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

E Comes

With Fran gone on Sunday and Jess gone Monday morning, Celia and Bennett and I settled down and enjoyed a day together, reading books, watching Sesame Street and playing with the Pooh house.

E got there after the afternoon nap and the girls were sure happy to see her. Of course, the first activity was reading a book (see picture). E packed for the girls and I worked on some of the wash. For dinner I went out for Chick-Fil-a (Celia's favorite) and we had some of Pop's macaroni and cheese. I gave Bennett her bath and E took care of Celia. E and I both read to Celia at bedtime and "talked" with her. Her favorite "talk" with me was "Mamu's Grandmama's house". I told her about the BIG swing on the porch and how 3 people (Mommy, Daddy and Celia and Bennett, since Bennett is very small) could enjoy swinging on the porch. We talked about the chickens and how I went to their little houses and gathered their eggs and about the cows and how my Grandmama milked the cow. Celia was very interested in talking about the garden and especially about the corn that grew in the garden and fed the cows and the chickens. She was excited to discuss the peanuts that also grew in the garden, since peanuts are one of her favorite foods.

Today's pictures include some of the pictures from Pop's camera.

Day 5 Pictures

Day 5 Text

Pops left early Sunday morning and Jess left about 10:00 this morning. We made cupcakes and went out to Target last night just before dinner. Chicken and dumplings for dinner but the girls were not impressed. Kayla and Jack stopped by for a visit. It was fun to play. Jack has some cool binoculars. We had cupcakes together after lunch today. It is nap time now but I have to do some work as the databases are falling apart.

More later, I hope.

Day 4 Pictures

Day 4 text

So much fun today! TWO trips to the park, lots of books and a BIG walk!

Pops made dinner tonight... macaroni and cheese, ham steak and steamed broccoli. Celia ate macaroni until I thought it would come out her ears. Finally found something Bennett wasn't crazy about (macaroni & cheese) but she more than made up for it with the ham...and not a bite found its way to the floor!

Day 3 Pictures

Day 3 Text

Fran got here today about lunch time. The girls were glad to see him. Celia kept saying, "I'm so glad to see you, Pops!" We went out to McDonalds for dinner. There was a piano playing all by itself in McDonalds. And then Aunt Jess came in about 7:00. We were surprised! Only a couple of pictures to share for today.

Day 2 Pictures