tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33875805301625418972024-03-13T11:38:33.851-04:00Magallano Mourningsshedding tears of sorrow, sympathy, laughter and love...Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-42998912823934330772010-12-08T23:31:00.002-05:002010-12-08T23:45:43.039-05:00Heaven<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TQBcR9M6VQI/AAAAAAAAAqc/QimcTqrZ-BQ/s1600/aubs%2Band%2Beli.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548536204476699906" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TQBcR9M6VQI/AAAAAAAAAqc/QimcTqrZ-BQ/s320/aubs%2Band%2Beli.jpg" /></a> It is heaven having a baby in our house.<br />He is beyond words.<br />He has grown so fast, even faster than I realized.<br />Where has this little angelic infant gone in such a short time?!<br />He is a rumbling, tumbling ball of energy...all smiles and laughter.<br />What love I feel...almost exploding!Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-38070872237079356622010-08-16T21:13:00.005-04:002010-08-16T21:31:19.612-04:00Back to SchoolHave you ever felt like this?<br /><div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506182436097466226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TGnjwKwVn3I/AAAAAAAAAp8/PkA_D99Vnu0/s320/new+eli.jpg" />I sure have! Especially lately with my typical back to school blues. (In fact, I am pretty sure Elijah learned that pouty face from me...or maybe his mama- haha.) Anyway, we are back in school full swing. Today was the beginning of our third week of school, and for me things are still not settled. This is the time of the year that I dislike most...new kids, new schedules (one can hope), new teachers, new administration (this year again)...the newness feels disconcerting to me, and I struggle to get organized, to regain the momentum of last year, and to form a bond with a whole new group of middle school children, who normally rebell against that whole bonding thing. I am SERIOUSLY back at work here, folks!</p><p>I will say that this sweet face, waiting for me when I arrive home...it takes away ALL of the frustration, the anxiety, the worries, the stress...it just DISAPPEARS completely when I see things like this:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506184442829404866" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TGnlk-ag-sI/AAAAAAAAAqM/a-vpmuMsAvo/s320/new+eli+river.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506184436149604338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TGnlklh7T_I/AAAAAAAAAqE/0UEq9Qt7Nmw/s320/new+eli+grocery.jpg" /><br />Baby updates: He says mama. He sits up by himself. He is 7 months old this week. He has three teeth on the bottom in the front and two more coming in on the top. He smiles at anyone and everything. He is THE happiest boy I know. I am THE proudest grammy on earth.</p><p>Here's hoping something sweet will make you smile this week!</p><div></div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-58267570014706973852010-07-10T22:43:00.004-04:002010-07-10T22:56:46.380-04:00Getting all Gershwin<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TDkxKY33_KI/AAAAAAAAAp0/cUXe14IMuLY/s1600/park2.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492475275100290210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TDkxKY33_KI/AAAAAAAAAp0/cUXe14IMuLY/s320/park2.bmp" /></a><br /><div>"...Summertime, and the livin' is easy</div><div>Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high </div><div>Your daddy's rich and your mamma's good lookin'</div><div>So hush little baby</div><div>Don't you cry..."</div><br /><br /><br /><strong>Loving</strong> the little bit of summer that I do get to have with this precious little man.<br />Oh the adventures...and the easy days filled with <strong>such</strong> joy...smiles, laughter, and a love that makes me think my heart might actually burst...he's the sweetest boy around!Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-63142273245302601642010-06-06T16:40:00.005-04:002010-06-06T17:03:36.903-04:00Far Too LongFar too long since I've posted...I couldn't even remember how to log in! haha<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkvrOZ4I/AAAAAAAAAps/2h1ESmgs600/s1600/30164_429973851277_575706277_5923702_6822704_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479764273969129346" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkvrOZ4I/AAAAAAAAAps/2h1ESmgs600/s320/30164_429973851277_575706277_5923702_6822704_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkYGYbQI/AAAAAAAAApk/utv6f_n4peI/s1600/31264_429885271277_575706277_5921742_6737899_n.jpg"></a> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkYGYbQI/AAAAAAAAApk/utv6f_n4peI/s1600/31264_429885271277_575706277_5921742_6737899_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479764267640581378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkYGYbQI/AAAAAAAAApk/utv6f_n4peI/s320/31264_429885271277_575706277_5921742_6737899_n.jpg" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkYGYbQI/AAAAAAAAApk/utv6f_n4peI/s1600/31264_429885271277_575706277_5921742_6737899_n.jpg"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/TAwIkYGYbQI/AAAAAAAAApk/utv6f_n4peI/s1600/31264_429885271277_575706277_5921742_6737899_n.jpg"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Far too long since I've felt the waves crash at my feet and felt the tug of the wet sucking sand...</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Not really, I suppose...but it <em>feels</em> like too long. These photos are from Baby Boy's first trip to the beach. The daughter felt sorry for me since I am having to work through <a href="http://magallanomournings.blogspot.com/2008/06/images-of-summer-fun-this-is-vacation.html">family vacation </a>#1 (our yearly trip to Myrtle Beach), and though I've missed it before, this would have been Baby Boy's first beach trip. When I realized it and felt like crying, she suggested a day trip- just the three of us! What fun! He was so serious about it all...the sand, the sun, all of the sounds. Just too sweet. He's growing much too fast for us all. Four months old, two teeth, and at the last doctor's visit, fourteen pounds. Whew! It all happens so fast! Since these photos were taken, he has been swimming three times and LOVES the water. I am so glad; his mother sure was a water baby! </div><div></div><div>Lots of new photos thanks to the daughter's fabulous 21st birthday gift (Canon Rebel Ti) and more stories of summer to come. Gotta get back to work. Hope you find something refreshing to do this week! </div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-65052960783735285522010-04-18T10:44:00.006-04:002010-04-18T11:10:16.887-04:00Three Months and 21 years<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_1-74BI/AAAAAAAAApc/P8Z-6j2KbqI/s1600/aubs+and+sleepy+eli+balloon+glow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461489756753616914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_1-74BI/AAAAAAAAApc/P8Z-6j2KbqI/s320/aubs+and+sleepy+eli+balloon+glow.jpg" /></a> Just three mere months ago, I didn't yet know this amazing boy. My heart hadn't yet realized how much it would be consumed with every yawn, sneeze, gurgle, bubble, or tender-headed kiss. In these months that have flown by, the love has not only blossomed, it has gotten more and more fierce with each passing second! I had no idea that humans could love so intensely. It's just like I felt with the daughter, only times two and somehow different. We could (and do) spend hours looking at his fingers and toes, listening to him try to laugh, and wondering what he will be like as he is older...we'll know soon enough, as time passes all too quickly. Happy 3 months, precious elijah graham.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_2bMTBI/AAAAAAAAApU/zCmFNuk2DBQ/s1600/beach+cupcakes.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461489756872133650" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_2bMTBI/AAAAAAAAApU/zCmFNuk2DBQ/s320/beach+cupcakes.JPG" /></a> Dessert first! In honor of one of the daughter's friend's 21st birthday, we made these adorable cupcakes from <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/bikini-beach-bears/">Bakerella</a>. I couldn't believe how really simple they were, and just too cute!<br />Happy 21st Angelina Ballerina!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_bJ_Y8I/AAAAAAAAApM/aIE3MT3twHQ/s1600/aubs+new+apron.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461489749552227266" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb_bJ_Y8I/AAAAAAAAApM/aIE3MT3twHQ/s320/aubs+new+apron.JPG" /></a> Next, in honor of the daughter's <strong>new</strong> <strong>apron</strong>, we decided to make a yummy pasta dinner from one of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/pasta-with-roasted-red-pepper-sauce-groan/">PW</a>'s recipes...this is one I printed off many, many months ago, and just got around to making it. Really yummy if we do do say so ourselves. A nice ending to a lazy Saturday and a really rough week!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb-_sx1zI/AAAAAAAAApE/FwMU6uZ2Dds/s1600/aubs+cooking+with+eli+edited.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461489742181947186" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb-_sx1zI/AAAAAAAAApE/FwMU6uZ2Dds/s320/aubs+cooking+with+eli+edited.JPG" /></a> She's learning how to multi-task like all moms do! Baby E. is not exactly crying, but wanting more of his mommy's attention like all babies do. I can not say how interesting it is to watch the daughter mother a son...it warms my heart, makes me laugh, and surprises me at each and every turn. Being a grammy is THE best job in the world!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb-iQlHXI/AAAAAAAAAo8/c0PlNSgKfSQ/s1600/dinner.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461489734279044466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S8sb-iQlHXI/AAAAAAAAAo8/c0PlNSgKfSQ/s320/dinner.JPG" /></a> Ahhhh. </div><div> </div><div>Hoping you have been able to enjoy something refreshing this weekend...family, food, or something fun! Have a wonderful week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-24232655450870900242010-04-07T18:59:00.001-04:002010-04-07T19:02:46.652-04:00What Keeps Me Going<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S70O8LwfiEI/AAAAAAAAAo0/yoxYFNniIBU/s1600/0314002321.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457534750554032194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S70O8LwfiEI/AAAAAAAAAo0/yoxYFNniIBU/s320/0314002321.jpg" /></a> Is it summer yet?<br /><div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-2886792876631290312010-03-10T21:19:00.005-05:002010-03-10T21:31:10.851-05:00Procrastination 101<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVO8qhHuI/AAAAAAAAAos/FYno7POj8qM/s1600-h/0304001109a.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447197464595603170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVO8qhHuI/AAAAAAAAAos/FYno7POj8qM/s320/0304001109a.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVOoPONTI/AAAAAAAAAok/-jojNlyQ_ik/s1600-h/0224001952.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447197459112408370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVOoPONTI/AAAAAAAAAok/-jojNlyQ_ik/s320/0224001952.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVNz_RrWI/AAAAAAAAAoc/yMRgIhzsl9c/s1600-h/0227001310.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447197445086883170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S5hVNz_RrWI/AAAAAAAAAoc/yMRgIhzsl9c/s320/0227001310.jpg" /></a>Grades are due tonight...by midnight...<br /><div>I am getting there.</div><div>It is now 9:19 PM.</div><div>The lovely daughter and I have been working on them in between making dinner, eating dinner, feeding the baby, and answering the random cell phones calls / texts. She went off to visit friends for a few hours, and now I am left to my own devices. I am no better than my middle schoolers. What do I do the first chance I get? </div><div>Read a few email messages, check a few new posts on other people's blogs, and decide that it's been SO long since I posted...I just <em>have</em> to write a little something quick and post a few new baby photos. Ha.</div><br /><div>I am the queen of distraction. </div><div><em>Hey...is that the baby crying? Yep. He's calling for grammy. Gotta go...give some lovin'!</em></div><div><em>Grades? What grades?</em></div><div> </div></div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-42672722297521543192010-02-01T16:47:00.004-05:002010-02-01T16:55:45.570-05:00Two Weeks<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S2dMbr_MBmI/AAAAAAAAAoU/Z8Jl8yzk-fo/s1600-h/0129002019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433395513993725538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S2dMbr_MBmI/AAAAAAAAAoU/Z8Jl8yzk-fo/s320/0129002019.jpg" /></a> This baby boy is two weeks old today.<br />His grammy had to go back to work.<br /><br /><br />Believe me when I tell you that this was THE hardest thing I have ever had to do concerning my job...exchange <em><strong>this</strong></em> boy for stinky middle schoolers. Whew. What a day. After being out for two weeks, my room looked like a tornado went through it. I am not sure I will ever find all of my books to return to my personal book shelves. I really could not believe my eyes when I walked in this morning. It will take me the rest of the week to regain control over it all.<br /><br /><br />Thinking of <strong><em>this</em></strong> baby boy made me want to just take my purse and run.<br />I didn't, but I wanted to!<br /><br />No matter what, <em><strong>he</strong></em> was so worth it all!Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-36636911344123005782010-01-25T23:53:00.003-05:002010-01-26T00:05:36.031-05:00The Book of Eli: Part 1My heart is fillled to bursting...I never imagined I could feel so much love for someone...and along came Elijah Graham.<br /><br /><div><strong>Chapter 1</strong></div><div><br />Birth. </div><div><br />January 18, 2010 8:15 am<br />Eli is born.</div><div>Immediately, I fell in love with his lips...for the daughter, it was his ears.</div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430215827558970050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S1wAhk9bMsI/AAAAAAAAAnk/KSuJ7XfHgWg/s320/eli+a+few+hours+old.JPG" />The daughter's surgery went well, and I was honored (and somewhat stunned) to be right there with her as her support person. Never in my life have I seen such sights...the insision, the blood, the not so gentle pulling and tugging, her insides, a patch of the boy's black hair...and then there was Eli in my arms (after a brief bit of screaming in another room...a temporary clean up, suctioning, and <em>then</em> into Grammy's arms!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Chapter 2</strong></div><br /><div>Recovery. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>The daughter was in recovery for awhile before she could officially meet her son. In the meantime, the OR staff whisked me away to watch him get weighed ( 6 pounds, 10 ounces), measured (19 1/2 inches long), bathed, and dressed by the nurses in the baby nursery. Finally, the moment came when the daughter could meet Eli. She was so tired and still hooked up to an IV which made it difficult for her to use both arms. She also had 24 hours worth of something called a magnesium drip for patients who have had pre-eclampsia so they will not have seizures. Nice. No worries at all. It made her feel groggy and, for lack of a better description, heavy-limbed. Eli spent the entire night with us, and I was all to happy to take care of him. The daughter is breastfeeding, and obviously she needed help at this point. </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430217881304077634" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S1wCZHwalUI/AAAAAAAAAns/g4mOELhfsMI/s320/eli+with+grammy+and+mommy+after+recovery.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><strong>Chapter 3</strong></div><div><br /><br /></div><p>The real room!</p><p>After her 24 hour medicine drip and monitoring, they finally moved the daughter to a regular birthing room- very nice "suite" with lots of hard wood floors, pretty decor, and not so comfy furniture. So much happened in Room 340...bonding, feeding, snuggling, hugging, kissing, and gushing over all of the perfect baby parts that Eli has, taking photos, continuing recovery for the daughter, and visiting with the <strong>3 </strong>visitors that were allowed to visit (the hospital has <strong>very</strong> <strong>strict</strong> visitation rules since November 2009 for pregnant patients, new moms and newborn babies...only 2 support people and the grandparents are allowed- that's it! Apparently, great-grandparents don't need to be on that list, much to my father's dismay!) We were in Room 340 for the rest of the hospital visit- from Tuesday through Thursday,and then it was FINALLY time to go home! (By the way, I didn't have time to realize that I looked like hell...LOL...almost no sleep, THE most uncomfortable couch / bed, and a sort of primitive shower set up...too happy to care really!)</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430877775486279026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S15akBJsXXI/AAAAAAAAAn8/qMtoh5tqaBg/s320/ei+with+grammy.JPG" /><strong>Chapter 4</strong></p><p>Home.</p><p>Dorothy wasn't kidding when she said, <em>"There's no place like home."</em> January 21, 2010. It was a cloudy, dreary day, but we were so ready to leave that place. The husband was awfully cute as he scurried about getting things ready to help take the grandson and the daughter home...putting in the infant carseat, packing the enormous volume of items that had gathered in her two weeks in the hospital prior to the c-section, and just being so happy not to be home alone...We were <strong>so</strong> <strong>ready</strong> to leave. I must interject here that the daughter could not have had better care; she had some awesome nurses that were extremely helpful and informative. I asked specifically for six comment cards to write personal thanks to each one of them! </p><p>Home...home was on the horizon!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430883004045306978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S15fUXDTrGI/AAAAAAAAAoM/DENkorL7VDw/s320/eli+on+way+home+with+mommy.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430882998806716914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S15fUDiVIfI/AAAAAAAAAoE/p_H5N3fCy_0/s320/eli+in+carseat.JPG" /><br /><p></p>(So very tired. Doctor's appointment tomorrow early...so <em>to be continued</em>...)<br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-34857086314020939482010-01-24T03:30:00.004-05:002010-01-24T03:42:56.445-05:00Homecoming<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S1wF9Vk5xkI/AAAAAAAAAn0/VHyjknSq9MQ/s1600-h/eli+a+few+hours+old.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430221802024060482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S1wF9Vk5xkI/AAAAAAAAAn0/VHyjknSq9MQ/s320/eli+a+few+hours+old.JPG" /></a> My God is ever faithful! Praise Him!<br /><div>The daughter and Eli <strong>are</strong> <strong>home</strong>. They came home on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. </div><div>Everything is great, but <strong>so</strong> busy with a newborn baby in the house...(right now it is 3:34 am and I have just now found a quiet moment before I go to bed to type this tiny post!)</div><div>I have lots of stories & more photos to post SOON, I promise!</div><br /><div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-37054851361473942792010-01-06T23:58:00.002-05:002010-01-07T00:20:55.872-05:00Returning...to peaceJust returned from the hospital...a late night visit with the daughter after an all day / night visit.<br />I am completely wired.<br />I should be sleeping...<br />Neither one of us got much sleep last night when I spent the night with her there.<br />I am going to work in a few short hours.<br /><br /><br />As I drove home on the empty streets between the hospital and our home, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace, a familiar feeling kind of. If you know me at all, you would know that typically, I am someone who worries about <em>everything</em>. (I get that honest, from my mother.)<br /><br />But over the last several years, God has NOT abandoned me even though He should have.<br />My husband has been through major heart surgery for a rare heart condition, surgery to remove a benign brain tumor, and another surgery less than a year later to remove another benign brain tumor in almost exactly the same spot. Through it all, I felt the prayers of our friends and family surround me like the very arms of my God Himself...(I had only one tiny breakdown thankfully with Sallee, my very best friend in the whole wide world, who knew just what to do) but through it all, I felt an almost eerie sense of peace...I've heard it spoken of- that peace that passes all understanding. I felt it. I did not worry. I rested in the fact that I KNEW God was taking care of us, of my husband, and He would not let anything happen to him. It perplexed me like nothing else...to see, no to <em>feel</em>, prayers working so strongly...it was such an overhwelming experience.<br /><br />However, I am not a faithful daughter. I rarely go to church. If I am honest, I never read the Bible. I have long abandoned listening to Christian music for the most part. I pray, but sporadically at best. I claim to be His child...but I know I would <em>never</em> be so distant with my earthly father. Why is He so faithful to me? I do have a heart that longs for Him. I am His daughter, but I allow the things of this world to busy my head and my heart.<br /><br />Still, like tonight, on the silent, empty streets on my way home to an empty house...<strong>He is with me. He is with my child...protecting her and her unborn baby, Eli.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><em>Precious, Holy Father,</em><br /><em>Forgive me.</em><br /><em>Know the cries of my heart...how I long to be close to you.</em><br /><em>Know that I believe with all of my heart in You and thank You for Your mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. </em><br /><em>Thank you for the debt You paid for MY sins...so that I could be clean and free.</em><br /><em>I know I do not deserve it, but still You are faithful.</em><br /><em>PLEASE be with Aubrey and Eli. Protect them and keep them safe.</em><br /><em>Thank you for sending me family and friends that know You, that pray for us...</em><br /><em>Thank you for this peace. </em><br /><em>Amen.</em><br /><em></em>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-14190367631008243202010-01-06T14:47:00.005-05:002010-01-06T23:49:01.870-05:004 generations<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S0TpaKOPBEI/AAAAAAAAAnc/WsFRXUUCjm8/s1600-h/wedding+3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423716486890849346" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/S0TpaKOPBEI/AAAAAAAAAnc/WsFRXUUCjm8/s320/wedding+3.JPG" /></a> The daughter is in the hospital; she's been there a full 24 hours so far- she has PIH= Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (they are testing to see if it is <a href="https://health.google.com/health/ref/Preeclampsia">preeclampsia</a>).<br />Eli is not supposed to come until the C-section on Jan. 29, but that may change...we will see what the doctors say tomorrow. They are monitoring her and running several tests. Several nurses have said that she might not be able to leave until <em>after</em> he is born. Oh goodness! (and she has a baby shower on Sunday.)<br /><br />I took the day off to be with her today.<br />As I sat there today at one point, I thought how lucky Eli will be to know his grammy (me) and his great-nana (my mom)- there will be <strong>4</strong> generations soon!<br /><br />I have a few vivid memories of my great-grandmother. We called her Granny Bell (her name was Annabelle), and she was SO tall; she wore a size 13 shoe, and was terribly afraid of her mailman. She had a red-headed baby boy doll with red felt overalls that she let me play with...I loved playing with the brass mail slot in her front door, and she would tell me to come away from there because the mailman would come soon. I am not sure what she had against the mailman, but I have such clear memories of her and her house even though I had to be younger than 5 years old. She died sometime after that, I think.<br /><br />I hope Eli will know and love his great-grandparents...I know he will.<br />I guess I just realized today how special it is that he will be coming into an extended family that completely loves him already, and is anxiously awaiting his arrival!<br /><br />Hope your week is a good one!Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-23471864722388067572009-12-31T00:16:00.004-05:002009-12-31T00:19:24.747-05:00Looking ForwardEli's coming...<br />January 29, 2010!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Szwz3nLAtPI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lTPdtWOkdzg/s1600-h/100_1534-pola03.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421265081948222706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Szwz3nLAtPI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lTPdtWOkdzg/s320/100_1534-pola03.jpg" /></a>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-36186080969430024782009-12-25T02:20:00.003-05:002009-12-25T02:27:33.558-05:00May Your Days Be Merry<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SzRoj7TkQPI/AAAAAAAAAnM/p8oeivGZ57Q/s1600-h/Christmas+Eve+%232+2009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419071218058019058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SzRoj7TkQPI/AAAAAAAAAnM/p8oeivGZ57Q/s320/Christmas+Eve+%232+2009.JPG" /></a> Grammy and Pops, as we will be called soon...very, very soon!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SzRojQqW4GI/AAAAAAAAAnE/k7vLTJigirc/s1600-h/Christmas+Eve+2009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419071206610886754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SzRojQqW4GI/AAAAAAAAAnE/k7vLTJigirc/s320/Christmas+Eve+2009.JPG" /></a> The daughter and the great-grandparents...(and Baby Eli who is loved so much already!)<br /><br /><div>Merry Christmas from our family to yours! </div><div>I pray that this day finds you in good health, with love and laughter surrounding you. </div><div>May you know Jesus, as we celebrate His birth and His grace and mercy on us all...</div><div> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-91996617713118583742009-12-14T20:16:00.009-05:002009-12-15T00:35:47.651-05:00It's a Wonderful Life!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415269264812783810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SybmtHxBuMI/AAAAAAAAAmU/DblwQDnVSL8/s320/wedding+aubs+fountain.JPG" /> Jimmy Stewart, I agree...it IS a wonderful life!<br /><br /><div><em>"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."</em></div><div><br />Sorry...the daughter and I just watched that film last evening, and I couldn't help myself.</div><div>George Bailey gets me every time. It really is a wonderful life...</div><br /><br /><div>Whew! What a week...what a wonderful week.<br /></div><br /><div>Last weekend, I took Friday off from work and the daughter and I attended such a beautiful wedding in Savannah, Georgia. The bride, my second cousin, and the groom were married just a few feet from where the daughter stands in the above photo in <a href="http://www.ci.savannah.ga.us/cityweb/p&tweb.nsf/0/1f4da52f3ef4d10685256c5a004a73c9?OpenDocument">Forsyth Fountain Park</a>. There was a <strong>miraculous</strong> change in weather from the dreary, stormy rehearsal dinner evening the night before. By noon on the wedding day, the weather was absolutely perfect- chilly, crisp, hint of sunshine, <em>dry</em>, and simply perfect. Because I have such a crappy camera, I do not have photos that would do justice to how lovely this wedding really was. Click <a href="http://www.openlightstudio.com/blog/2009/12/jennifer-scott-downtown-savannah-wedding/">here </a>if you'd like to see what the professional photographers did with this glorious wedding! The reception (and next day's Sunday brunch) took place at the <a href="http://www.mansiononforsythpark.com/hotel_overview/hotel_overview.asp">Mansion on Forsyth Park</a>. We were amazed! A beautiful beginning for the precious new couple.<br /><br /></div><div>After the fabulous weekend, I was off from work again on Monday...to do <a href="http://magallanomournings.blogspot.com/2009/12/atlanta-eve.html">something </a>purely for myself. I have not been that excited (or nervous) in quite awhile. The daughter was to be my right hand girl for the day- driver, photographer, entertainment, you name it...she was it! She was the perfect companion on a day long excursion to the big city of Atlanta to see one of my favorite bloggers, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">PW</a>.<br /></div><div>We left kind of early- after two doctor visits, gas station, and bank visits, we <em>finally</em> pulled into the parking lot of Borders around 2:00 or so. PW was set to arrive at 6:00...just a few hours to kill. We managed to find a few things to do...like take goofy photos of each other while we were waiting:<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415274224572730146" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SybrN0T8iyI/AAAAAAAAAmk/7bFAsu8kYBs/s320/PW+waiting.JPG" />Lovely huge grin, nice double chin. I look like I really need a cook book, don't I? One too many of PW's butter filled, luscious concoctions...yep...you're right! After the grandson is born in February, I need to put away that sinful book, and eat some salad.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415274219721993618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SybrNiPcLZI/AAAAAAAAAmc/536UPzGLKZE/s320/PW+waiting+aubs.JPG" /> This is just how the daughter looked most of the day...SO pregnant, swollen feet, and an aching back...thank goodness, we spotted such comfy chairs. Because we had the foresight to arrive early (Thank you, PW, for such vivid details of all of your book signings and the huge crowds!) we got orange arm bands (the first color of the evening!) group F (the sixth group of the first color!) and we really did not have to wait that long. </div><br /><br /><div>Sometime earlier in the day, I forgot to say that we traveled across the street to do a bit of shopping at the Target...the daughter's god mother was paying for the stroller from her baby shower registry, but she was having a hard time finding it at home. So, we made the trek (risking the loss of a comfy spot to sit in Borders) walking across the street (we did not want to lose our parking space) to look for the stroller. Low and behold we found it, <strong>and</strong> the scooter the godmother also asked us to get for <em>her</em> son for Christmas...Just so you know these were THE most enormous boxes I have ever seen and we were without the car! Um...what to do?!</div><br /><div>I made the very pregnant daughter stay with the purchases, and I hiked up the hill, across the highway, I mean street, and through the parking lot to the car...praying the whole way that someone did not hurt my baby and steal the huge boxes from her (not paranoid at all, I tell you). I drove back over to Target, and we proceeded to work tirelessly to get these monstrocities into the car / trunk. Even though it was nice and chilly...I kept thinking, <em>"This is just what I need...to get all sweaty just before I meet PW!"<br /></em>Finally, we get it done, and we are back in place at Borders...waiting some more.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415279537219080658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SybwDDdikdI/AAAAAAAAAms/9ZVYF4c717Y/s320/PW+waiting+2.JPG" />Eventually, PW arrives...we can tell by the screams, the applause, and the scramble of people to get over to where she is...(our strategically placed comfy chairs are just behind the screen where she is signing, and I can not force the daughter, with her swollen pregnant feet, to give them up just to go see and stand some more...so we sit and listen). They call orange A-C to come and line up. (Thank you, Borders, for having this so wonderfully well organized!) Periodically, I would panic that maybe I had not heard the nice man call my letter, F, and I would ask the daughter if she thought we should give up the chairs to go and see. She was steadfast...we would not! They had not called anything but A-C. This happened several times, and anyone else would have left me stranded in the Borders and driven home to peace and quiet...but not the daughter! She was the perfect, patient, and wonderfully calm companion. She even allowed me to whine a bit...worrying about what I would say to PW, how sweaty I might be by that time, and when they were gonna get to letter F. (Sometimes, I am the daughter and <em>she</em> is the mother.)<br /><br /><br />They say pregnant women are sometimes moody (I would never day that, nope, not me)...not the daughter...not <em>this</em> day! She was the picture of patience.<br /><br /><br />Finally, they called D, E, and....F! We went to line up, and the line snaked through the rows of books until it got to the Borders screen where PW was sitting.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Note:</strong> Now, let me just say that I have read many accounts on PW's blog of all sort of her fans and what it was like for them as they waited to have a moment with her. They ALL mention the wonderful conversations between virtual strangers in line...laughing, talking, taking photos of one another, making friends...etc. The daughter and I must be THE most anti-social people in the world...we barely spoke to anyone except each other. But that's ok...we're just SHY. Yeah, that's it...SHY.</em><br /><em></em><br /><br /><p>Here it is...the moment I was waiting for!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415285310626791266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Syb1THFM_2I/AAAAAAAAAm0/UnnSYpk4wpw/s320/PW.JPG" /><br /><p>I am sure you are wondering what wonderfully brilliant thing I finally decided to say to her.<br />Well....<br />I am fairly certain that I said something about my quivery lips...trying to smile for this photo. She was too sweet...she said the same thing was happening to her because she was nervous. After that, I can not be sure what I said...something about being sweaty...(sweaty...really?!) I am pretty sure. Nice. Classy. It went by really fast, and then we were over at the next table meeting Betsy (her sister) and Hyacinth (her friend). Shockingly fast...and then in less than two hours from the time PW arrived, the daughter and I were released into the cold Atlanta night air...on our way home.<br /></p><p>A funny note...when we arrived home, I thought certainly that the daughter would collapse and be completely ready for bed...not exactly. While I was checking my email and preparing for the next work day after being out two days, I heard this hammering sound...</p><br /><p></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415331048438223298" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Syce5ZtN0cI/AAAAAAAAAm8/4VAC-Wg5rF4/s320/PW+stroller.JPG" />She just couldn't wait to put her precious stroller together! She did it all by herself! Just adorable...little mama and her boy's <em>little hoot</em> stroller. </p><p><br />That was one week ago this evening.<br />Time flies...really...in this wonderful life, it does.<br />I am thankful for so much- having the opportunity to take off from work when I need to, having a precious daughter who loves me in spite of so much, who is willing to endure my endless whining and spends time with me, having the chance to meet PW, a blogger that I simply adore...it doesn't get much better!<br />Here's hoping that you take the time to do something fun for yourself and that you are able to see what a wonderful life this actually is!<br />Have a great week...<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-69619445687248113942009-12-06T21:56:00.003-05:002009-12-06T22:23:20.072-05:00Atlanta Eve<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Sxx1F05BvpI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Nl1GuxqrJSU/s1600-h/thepioneerwomancooks500%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412329595150122642" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Sxx1F05BvpI/AAAAAAAAAmM/Nl1GuxqrJSU/s320/thepioneerwomancooks500%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, it feels a little like Christmas Eve kinda. </div><div>I am on the verge of doing something so fun, I can barely stand it. </div><br /><div>Tomorrow, the daughter and I are heading to Atlanta to meet one of my very favorite bloggers, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman</a>, Ree Drummond. It's ok that she's not signing her book until later in the evening...I took the <em>whole</em> day off from work just in case! Several important errands have come up since then, so I sure am glad I did. After a few pit stops, we'll be on our way to Atlanta to plant ourselves at the Borders. I have been looking forward to this for months, ever since I saw Atlanta pop up on her book signing tour. I have a little confession of my own though...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am getting a tad bit nervous. Is that normal? Shouldn't <em>she</em> be the nervous one? She has done this so often by now, she couldn't possibly be nervous! If you know me at all, you are not surprised that I'd be the nervous one...What will I wear? What will I say? What if I embarrass myself? What will I say? What if I ramble on like I usually do? What if we do not make it in time? What will I say? What if we stand in line forever...will I make it back home in time for a good night's sleep? What will I wear? What will I say?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In case you can't tell, I have a <strong>mild</strong> case of social anxiety...I am bringing the daughter along for several reasons. First, she's the love of my life, and I can not think of anyone with whom I'd rather share my day. Also, because she is my filter...she'll (hopefully) stop me from saying wildly inappropriate things that are just unnecessary. Next, because I can NOT drive in Atlanta. She will be my chauffeur. Finally, because she just SO MUCH FUN. It will be with her that I laugh until I almost wet my pants and seriously need an oxygen tank just to breathe from laughing so hard. She's my baby girl who is expecting a baby herself soon, and I am not sure how many more mother - daughter days we'll have...so the daughter and I will most certainly have a few funny stories when we return. I can't wait to share them with you. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Hope your week starts off with loads of smiles and fun!</div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-12076229971148728522009-11-30T23:35:00.005-05:002009-12-01T00:04:46.095-05:00Dreaming of a White Christmas<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410124597375083874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SxSfqEElJWI/AAAAAAAAAl8/iOI5gOkMS4g/s320/the+hideaway+2.JPG" />In honor of the fact that the first day of December is minutes away, and the fact that I have posted only <em>once</em> in November, I thought I would share a few minutes of fun. This absolutely lovely place is called "The Hide-Away" by all who know it...it is nestled at the <strong>top</strong> of a mountain in North Carolina. This view is from the amazing deck down the drive way. If you look to your right, this is what you see. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410125617601476946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SxSglctgeVI/AAAAAAAAAmE/PZrOx7jxHhk/s320/the+view.JPG" />It feels as though you must be the only one in the universe, and as you breathe in the crisp mountain air, the stress disappears little by little. This precious place is owned by my dear cousins, E and J, and we had the honor of visiting here in October for their daughter's bridal shower party. What fun! More fun even was what happened as we were there:<br /><br /><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwj9BLI5ELMNQRbzLEHEiTHj2TsJ5q3xKv9-ezxzqtyAt1GAgjLtKjVFkf0P3lLNEPHLEmOwMcxy3TKzvfWng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>I was completely surprised...<em>that</em> just does not happen in Georgia in <em>October</em>! But the first North Carolina snowfall has left me wanting more...</p><p>We will be with these fabulous family members this weekend to attend the wedding in Savannah, one of my favorite cities in my state. I am sure I will have plenty to share.</p><p>Have a wonderful week...may you be blessed and feel the surprises of this holiday season each and every day!</p>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-25678409187202187502009-11-26T10:47:00.003-05:002009-11-26T10:54:59.796-05:00Like a cat whose ears are being scratched...I am quietly and serenely thankful...thankful for <em>so much</em>. <div>There are not even words to express the depth of thankfulness I feel. </div><div>I am blessed beyond measure.</div><div>Hoping your day of Thanksgiving is a wonderful outpouring of love, family, friends, and blessings.</div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Sw6jpOSXk1I/AAAAAAAAAl0/mY_EsKWSp8k/s1600/aubs+with+clark.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408440131123647314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/Sw6jpOSXk1I/AAAAAAAAAl0/mY_EsKWSp8k/s320/aubs+with+clark.JPG" /></a></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-90041764404426419802009-10-14T18:18:00.007-04:002009-11-04T20:19:31.059-05:00Elijah GrahamWe will call him Eli.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392584062031198370" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/StZOoh7NeKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/o0V7d-yPA9U/s320/aubs+crib.JPG" /><br />This is Eli's mommy and his <strong>great-grandparents</strong> putting together his new bed recently.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392584073505671026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/StZOpMq8B3I/AAAAAAAAAls/annYpTXWP10/s320/aubs+crib+finished.JPG" />This is where Eli will sleep. </div><div>We now have a matress, crib sheets, a comforter, and some other cutie pie things for the boy. </div><div>Anxiously awaiting his arrival in February.</div><div>I am Eli's <strong>grammy</strong>.</div><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div></div></div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-46859343677441772752009-10-14T17:59:00.004-04:002009-10-14T18:25:50.083-04:00Furlough Friday<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392579134354705346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/StZKJs5lS8I/AAAAAAAAAlU/AZRmQapc_II/s320/Fair-+swings.JPG" /> The daughter had a great idea.<br /><br /><br />I was on yet <em>another</em> furlough day (so far we've had three).<br />It was Friday.<br />The national fair arrived not so far away from our city the day before.<br /><br /><br />Yes, she's pregnant.<br />No, she couldn't ride any rides.<br />But, she <em>was</em> craving fair food...you know- nachos, corn dogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392580793825558962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/StZLqS6RAbI/AAAAAAAAAlc/Mss9EfA9wo8/s320/aubs+fair+food.JPG" /><br />Need I say more?<br />We laughed, shared most of the food from the above list...walked around, looked at the fun fair sights...and sweated profusely. (It was SO HOT.)<br />But it was fun.<br />I could not resist taking her photo with her lunch delights...so many people did that to me years ago when I was pregnant with her...I felt I should return the favor. Nice, huh?<br /><br />Not long after that excursion, I got a terrible cold and spent the rest of my really long weekend in my pajamas resting (coughing, sneezing, hacking, and trying to breathe!)<br />Monday was a holiday....still in pajamas...thought I might be able to risk returning to school on Tuesday...no such luck...came home...more pajamas...all the while still trying to breathe...and not sound like I should be wearing a hospital surgical mask.<br /><br />Really, I am better. And already it is almost the weekend again. How time flies when you are not at work. Hope your week has been a <strong>healthy</strong> and <strong>happy</strong> one.Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-50863361980181343182009-09-17T00:02:00.004-04:002009-09-17T00:04:48.881-04:00My Grandson<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SrG060jdwBI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ol-wfuI3pCc/s1600-h/babyboy+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382281952317259794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SrG060jdwBI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ol-wfuI3pCc/s320/babyboy+001.jpg" /></a><br /><div>It's a BOY! </div><div> </div><div>The daughter will have a <em><strong>son</strong></em> in February, and my heart is already bursting with grandmotherly love. </div>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-70190360576842864782009-09-09T15:17:00.012-04:002009-09-09T16:53:14.151-04:00Nine Things<div>In honor of this unique day, 09/09/09, <strong>nine</strong> <strong>random</strong> <strong>things</strong>:<br /><br /></div><div>1. I have THE biggest sweet tooth ever...in fact, I think I have <strong>all</strong> sweet teeth.</div><div><div><div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379557979764951154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgHewCCCHI/AAAAAAAAAkM/8704e5UiHtY/s320/Fresh+Market+Finds.jpg" />We have a swanky market in town called The Fresh Market, and sometimes, we go and get the oddest completely unnecessary things like an enormous sucker (a cavity waiting to happen), fresh ground <em>cashew</em> butter (who doesn't need <em>that</em>?), gummy bears (sweet <em>teeth</em>, I tell you), mix & match beer (which I do not even drink), and random Indian seasonings.<br /></p><p>2. I love the beach in winter most especially.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379559138132587682" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgIiLSZdKI/AAAAAAAAAkU/q2h6-euFay4/s320/beach+in+winter.jpg" /><br />Windy, cold, a sweater pulled around me...the freezing sand on my bare feet...the crashing of the waves and the cry of the gulls...it speaks to me like nothing else...invigorating and real...waking me up from the slumber of daily life.<br /><br /><br /><p>3. Vincent van Gogh's birthday is March 30. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379560472186061122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgJv1BiAUI/AAAAAAAAAkc/tkE1135W-YI/s320/Sunflowers+4.JPG" />My very best friend in the whole wide world, Sally, and I have celebrated on this day with dinner, a drink of two, cards, and cake...just like any birthday! (Perhaps we will do it again this coming year!) What could be better than your best friend, a wonderful meal, and a dead painter? Well, for someone who gave the world his <em>Sunflowers</em> and <em>Starry Night</em>...nothing! </div><br /><br /><div>4. I love this little girl's feet. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379562634884750546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgLtttFHNI/AAAAAAAAAkk/y9lq2QhUleQ/s320/MEBS+feet.jpg" /><br />Tiny toes, chipped polish, tickle spots, and flip flops...these feet carry her everywhere in her busy world...I am standing on the sidelines watching them grow...watching her grow...watching her move through this world...in awe of her abilities and talents...</div></div><br /><br /><p>5. I treat my cats like children. </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379564129958951282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgNEvSi-XI/AAAAAAAAAks/T2YnHQreJX0/s320/cats+in+front+of+fire+(Horatio).jpg" />Maybe that should make me ashamed...I am not sure. But, I can not help it. Look at these three, snuggling in front of the fire place. We had five at one time, but Horatio (the middle gray cat) died last January. Sometimes, I miss him more than I could express. I have a sorrowful longing inside my heart that will not fill up with anything else. However, the other four keep me smiling and laughing and snuggling. At least, they share the house with us. </div><div><br /> </div><div>6. Speaking of cats...this is Norton...on <strong>my</strong> favorite red sheets...in <strong>my</strong> bed. </div><div><br /><br /></div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379565552004060338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgOXg0hVLI/AAAAAAAAAk0/kbbD5FdG134/s320/Notron+in+my+bed.jpg" />One luxury that I love (regardless of the budget) is wonderfully soft sheets...the higher the thread count, the better...the more vibrant the color, the best! After the husband washes these and puts them on our bed, I could rest there forever and be happy...pure bliss! </p><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div>7. I wish I lived somewhere wonderfully cold and snowy.<br /></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379568483717309506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgRCKTbZEI/AAAAAAAAAk8/oIaQ8ShuKM4/s320/snow.jpg" /></p><br /><p>Maybe I would get tired of the work of it...but there is something so moving to my soul about snow. I love looking at it, being in it, and experiencing it so completely. We so rarely get snow here that things actually shut down and the city comes to a screeching halt. If I lived somewhere that had snow more often, it would be such a wonderful thing. Real winter! </p><br /><p></p><br /><p>8. I will be a grandmother in February.</p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 281px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379570871839281634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SqgTNKwE0eI/AAAAAAAAAlE/qXgkqFlQM5g/s320/peanut.jpg" /></p><br /><p>No matter how many times I say it, it still surprises me. We have come to accept this as an exciting fact, and are looking forward to this day as a wonderful experience for our family. My parents will know their great-grand child! As a very young mother myself, this is not what I wanted for my daughter, but she is not nearly as young as I was thankfully. She is much more mature and capable of raising a child than I could have been at 17. We will find out whether it is a girl or a boy next week. I am going with her to watch the sonogram and be amazed and cry like a grandmother should! </p><p>9. Today, I am 38 years old. </p><p> </p><p>Hope you are having a great week, and today brought you something special. </p>Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-47392136464249699532009-08-18T21:33:00.003-04:002009-08-18T21:44:20.274-04:00Whew!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SotW4ofCODI/AAAAAAAAAkE/OiLE2Gh4z_I/s1600-h/MEBS+sidewalk+chalk+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371482511509698610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2Yo2INL5QTE/SotW4ofCODI/AAAAAAAAAkE/OiLE2Gh4z_I/s320/MEBS+sidewalk+chalk+2.JPG" /></a> Back when it was summer...and I had leisure time to lazily spend the day with this sweetie pie...I did not realize how fast the time would fly and it would be almost September so soon...Whew.<br />I am missing those precious summer days when we laughed and played and did whatever we wanted!<br /><br />School is not so bad for the beginning of the year. It's middle school- 7th grade, 12 year olds- so what can I say? It could always be worse. Things have been VERY hectic, making up for the two furlough days..we had to cram <em>six</em> days of pre-planning into only <em>three</em>. I have just this afternoon finally gotten through all of the hundreds of returned forms that we sent out to parents on the first few days of school. I can always complain, but I will not. I am thankful to have a job and a pay check!<br /><br />Hope to catch up soon, and make a decent post with something exciting and nice photos to go along...ha! We'll see how long <em>that</em> takes.<br />Hope all is well for you in your world. Have a great week.Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-77582837191599653392009-08-01T20:12:00.002-04:002009-08-01T20:17:17.305-04:00Furlough DaysWas supposed to start back to work this past Thursday. Budget cuts...<strong>two</strong> furlough days (and one more later in October), so why bother. Apparently there are people who just assume that teachers will take a pay cut and come to work anyway. Not <em>this</em> teacher.<br /><br />The weekend is well underway, and I do officially start on Monday. *sigh*<br />I always feel a bit depressed when summer comes to an end.<br /><br />Am working on a huge scrapbook project for my cousin's birthday, so I need to get back to work. Hope you are doing something fun this weekend.Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3387580530162541897.post-69165507639964238582009-07-18T06:29:00.002-04:002009-07-18T06:34:39.032-04:00This PlaceThis place.<br />I am leaving to go <a href="http://magallanomournings.blogspot.com/2008/07/bsm-reflections-at-sunrise.html">here </a>in a few minutes...<br />I am hoping to calm my mind and erase my fears at here (or at least diminish them).<br />Ready to utter some prayers, soak in some tranquility and be one with this treasure that God has given us.<br /><br />Hope the week is wonderful for you too.Andihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17193498123027264782noreply@blogger.com1