Fun with Celia and Bennett

Yes, Bennett is walking!
Celia is dancing; cute ballet outfit, huh.

Bennett with Caroline.

Mamu and Celia playing Mario Race Cars on Mamu's Nintendo DS.

Celia and Bennett dancing.

Here are pictures of our second adventure in babysitting. It was just me and the girls so I didn't take a lot of pictures but we had lots of fun. We went shopping, made cookies and took lots of walks. The weather was perfect; out in our short sleeves for most of the walks.

Mummer's Pictures 3

Mummer's Pictures 2nd Batch

This year it was very warm...almost 70 degrees during the day.

Mummers 2007

We went to the Mummer's Parade. It is usually New Year's Day but was postponed until Saturday, January 6 this year due to rain and winds. Our friends Ted and Julie have a big Mummer's bash every year. We have gone for 3 years and it is always a good time. They live very close to the Mummer clubhouses so we get to see them at the end of the parade. Wonder how long it takes to clean up all the silly string. Thanks, Ted and Julie!

Celia's Birthday Cookies

Here is a picture of the cookies that I made for Celia's birthday (she's 3 years old). I also sent some to Mother. They both seem to have enjoyed them greatly.

New Year's Eve 2001 and 2002

Dug around for some history... you can almost see my hair was red in 2001

New Year's Eve 2006

Since the Eagles were playing on New Year's Eve, we went over to the Bond's early, 4:00PM. Of course, I had to take a nap before we went over so that I could make it to midnight to welcome in the New Year. The game went well (the Eagles won) and then we had dinner. And a delicious dinner it was; prime rib, potatoes, salad and rolls. We had snacks during the game so we were STUFFED after dinner. Then we listened to a little music (Beatles and Grateful Dead) and then played some cards (Pinochle and Tonk, as usual). Desert around 11:30 and then made it to the couch to set up the picture. Couldn't get the TV to work (cable problems) but settled those problems. Set up the camera on the top of the TV, a precarious perch, and when I pushed the button to set the timer (the timer must be set with only 10 seconds to go so that I can run and get into the picture and the picture will be taken at exactly 12 Midnight)...anyway when I pushed the button, the camera slipped almost off the top of the TV and I had to reset the camera and run, pick up my glass and pose for the picture. We were all afraid I wasn't going to make it but it made for a funny picture.

Kitchen Remodel

Okay Jess has been asking so here are the before and after pictures of our new kitchen counter, tile backsplash and sink.

Gingerbread Houses

I decided to make gingerbread houses this year. I have a Pampered Chef mold with a recipe for gingerbread that will hold up as a house. Each recipe makes enough for 1 1/2 houses and I doubled the recipe.

I can't wait until Celia and Bennett are come to visit at Christmas to help me make them.

Christmas at Mamu & Pops'

We have a small Christmas tree this year but outside we have a palm tree & beach chair and a snowman. We also decorated the picture window and the plant hanger. I include pictures of all except for the plant hanger, which is not lighted yet. I want to add more to the planters in the picture window, just haven't come up with THE idea.

Thanksgiving Dinner Pictures

Thursday (THANKSGIVING)

Talked to Celia, who was really interested in the Thanksgiving parade, but took time out to talk with Pops (and Mamu, but mostly Pops). We are trying to teach her to greet us with "Yo, Pops!" Giving her the Philly flavor. We can't wait to take her to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving parade.

I made Sweet Potato Rolls for our dinner this afternoon at Jean's house. Will try to upload some pictures tonight.

Dinner was great and the company was excellent! It is always fun to be with Jean, Aldo and their girls. Gi and I worked on some crochet patterns.

I have MUCH to be thankful for!

Wednesday Morning

Boy, am I glad I came home yesterday! The weather in Charlotte is so bad (rain and high wind) that the airport is delaying flights. I know it would be miserable driving.

I called E, Hunt and the girls and talked to them all. Celia saw some turkeys! Sounds like they are doing great.

Good thing I recently signed up for unlimited long distance calling on my home phone. I hope to have lots of conversations with Celia in the future.

Mamu Leaves

Tuesday began bright and early when Celia woke at 4:00AM. I went in and talked with her a little and snuggled (what a treat for Mamu, even at 4:00AM). It didn't take long for Celia to settle down but then I couldn't go back to sleep. Finally got up around 5:00, showered and went down to the basement to check on work and start the last load of wash (sheets). E was up gathering the bags to take the girls with her. It was finally time to get the girls and we had grits and eggs and strawberries for breakfast. It was a flurry of activity until 9:15AM when we loaded up the girls. E had moved the car seats on Monday night (with some help from one of Dave's friends) and we had set up the DVD player. We got them all hooked up and turned on the DVD and we were off.

I had a nice drive listening to my CDs and thinking about my time with the girls. I am soooo glad that I am retiring so that I can have times like these. Dave and Mary have done a great job with raising Celia and Bennett. Their love shines in, around and through the girls and Celia understands that God can help her through everything. He put "happy thoughts" in her head every night to help her go to sleep and she asked Him to take care of her family in her prayers at night and at meals.

E Comes (Picture)

Pop's Pictures