Focus, Focus, Focus

A few weeks ago, twin sister and I were out and about. Her granddaughter Arabella came along.

At some point, Arabella got restless, and I took out my cellphone and peeked in the backseat with my camera, hoping to distract her.

Once she spotted me, she immediately ceased fretting, and we exchanged smiles for a few priceless moments.

She reminded me of myself.

Between you and me, the past few weeks have found me struggling in my car seat, road weary, deeply grieved about things I can't change, my heart so heavy at times breathing is a real struggle. I don't like the detour life has demanded. The road is rough. The road is long. I want out of the car.

But just when I think I can't go another mile, I get a call from a special someone, or I see a vivid sunset, or I read a timely word, and I remember my Creator, and how he cares about me, and provides for me, and has promised to never leave me alone in my weakness. And for another day, I find strength to sit still and journey on.

Philippians 4:8 says: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things...and the God of peace will be with you."

In other words, you'll never have peace if you're focused on the bumpy road. You have to commit the road to the Driver and focus on something good. ♦

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

My Granddaughter Turns Three

April 29, 2015

My precious Audrey turns three today. When we went for ice-cream and posed for this selfie on April 29, 2015, it was a cloudless day, and we had just finished up a magical sleepover at Nonni's house. This scripture brings me peace when life seems unbearable.

Psalm 139:16 says: "All the days 'ordained for me' were written in your book before one of them came to be."

God knew these days would come for us both, and I am trusting him to keep us both until we see each other again.

Happy birthday, my sweet, sweet Audrey. I pray it is special in every way, and that you celebrate many, many more.

All my love,
Nonni 

Miss Audrey in the Park

I'll admit, I don't have much to say these days, and I'm sure nobody out there truly cares, which makes life so easy. I do have some photos to show you though. Lots. I've been wanting to take my beloved granddaughter to the nearby arboretum and shoot some pics of her in a little outfit I bought her for Christmas, and Saturday, I finally did.

Miss Audrey loves to laugh, and we had minutes of pure joy with her almost losing her breath, laughing so hard at something silly Nonni said. I almost lost my breath, too, sitting beside her in the swing, feeling her tiny fingers wrapped around mine, her innocence almost tangible in her striped sweater cap. I know these days are swiftly passing, and I'm making precious memories as often as I can.

Thanks to my twin for coming along and insisting I let her take a few shots of me and Audrey together. Although I wasn't really prepared for photos, I will forever cherish these pictures of this magical day.

To keep the blog from being longer than the Brooklyn Bridge, I've made collages for your viewing pleasure.

August 22, 2014

My dearest Audrey,

I had been looking forward to you spending the night with me all month, so when you finally arrived Friday evening, I couldn’t open the front door fast enough. And there you were, on the hip of Aunt Courtney, your blonde hair aglow in the August sun, smiling from ear-to-ear and reaching your little arms my direction. Nonni’s heart all but exploded with joy.

The next few hours zipped by as we sang old songs and learned new songs, and read old books and new books, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed some more. Your smile is totally infectious, and when you laugh, it’s straight from the heart.

Aunt Dayle popped in to see her “pie,” and my, oh, my—there was dancing in the foyer. I mean, really. Aunt Dayle could’ve won a prize or something. I’m thankful you have Aunt Dayle in your life. You’ll be thankful, too, as the years go by.

And then it was just us again.

After dinner was done, we washed our hands at the kitchen sink. You love running water, and you promptly decided an all-out splashing was what you really needed, feet and all. So, Nonni canceled plans for a bathtub bath, and a sink bath quickly ensued. And what fun you had with my less-than-inventive bath toy of a small plastic bowl, filling it up and pouring it out again.

Once you were dried off, I put some smell-good lotion on you and dressed you for bed. It had been a long time since I had been with you at bedtime, and even longer since you had spent the night at my house, so I was a bit anxious about how the evening would go.

With your bottle and favorite blanket in hand, we climbed the stairs to your room. As evening shadows gathered outside, I sat in the rocker, hoping you would let me rock you for awhile. And you did. It was heaven on earth. I sang and hummed one of your favorite songs until your little eyes grew heavy with sleep. Once I laid you down, you drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

As daylight sifted through the bedroom curtains, I heard you jabbering in your crib. There is nothing any sweeter than the sound of you jabbering, and I am sure heaven’s choir stopped to listen in. Another day was about to start, and sunshine was in abundant supply. ♦

Mosaic Monday - FaceTime with the Grandchild

July 6, 2014

Thanks to my daughter's diligence, Audrey and I do FaceTime almost every day. Occasionally, I initiate the call, but since I don't know Miss Audrey's availability, Leslie usually calls me. I must say, it never gets old. Seeing Audrey's little face light up melts my heart and fills me with more joy than I can contain. Some days, we sing and some days we just "talk" and be silly, but every moment is a priceless memory made. I love her dearly, and I'm glad she loves me.

I'm linking to Mosaic Monday.

Audrey Update

Have you ever seen anything cuter than Miss Audrey in these pictures? Me neither. She completely melts my heart and fills me with overflowing joy.

She's growing so much and learning something new every day it seems. She says duck, and thank you and night-night. She is obsessed with books, and will sit for long periods of time while you read. Here we are reading last week.

She was sick last week, and for various reasons, I didn't get to see her much, but my twin sister (who has been Audrey's caretaker for the past month) took very good care of her while her mother worked. Dayle has been a real blessing to my daughter and to Audrey, which blesses me, too. I know they will all miss each other when they part ways.

And that will come next week, if all goes as planned, when Audrey will begin regular daycare. Nonni's heart is sadder than sad, but I've released her into God's hands, and I know he will watch over her while she is away from Mommy. ♦

The Long, Gone Days of March

Can you believe it's April already? Me neither. Here are a few pictures (and a rambling narrative) of how March went for me.

My daughter moved.

I took some time off to assist her as best I could. Thanks to my beloved brother-in-law and twin sis for also pitching in. Nothing like family. On the final night at Leslie's apartment, with boxes stacked to the roof:

Miss Audrey plays without a clue.

(This photo makes me weak. Love the tiny feet and blonde hair.)

She gets a final bath in the sink.

And thrills us all in her towel.

She "helps" Mommy dismantle the drapes in the bedroom.

 

And entertains herself in her play pen.

And falls asleep atop her fuzzy bear, without a care in the world.

By evening, she would be examining their new place, complete with her own bedroom.

Here she is, checking out the closets. She has a "thing" for doors.

And a thing for this little duck.

Everything seemed to pass inspection.

My daughter gets a big promotion.

She's been on the job less than a year, but she's already impressed her bosses in a big way. Her new title is Executive Administrator. Several people will report directly to her. It was cause for celebration, and so we did at the Black Walnut Cafe.

I reunited with comrades.

In 2007, I attended a self-help seminar in Dallas called Discovery!. It was one of the most memorable weekends ever, and I made friends for life. On the 15th, a few of the Dallas and Houston alumni met up for a time of food and fellowship at the home of Melissa and Donnie Brown. It was a wonderful time of strolling down memory lane with wonderful people.

I got new windows.

Woohoo! I've wanted new windows since buying my house in 2008. Although it had been remodeled, the windows were original to the house, which is about 40 years old. As a result, Old Man Winter was hard to keep out, and a lot of cold air escaped during the sizzling months of summer, not to mention the noise factor from the neighbors and neighborhood. It was a sizable investment, but they look beautiful, and I have no regrets.

Audrey learns the spider song.

Just like her mother, she has been intrigued with music since her birth almost. The minute anyone sings, she is all eyes and ears. She loves songs with hand gestures, and her current favorite is "Itsy, Bitsy Spider." Here is her interpretation.

The azaleas bloomed and I went cruising.

Every spring, I look forward to seeing the neighborhood all abloom. The azaleas rarely disappoint, and this year was no exception. I also love bluebonnets, the official state flower of Texas. Sadly, they aren't as prevalent here as they were in my former home of Dallas, but you can still find them if you look. On the final weekend in March, I hopped in the car and went looking. MapQuest led me astray, and I only found a handful, but I still enjoyed the warm, sunny afternoon with the windows down, away from the big city.

And that's about it, my friends. April will be memories before you know it. Seize each moment and make it count. ♦

Mosaic Monday ~ Rock-a-bye Baby

My granddaughter stayed with me a few precious hours today. When it came time for her nap, I laid her in her bed, scratched her back and sang "Rock-a-bye Baby" until she fell asleep. She brings me more joy than words can tell.  ♦

Sharing at Mosaic Monday.

The Days of October

October is birthday month for my twin sister and me. Dayle was with her hubby, vacationing in the mountains, so we blew out our candles apart this year. She said it was the first time in 10 years, and I guess I'll let her be the expert there. I thank God for my twin, and I hope her wishes come true.

Birthday evening, my daughter took me out to dinner at my new favorite place: Tommy Bahama's on Market Street. The food was divine. My granddaughter, Audrey Emeline (pronounced: Emma Line) was also divine. Other than posing for these pictures, she mainly slept and looked adorable.

As the weather turned a bit cooler, I dangled a few fall leaves in my kitchen window and stretched a garland behind the sink. Nothing fancy, but it gives me that "fall feeling" every time I walk in. Love how the leaves move constantly.
Although I'm trying to maintain my own life in some measure, most weekends find me hovering over my grandchild. I realize these infancy days will pass so quickly, and I hate missing any of them. This particular weekend, I spent the night with my daughter and watched little one the next morning while Leslie cheered a friend on in a mud run. Me and the grandchild shared lots of smiles and kisses.

Another weekend with the grand one. We played peep-eye and rocked and sang. She is cutting five teeth all at once, so she drools like mad. We went through three bibs in no time.

Family gathered to celebrate my birthday last night at Spring Creek BBQ. Wombmate was still gone (sigh), and her daughter wasn't able to join us, but it was a wonderful time with people I love. To me, nothing is better than family and good food in the same room.

Well, today is the last weekend in October, and what a gorgeous day it is outside. My grandgirl is asleep on my bed, and chicken gumbo is on the menu for tonight. My daughter starts a new job next Monday. Her child care plans fell apart, so please help me pray for the perfect person to care for Miss Audrey. I know God loves her more than we do, and I believe he will provide.

Till next time, my friends, seize the day.

Well, Is She?

Is she adorable or what? That's all.

Saturday at Nonni's House

My sweet granddaughter spent the night with me Friday night, and I kept her all day Saturday while her mother did some shopping. She is such a joy.

No matter how tired I get from lifting, and bending, and stooping, and holding, just a smile from her (and there are always plenty!) makes me forget any aches I have.

While I was busy in the kitchen, she sat on the island in her bouncer, watching Nonni and the world go by. I wish I could keep her this little and this innocent for a long, long time. But, alas, that isn't how this baby stuff works. Little today; grown tomorrow.

Big Sister stopped in for some Audrey time, and it was sweetness all around. She has a way with babies, and Audrey was quite intrigued.

Around sundown, mommy returned for her bundle of joy. It was a reunion of sorts. Lots of cooing going on. As they drove away into the night, I thanked God for my countless blessings and for the many good gifts he bestows each day. ♦

A Grand Grandparents Day

Last weekend was Grandparents Day, and what a grand weekend it was, spending time among the pines with my parents, my daughter and my granddaughter. Thank you, Leslie, for planning it!

Here are a few pictures to give you a general idea of what went down, and I'll weave a little tale as we go along.

 The road home is always a beautiful one for me.

I know unconditional love is waiting.

 

But not just unconditional love.

 

A pistachio cake was cooling on the counter. The sweet aroma sent sugary shockwaves surging through my veins. Ah. What a glorious weekend this was going to be.

 

Miss Audrey had been the ideal passenger, overall, but didn't nap much along the way. So after a brief hello to the great-grands, she was catching up on her sleep.

 

 Here she is in the carseat on the ride over, looking perfect.

 

 And here she is napping on Big Nana's guest bed.

Pardon the grainy picture. The room was totally dark.

 

While Audrey slept, Leslie helped her nana with photo albums, I worked on crossword puzzles, and Daddy sat around and took it all in. Of course, the pistachio cake was the center of everything I did. Honestly. I lost count of how many pieces I ate.

 

Once the grandbaby woke up, we decided we better take full advantage and let her entertain the grandparents before she fell back to sleep, which, according to her mother, was imminent.

 

I thought my daughter captured a prize-winning photo of us, piled on the couch, totally enamored by the newest member of the family. For me, this picture stirs up feelings of long ago, when families stayed together and simple things were enough.

 

I found it quite fitting (and so very special) that I am wearing my maternal grandmother's "housecoat," taken from Mother's stash in the upstairs closet. Grandmother Kynerd would have loved Audrey, her great-great granddaughter. Of that, I am certain.

 

I took boo-coodles of pictures, but I will spare you the time and just post one other one that I loved from this setting.

 

I love how Audrey's feet are firmly plopped on Mother's chest. She has no idea who she is entertaining. Could be the Queen of England for all she knows. That's what makes babies so special.

 

After Audrey was down for the night, my sweet daughter handed out gifts to one and all. Yay! Gifts!

 

 This was my gift, and I dearly love it. I have a small collection of Willow Tree figurines, and this one just might be my favorite. The description says, "Grandmother. A unique love that transcends the years."

 

If anybody is still reading, bless you. The story goes on.

 

Early Sunday morning, after helping Leslie give Audrey an impromptu bath (thanks to some impromptu throwing up), I lotioned her up, wrapped her up and took her to my room for some Nonni time before getting dressed for church.

 

 Judging by her expressions in these photos, she got a bit of lotion on her fingers and wasn't too sure about the taste. The last one makes me laugh out loud.

 

Before leaving for church, I posed on the couch with my precious grandbaby. Words simply can't tell how much I love this child, and how much joy she has brought into my life in her 12 short weeks of living. I pray I can bring her half as much joy in the years to come.

 

 After church, a few more shots before delving into fried chicken.

 

 Leslie and her adorable Audrey.

 

 Leslie and her grandparents. (How I love each one.)

 

 Leslie and her mom.

 

FYI - This was a pretty good picture of us, but after it was taken, we thought we might get a better one, so we continued posing and things took an interesting turn when we switched places, and I decided my hair needed some help. The backlight from the window behind us wasn't ideal, and I thought my hair needed fluffing up, shaking out. Something.

 

The first fluff didn't solve the problem, so I kept fluffing, and Leslie kept shooting. Below are some rare "behind the scenes" shots. You can see Leslie losing control with each snap of the camera. OMW! I laugh till I cry every time I look at these! If you're still reading, this is your reward!

 

 

My favorite one is the top right. I look like a man with a bad, bad rug! And while I've got you laughing, I'll bring it to an end. Till next time, my peeps, adiós! ♦