the better part of the day watching the kids play and romp among the pumpkins! One place you can go for free these days.....most places charge you to get in, but at Rombach's you can enter for free but there are some charges if you want to go into certain areas. We had a ball spending nothing except some candy purchases before leaving:D

Body Language.....

2009-10-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

No words needed.......Priceless!

Gabby Turns FOUR!!!!

2009-10-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Gabster turned 4 yesterday and what is a Birthday without a party? Laura and Mike had a delicious dinner for everyone and Gabby enjoyed her "Mummy Cake" and all the presents:) Thank you Laura for a nice evening!!!!! (Unfortunately my camera pooped out after only a few shots)

Every Princess needs a few bubbles......

2009-09-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

My little Princesses enjoying their bubbles!

Picnic and Train Rides......

2009-09-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today we had a picnic at one of our local parks! The kids enjoyed riding on the minature train and eating chicken and cupcakes!!!! We played ball and frisbee and enjoyed each others company:)

Look What 3 Months Can Do For A Girl :)

2009-09-05T14:08:00.001-07:00

Isn't she P.R.E.C.I.O.U.S? OMG I could eat her little head off......figuratively speaking!!! I can't wait to get her in my arm..........................you make cute babies J. & A.

My Little Girl in K.C. is Getting Too Big......

2009-09-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

Look at that Precious Little Thing.......I can't help but chuckle just looking at her:)

Pretty Cool Little Girl in her jeans and "T"........

wish I could hold her for just a little while:(

Mattie.......................Nana really misses you!!!!!!

Soon to be THREE!

2009-09-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Milly and I got to spend the entire day together before we picked up Margo from school! She is one of the loves of my life and spending time together is SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!

A While Ago................the sleep-over

2009-08-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Found this darling collage of the boys taken one evening when they were spending the night & thought I would share it:) My Precious Little Peeps!!!!!

Two Little Girls in Blue.....

2009-08-13T16:09:00.001-07:00

We went to the mall today to get Margo ready for school!

Tonight is "meet the teacher night"

and

Margo will meet her 1st grade teacher and fellow students:)

It is hard to believe she will be 7 in a few months!

Carrie had made them these darling little matching dresses

and they looked to cute.

All in all they were very good.......we kind of ran them into the ground,

wanting to get everything done today:)

Afterwards, Margo modeled all her new duds for me and it was so much fun. Check out her photo shoot at Studio Stuff. Next we will have to get Milly ready for fall and winter as well:) Grandkids are SO MUCH FUN!

Sweet Josephina Marie......

2009-08-06T16:56:00.001-07:00

Josie came to visit Monday night and had a sleep-over:) We had so much fun Tuesday......went shopping for school supplies and shoes, did an art project, went out to lunch and had a bubble bath......what more could a girl ask for?

I had several pics of her visit, but must have deleted them from my camera thinking I already downloaded them#$@!$. That makes me SOOOOO mad when I do that!!!!!

Thank you Josie for being such a good girl and making our visit So Much Fun!

My Little Gamers.....................

2009-08-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am prejudice, but these little guys can play anything and are REALLY GOOD AT IT! It is so much fun to watch them (at 3)...can't wait to see what it is like when they get a little older:) Life just gets more and more fun!

Milly being Milly............

2009-07-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Milly and Margo paid me a little visit! When I tried to take a few pics of my little "Punk"......she started acting like only she can do:) Twirling, giggling and running the other way....NO POSING for Nana when she knows I am trying to have a Kodak Moment....LOL

The Kansas City Connection!

2009-07-25T08:17:00.001-07:00

I just had a visit with my K.C. kids.............and my precious Maddie!

Kyle had an overnight!!!!!

2009-07-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

This precious little grandson came for a visit yesterday:) Since receiving golf clubs for his birthday, he has wanted to go golfing with Papa! Yesterday Rog took him to the driving range and mini golf........they both had a good time! This morning Papa and Kyle spent time hitting golf balls in our front yard. Papa even cut down some of his old clubs for him.....now he needs to find grips:) This will give us a set of small clubs to keep at our house for all the kids. After breakfast we went to the city park for some climbing time. Eureka has many parks and have installed some new gym equipment is really nice. When we finished there, Kyle and Papa headed for home!

Why do boys love to wrestle?????

2009-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

My little girls become apprehensive and fearful when someone acts aggressively towards them.....then there are the boys...LOL! The twins taunt and pick at each other until they get a match going....so funny for 3 yr. olds:) After a lovely dinner at "Tucker's" last night, the boys took to the mat....so to speak! Outside on the lawn while we chatted away the dusk of the evening.....the boys wrestled! It is amazing to me that boys naturally act like this where as girls want no part. This behavior is not taught.....it is innate and so interesting:) Nobody got hurt....fellings or otherwise:)

Another Birthday.........YEA Josie!

2009-07-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

This was a week-end of Birthday Celebrations! Today we celebrated Josie's 7th. Here she is in her little outfit I made for her party Friday night:) I made Gabby this little dress this morning so that she had something to open as well:)

Today We Celebrated Kyle Turning 5!!!!!!!!

2009-07-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Chris and Christine had a delicious family dinner and then it was time to open presents:) Kyle got golf clubs and bag from Mommy and Daddy and couldn't wait to show Papa. He is all ready to hit the links with Papa. Carly is growing like a weed..........it seems like she changes each time I see her:) Precious little pumpkin! Ali looked lovely as always in her sharp red wedges with the open toes........a knock out! Happy Birthday little boy...........you will be off to kindergarten in no time now!

MOTHERS......

2009-07-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

I found this quote while perusing blogland and thought it was so beautiful..........
"Children and Mothers never truly part
Bound in the beating of each other's heart"
Charlotte Gray

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

2009-07-05T11:45:00.001-07:00

More of Maddie...........

2009-07-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

There she is in all her glory!

Our New Baby is Coming for a Visit Tomorrow!!!!!

2009-06-30T17:58:00.001-07:00

Can't wait to get my hands on her! I have "dibs" on her for the days she is her....LOL. Nobody better make a move to take her away......or.....they will pay:)

Short Visit...............

2009-06-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

We had a short visit at Laura's last week and got to play with Carly and Kyle for a little while! Carly is growing at record breaking speed and it is hard to keep up:) Kyle and Gabby have such a good time together just being SILLY and Grandpa....................look at the smile, so proud and happy! Life is Good!

Patterns Rock!

2009-06-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

What a darling "Make-over"!

Wouldn't some little girl

get GIDDY

over this sitting the corner of her room?

Madison Ann is in the house!

2009-06-08T06:19:00.001-07:00

Arriving 3 weeks early and much to everyone's surprise.......

Madison Ann

came into this world at 3:47 p.m. June 5th 2009.

She weighed 7lbs. 5 oz. and is 17 inches long!!!!!

Mommy and baby are already at home where she is sleeping in her new digs:)

Precious gift from God!!!

Margo & A Day At The Missouri Botanical Gardens.......

2009-06-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Margo posing for me at our "photo shoot" Sunday!

Sheila, Carrie and the kids at the "gardens" feeding the fish!

I have always dreamed of...........

2009-05-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

being called grandma and having longing little faces begging to go to grandma's house! WELL......my dream has finally come true and it is so rewarding! Margo has been begging for sometime now:) It makes my heart jump because she loves to be with us! Recently, my son told me that Chase wakes up and asks if they are going to Nana and Papa's house! You gotta love it! Last night Laura, my step daughter called and asked if Josie could come and have a sleep over. Josie asked me once before, but the time wasn't right. The fact that these little ones want to be here and take part in what we are doing simply makes my day:) Don't get me wrong.......I love having my own time to paint and create......but OH THE JOY that comes with knowing that my peeps want to spend time with me!!!!!

My Little Sun Flowers!

2009-05-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

Peek-A-Boo

GIvEs A nEw mEANing To hANd SOap!

2009-05-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

You can find these cute soaps at "Foliage" an Etsy Shop!

II'll bet kids would make sure to wash their hands we these little fellows waving to them

form the sink top......LOL

OH MY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

What started out to be a fun trip to the park ended in disaster:( "Terrible Twos" is not a wives tale for those of you that haven't experienced it first hand! Milly and I planned a trip to the neighborhood park to go down the slides today. Once we got to Nana's house, we had to change clothes because the slide doesn't work very well when you are wearing a dress. I had gotten her several new outfits for my house....so we christened one of them. After gathering chips, camera, newspaper and juice we headed down the hill. I was happy to see that it wasn't crowded....in fact there was only one little girl with what looked to be her grandfather! The little girl's name was Katie and she was only 16 months old:) Her grandfather acted like he wasn't sure what to do with her.....LOL Anyway, Katie decided to follow Milly around.........which didn't sit well with Milly. With a one handed push, Milly downed little Katie much to my embarassment. I asked Milly nicely to apologize to Katie (with her grandfather looming over her). Milly decided that she wouldn't and there was NO changing her mind......OH MY! After many attempts, I finally gave up and apologized myself! Katie continued to follow us wherever we went; the jumpy horses, the swings, even to the bench where we got a snack. Grandfather didn't have a clue.......here he was following his granddaughter around following us even to the bench to get a snack. The two of them stood not 2 feet away from us as I got Milly her juice and chips. I offered Katie chips, but her G-father said she had better not! Thinking that would be the end of it, I grabbed my newspaper. Grandfather and Katie just stood there in this awkward silence.....like they were waiting on me to do something.....WHAT???? I have no idea:)

Since the slides were too hot for Milly to go down and the swings were not her cup of tea, we tried climbing on the jungle gym. Katie followed so closely that I was afraid that Milly was going to give her another shove! WOW, I was already exhausted from all the tension. Finally I overheard G-father say to Katie that they would go and get a bite of lunch....Whew was all I could think! As soon as they left the park area............Milly started in with "Where's Katie?" When she saw them getting in their car....she made a run for it. While running after her, I am yelling....trying to stop Milly from running in the street. She acted like she didn't know me, until I picked her up. At this point she started a tantrum that lasted a good 1/2 hour! I said a TANTRUM and I mean it! The poor old man came over to the car and is peering in saying, "I am sorry I upset her".................I am thinking go away I am having a hard enough time here...can't you see! Well, the screaming was SOOOOOOOOO LOUD that I had to roll up all the windows so the neighbors didn't think child abuse was taking place. When we finally got home, I put her in the bed and said, "Don't get up".............that is the last I heard of her. I peeked in about 10 minutes later and she was fast asleep.....LOL This is the part of raising children I had conveniently forgotten! Last Laugh in on ME!

QUALITY TIME!!

2009-05-18T20:14:00.001-07:00

When my kids left the nest years ago, I thought life as I loved it was over for me!!!!! It was a very sad time and extremely hard to get used to:( I always loved being a mother and the realization that it would never be the same hit me hard! What I didn't know was that GOD had something even better in store for me! I should have trusted HIM with my future, but instead I doubted that I would ever be as happy again. Enter.......stage left.......my babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God knew exactly what he was doing and has blessed me with soon to be 5 of my own grandchildren and 7 wonderful step grandchildren.....some very close to my own!

If you read my blogs at all you know that our lives today are worked around the time we can spend with these precious little peeps!

The more time the better!

We have such fun.....and they do wear me out......playing, talking and working together!

Now that they can all talk and most can carry on a conversation.....it is even more rewarding!

I feel so sorry for those that are unable to experience motherhood

and

grandparenting!

It is the best "gig" in town!

Thank you GOD for all your blessing.

Josie, Gabby and silly soaps!

2009-05-13T07:22:00.001-07:00

Last night Laura, Gabby and Josie came over for dinner!

Since their daddy was out of town we got some fun time with the girls:)

Here are the three of them before dinner

playing in our G-Baby room.

Gabby had just discovered the new kitchen I just bought

and

was having a time of it cooking for all of us.

Such sweeties.........
Papa took the pics and they are a little fuzzy!

Look at these creative ways to make your child want to wash their hands....ha..ha! These little soaps are made by "Dirty Ass Soaps" and can be found here on Etsy:) Wouldn't these make a cute birthday gift?

Lovin the Legos...............

Just don't pick them up and take a bite by mistake....LOL

For the Love of Trains............

2009-05-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

I was invited to join Sheila and boys on a trip to the Whittle Shortline Railroad Shop (Valley Park, Mo.) for a few hours of playing engineer on the local line:) What a wonderful place! Upon entering you see large room full of train tables small and large! Children are invited to play.....to their hearts content. This is free (but a donation could be made) and you can stay as long as you want! They have private Birthday Parties there also. We spent several hours there talking and playing with the kids. They had so much fun and the number of train cars to play with is monumental. They produce wooden trains and tracks if you are so inclined....no pressure though.

Check out this train table........Can you say Huge!

We were actually alone with the trains for just a few minutes....then all the kids and parents started coming in. With this many trains there is no problem. A Birthday gathering was forming and soon we were alone again as the children went upstairs to have their party:)

What a fun place to while away a few hours with your children.....

IS ANYONE THERE?

2009-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

My daughter in law is the only one that has left a comment on my new blog since I started! Is anyone out there or are you hiding? Just a "Hi" would really be appreciated:) Thanks, Linda

Sew Nice........

2009-05-07T19:28:00.001-07:00

I am always on the look out for cute fabrics for kids!

With our 12th grandchild due next month

there is always someone that needs something....

something I want them to have:)

At Warm Biscuit Fabrics

I found wonderful selection of children's fabrics.

Above are just a few of the boys fabrics I really liked!

Check them out here!

A Banner Year!

2009-05-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Aren't these cute for your child's room or party?

Each handmade to order.

Found them while surfing the web

Really good price too! Check them out here.

Jury Duty................

2009-04-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sheila has been called to Jury Duty and will spend her third day in court tomorrow!

I know it is a privilege to be called up for Jury Duty! And, before you get me wrong......I would love to serve:) The one and only time I was called on....my principal sent a letter asking them to wait and call me in the summer....since I would be out on jury duty 2 weeks in a murder case. At the time the decision made for me was bitter/sweet.......I was very excited to see our Judiciary Process in action.....but....didn't want to be away from my classroom for 2 full weeks with just a sub there to work with the kids:(

Anyway.....the point I am getting to is.....HOW HARD it is for a young family with small children to get away for several days! The cost of a baby-sitter is almost prohibitive these days! At 10.00/hour for the twins.....Sheila and Chris would have had to pay 100.00/day. Since she will have been there 3 days you can see my point. This is only if a baby-sitter that can sit during the day is even found. In our case there is also the time factor. We live 35 miles apart and the trip can be daunting at rush hour. In order to get the children up and out in time to get to court or work we are talking a 2 1/2 hour prep and delivery time.....LOL

Well...............with all this said, the twins have been with me for 3 days now and we have had such a good time:) "Bonding", they call it:)

Handmade Felted Little Animals:)

2009-04-29T20:29:00.001-07:00

I found this precious little menagerie

of tiny felted characters

while perusing Etsy at it's best!

I thought I would share because they are so full of personality and individuality!

If you are interested in seeing more of her work, check out her shop here!

Full Week-end!

2009-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

The little antique "Hosier Cabinet" I have written about in the past!

Below.....our week-end guests!

Over this past week-end we had a lot of company:)

Friday night we were joined by Gabby and Josie........mom and dad were on a retreat!

and

Saturday.....Margo came to visit and have a "spend over" as the kids say:)

We got a new water table and it was a hit!

Step 2 makes a very nice water/sand table with a cute little umbrella.

Since we don't care to have sand in our house....we fill both sides with water.

The kids thought the umbrella was great, but the wind almost took it away

a couple of times!

I also want to share with you the little "Hosier Cabinet" I have spoken of!

It is the cutest little piece that I found at the Antique Mall where I have my booths.

Obviously made by some sweet dad or grandpa.....this little cabinet has found

a new home!

Notice the little high chair and vacuum the kids love to play with as well.

I would like to have a little stove and frig made by our papa to go with it...hint hint!

Our New Little Playhouse!!!

2009-04-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

I purchased this cute little playhouse yesterday at Sam's Club! I am thinking the grandkids will have a good time hiding and playing while Nana does yard work:) Maybe that is wishful thinking, but.....isn't it cute? Hope they enjoy it once we get it all set up!
I can see Milly peeking out of the door right now:)

Two for the Price of One.......

2009-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Chris and Laura!

My sis and my baby Margo!

Jeff, Chris and Teddy

Friends and Family gathered for TWO CELEBRATIONS!

Uncle Chris W. and Gabby

Di, Bus, Gabby and Kate eating lunch on the deck.....nice weather!

Arica and Jeff opening Shower Gifts for Madison!

Chris, Sheila and Teddy:)

Kyle enjoying the warm weather and a truck or two:)

Sweet Kate!

Twins cooking up some treats for us!

Mom and Dad to be....

Teddy being a good Daddy!

Out on the deck.

Papa and Gabby:)

Mutual Admiration Society!

Laura and I

No explanation needed:)

Dining Out!

Hunter and I share a moment....LOL

Shower Goodies!

More Shower Goodies......Arica, Laura and Christine

Jeff is in love with GOOEY BUTTER CAKE! So what better Birthday Cake?

:) Today we had two celebrations all wrapped up in one:) It was Jeff's 34th Birthday as well as the Celebration of the birth of Jeff and Arica's first baby, Madison Ann ( the Ann is after her Nana....Linda Ann...ha..ha!)

Pizza and Play.............

2009-04-16T14:29:00.001-07:00

Today Sheila came out with the boys to have lunch and visit the Antique Mall! They have bought a new house (actually over 100 yrs. old:) and will be making it their home come June 13th. This home has twice as much space as their current home and will require a lot more furniture to fill it up:) Thus.....the Antique Mall! We perused the aisles looking for appropriate pieces to accommodate the new digs:) The boys were sooooooooooooo good. We were probably there an hour or so and they were great about not touching!!!! First we enjoyed pizza at Pizza Hut.....where they showed off their NEW BATHROOM SKILLS.....several times:) That is a really big deal when you are 3 yrs. old, you know!

When we got finished we had planned a trip to the park, but the weather was a bit chilly so we decided to go to Nana and Papa's House and play with the train etc. After a cupcake and a time playing cook and serve.....Papa showed up! Well, the silliness took over as we calmed down with a little Sponge Bob...(not really, but I can't remember what was actually on). Chase was playing hide and seek...................

Stump the Fairies.....

2009-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

These adorable Fairy Houses were found outside Blackwater, Mo. As we were leaving we spotted them on a back road! These tiny houses were such a delightful break from the darkness of the day.......you had to smile!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Hope your week-end is full of Love and Peace!

Jesus died and rose again from the grave!

He gave his life that we might live.....hallelujah!

You know the Routine!

2009-04-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

The only difference is that it is Thursday....not Sunday! Margo came to visit after school today and spend the night:) We will be in K.C. for Easter and won't get to be with her....so we changed the routine from Sunday to Thursday:) As I write this I can hear her snoring from the monitor across the room....LOL! I found a wonderful antique child's kitchen hutch at the antique mall and now have it in the grandkids room at our house. I have filled it with foods, plates, pots and pans.....and....appliances! Not sure who is having more fun....the kids or me....

Margo had so much fun with the blender and microwave that really work! WOW.....it was hard dragging her away. A HOME RUN in my book:) Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter filled with hope and love...............Linda

Little Dress Form..........

2009-04-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

I made this little dress form for my daughter's birthday! I thought I would share the technique in case anyone was interested in making one for themselves:)
Find a supplier in your area to purchase the basic dress form.
Paint the wooden stand and topper then distress!
Spray the polyester dress form with Kilz Spray.
This will allow the form to accept the paint.
Now, paint with Valspar Eggshell Finish Paint...
Color: "Churchill Hotel Wheat"
It may take 3 or 4 coats to fill in and make a nice finish.
Once dry, antique over the form with Valspar Antique Glaze!
When you have achieved the look you like...
Let it dry!
When dry.....have a ball decorating!
The color is

Few More Pics from "THE HUNT"....

2009-04-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

We have two Mikes and two Chris' so you might be confused! This is Mike C. and Chris H.

Sheila with Hunter

Runnnnnnnnning for Eggs!

Christine and Laura while Josie primps for the camera:)

Kodak Moments.......

Chris W. and Chris H.

Kyle and Hunter playing us "Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail".

Sheila and Carrie

I made each of the kids a basket and here they sit....waiting for some action:)

Successful Hunting!

2009-04-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Everybody hunted, ate and played!

The Bunny was good to us and brought several hundred eggs....

some filled with cash:)

We worked two days on the yard....getting it up and running for SPRING!

It all looked so pretty.

Nature cooperated

as though it knew this event was special

for a lot of little munchkins!

All week the weatherman had said rain possible snow for Sunday!

Temp's were to drop into the 30's Sunday

and

it was not the day for an Easter Egg Hunt:)

Well.....the temp was 60 and the sun was out.....(can you say "Happy"?)

The party ended about 3:00

and

the temp started dropping and the wind kicked up at about 4:00!

Wouldn't you say....Someone was Watching Over Us?"

Can You Say Pizza?

2009-04-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

While visiting their aunt and uncle in K.C.

the twins were able to take part

in a Pizza-fest!

Check out the size of that puppy....LOL!

Meet Alison.......

2009-03-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ali is my step-granddaughter and is now 16! She doesn't appear much on my blog because her life and ours don't cross as much as we would like! These pictures were taken by Tina Nordman and are simply beautiful! She has a business in Webster and does a lot of the kids Senior Pictures as well:) This little girl used to come and stay with us, doing art projects and sleep-overs.....but that stopped when she started Middle school and became more social. She is a straight "A" student and a leader in her class.

Ali is our oldest Grandchild:)

WE ARE THREE!!!!!!

2009-03-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Really Mom...................

Do we have to wear these hats again?

O.K......We will keep them on for a minute

but

take those pictures fast this chin strap is killing me:)

Divide and Conquer........

2009-03-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have decided to change my format and devote a blog exclusively to my grandchildren and our antics! I know this may not be the best way to handle the problem.......but.....my blog is all over the place! I have artwork, inspiration from others, grandchildren and house design all on one blog. I thought maybe it would be easier to follow if the content was more related. We will see......

First I want to share our Sat.......it was party, party, party! The twins had their 3rd Birthday Party and then it was on the a Birthday Party celebrating all the grandparents. My step-daughter and husband had a wonderful dinner for four happy grandparents:) Michael and Laura outdid themselves with T-bone steaks & shrimp dinner. Fabulous dinner with a strawberry cheese cake to top off the festivities. WOW......Laura, you guys really know how to spoil us! Thanks you for the pampering!!!!!! Above some pics from the day.