Visit with a sweet girl and random stuff

It takes forever to finish a post these days! AND I actually should be cleaning house right now, but, oh well! Somebody has to write this!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Katie and Anna Cross! How precious to see a new mother kissing her baby's head and looking lovingly down.

Thankfully, Beau got to be with Katie for Anna Cross's birthday! Aren't they a sweet couple?

Grady was so happy to have his little cousin stay with him a few days! He has the happiest smile!

You didn't think I was leaving my granddaughter out of this post did you??? Ashley traveled with us to visit with Grady and Anna Cross. She just has a way with children and Grady loved playing with her.

Oh, here they are again!

Anna Cross is so peaceful and laid back! We were all being real noisy, but she just slept away.

Grady's mom and dad, Mikey and Mary Grace graciously opened their home for Katie to stay while Beau was deployed. It will be so quiet around there now! Thanks for having us visit too!

Does anybody know how difficult it is to get a picture everybody is happy with??? Mary Grace, I apologize that your face is half covered up, but this is the only one that Anna Cross wasn't cut out of, so who was taking the picture???

Finally, Ashley got to hold Anna Cross. Katie just let all of us hold her and didn't seem nervous about it at all. Her hands are clenched together, I just noticed that!

Obviously, we took lots of pictures. From left friend Carol, me, my sister Cathy and sitting is Ashley holding Anna Cross.

We left grandson Adam with his grandpa for the day, as he probably wouldn't have been as thrilled with a newborn and an almost 7 month old!

The days have flown by and tonight we'll be trying to pack the kids up to go home tomorrow. I can hardly believe a month has flown gone by! I always get a bit nervous on the day they arrive and the day they fly away home! I'm not a seasoned flyer so I'm always afraid something will go wrong. They don't worry about it at all! They just laugh and remind me of how they know what to do.

After tomorrow, I plan to visit everyone and see what's been going on in your neck of the blog!

Our Third and Fourth of July

I absolutely have to finish this post today! I've been working on it a little bit every couple of days. So here it is, ready or not!

Having the grandchildren for almost a month gives us time to do so much more! Of course, they would like to stay in the pool 24/7, but occasionally I drag them out to do something else or see someone!

On the third, we went to see Transformers II. Oh, my it is a three hour movie! Three hours! Of course, you'll have to remember that it is a rarity for me to go to a movie theater for two reasons. One, man they are expensive! But the main reason is that I like to watch a movie when I'm in my comfortable bed with the pause button readily at hand so I can stop anytime and then come back and watch some more! I usually make a list (do NOT tell my husband because he's always saying I should make a list, but of important stuff) of the movies that are out in the theaters that look interesting to me. Then when they come out on DVD, I remember to rent them.

The movie was actually not too bad if you like that kind of thing....I only slept through about 30 minutes of it but it WAS a three hour movie! It was interesting to read in our local paper that a boy man who graduated from a local high school was in the movie.

Coming in, they saw this poster.


After the movie, I took them to their great grandmother's where they spent the night and watched the parade the next morning. The parade is always fun to watch at her house as she lives right on the parade route. They just set up chairs and when it's over, they just take them back in the house! Very convenient.

After the parade, their Uncle David brought them back to our house loaded down with parade paraphernalia. They showered and got ready for the next leg of our 4th of July journey.



Then it was off to my brother's where part of the family was gathered. We try to make sure they see and visit with all of their "Florida family" while they're here, which is no small task! We are a big family.

Lois, my sister in law, is always such a gracious hostess.....here she is showing David the snack foods.


Ashley with her Aunt Debbie, my sister.

Every body gets plenty to eat on the 4th. From left, my sister Debbie, nephew Andy and soon to be niece, Wyndi.


Debbie and Tommy somehow convinced mama to come out for the family affair. She was a little uncomfortable, but did fine. It just wears her out to get out these days.

This gaggle of cousins was located in the living room on the computer. Surprised??

Uncle David wearing the crown.......I'm not sure what Ashley has.

My nephew, Joshua, who later came home with Adam and spent the nite. He has a bum knee as a result of recently being hit by a truck! That's a whole nother story!

Then it was home to swim a little bit, then to our next step.....Mema's house for grilling and fireworks. Mema always sets a beautiful table for the 4th!

Broke out the telescope and watched the boats at Shell Island. With that telescope, you can see everything and everyone! It is always fun being peeping patriots! Matt, Adam and David were taking turns people watching.

Ashley and Mema. Is Ashley tall or is Mema short???

Mema and Adam.

My monkeys decided to climb the oaks which of course I thought was dangerous.

Ashley was loving it until she realized she might just be a little high up in that tree! Those are the beautiful oaks that are found throughout our town.

She's saying do you think it's too high for me to jump? Her nana is screaming hysterically saying yes! While her Uncle David is saying, just jump, I'll catch you.

He didn't. If you click on the picture below, you'll see she's falling and Uncle David isn't in place for the catch! See, I was right! Why oh why won't anybody listen to me?????

She's not hurt, just scraped up a little and I'm sure shaken up a LOT, but she won't admit that!

Uncle Hugh came to greet the kids while it was still daylight. He goes to bed about 6 p.m. and listens to the radio. Then he gets up about 3 or 4 a.m. and puts everyone's papers at their front door. So that old saying, Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise is true! Well, healthy and wise anyway!

And finally, here we are waiting for the fireworks to start. They were really beautiful, but my little point and shoot camera didn't get any good pictures.

At long last bedtime arrives and were we a tired bunch of folks! I hope you all had a great 4th and May God Bless America!

Oh baby! Anna Cross is born!

July 2, 2009, a little after noon, Anna Cross was born! Many were eagerly awaiting her arrival.

Daddy had been deployed and got home just in time to be there when his beautiful daughter was born! Anna Cross joins her cousin Grady into a big, loving family and a huge group of friends! Here's the proud daddy and mama after Anna Cross made her grand appearance! Aunt Emily was like me and was wishing she could be there.

Aunt Mary Grace holding her new nephew! She hates having her picture taken, but for this occasion.....well she sacrificed! Grandpa is grinning in the background. This is grandchild number 2 and twins are expected in the not so far future from Uncle Brian and Aunt Robin.

Yes, I'm a little jealous that my sister was there and not me! Let's just say she was my substitute!

Beautiful, tired mama holding her precious little girl! I heard she was quite the trooper during labor.

Sweet, sleeping Anna Cross. She had a long day too!

Welcome, little girl! A lot of people love you!

A trip to the beach.

Have we been home less than a week????? This is a really busy and fun week!!! Did I mention that my grandchildren are not only beautiful, but they're really smart too??? Do I sound like a grandmother. But seriously, when you don't see them that often, it's such a treat and you just have to breathe them in and you notice every little thing about them. I wish you all could meet them in person. But I'll be doing good if all my family gets to see them! I have a big family.

O.K. one last entry about the beach. Only because these pictures are so good.

This bird is used to fishermen AND stealing their fish! He's awfully good at getting the fish before the fisherman does! He stayed around for a couple of days while the guys were surf fishing.

We had some wonderful moments at the beach. Little bits of Florida life that we natives used to know so well. Not so much anymore. Greed took over and this is one of the few beaches left with low density. Nice!

Oh, here's one of the above mentioned grandchildren now! I have no idea why we didn't have our bathing suits on. Ashley was in the water most of the time. We were just relaxing for a few moments here.

Adam isn't particularly fond of having his picture taken, but I was somewhat sneaky determined to get some of him in the Gulf.
I think this one was on his 13th birthday.

Niece Sarah had this nice tube that they loved floating in.....and sitting on the beach in apparently.

I took this picture right as the sun was going down. Ashley had been digging in the sand. You just never get too old for sand castles!

This is the house we vacationed in, beautiful!

Body surfing. This is about as much surf as we had the entire week. It was a good thing though as I didn't have to worry about the undertow. It can be vicious!

Adam loves working on the pool. He wasn't being forced into child labor, I promise!

Ashley on the balcony. I wanted so to have some pictures of the grandchildren in the sunset. Unfortunately, the sun set way to the right of the house. We could have gone to the other side of the Island, let's just say that never happened.

I was so glad they were able to spend a few days with us at the beach. They live near the beach in California, but you know there are just no beaches like Florida beaches!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Seventeen years ago, I got a call that would forever change my life. My son said to me, "she's here, Ashley Bianca is born!" Five weeks later, her Uncle David and I boarded a plane and flew to California to get our first glimpse of this precious gift! The moment they put her in my arms, I felt something strange, yet wonderful! I was a grandmother! If you don't have grandchildren yet, just take my word for this, there is no other feeling quite like this one. It's different from the love you have for your children. It just is.

Over the years, she has grown in every way, but she has a very special grace. She's not only beautiful on the outside, but she's a real beauty on the inside! Everyone who meets her, just falls in love with her.

When she goes home, she'll start her senior year in high school. She's already taking the SAT's and thinking about college! She's gone from being a baby, then an adorable toddler, cuddly little girl, sweet preteen, teen and now.....suddenly she's on the edge of adulthood!

I pray God's love and protection on her life. I pray that she loves Him and serves Him all the days of her life!

Happy Birthday, I love you!

Happy Birthday Mom/Mema/MIL!

The day after Adam turned 13, Mema turned, well a year older than last year! She seems so young that it's hard to keep up with her age.

Here she is with her birthday peach cobbler and son Russell and daughter Sue. It was fun to celebrate at the beach! Thanks Mary Catherine for getting all the family together and just for being the great mother, mother in law and grandmother that you are.

You're kind and compassionate, so loving, just the best mom!
We're actually home now and I'm so behind! Now the piper must be paid for all the fun in the form of washing and putting all the things we took away! It is totally worth the effort. We all had a great time of family togetherness and couldn't have asked for better weather throughout the week!

Same time next year?

Officially the grandmother of two teens!

How did it happen? Where did the time go? Adam turned 13! Since we're at the beach, we had a little birthday party for all the June birthdays. From left, Granddaughter Ashley,son Tommy, cousin Ben and grandson Adam. Sitting Russell's mom. We had a great day on the beach then a great dinner, birthday cake and ice cream.







I'm always amazed at how time passes......one day you're holding an infant in your arms and the next you're putting 13 candles on a cake.......or 17.......or 27........or 23......or 82. Well, I actually didn't hold Mema or Ben as infants. :)

It's been such a pleasure to be able to have the grandchildren here with us at the beach. This will only be the second time they have been in Florida for their birthdays, so we're honored and excited to share this time with them.

Today, after a quick swim, lunch and showers, I took them back to PC to meet up with their granddad. They'll spend some time with that side of the family......granddad is taking them to see the Manatees. They're really excited about that. Ashley says she's taking a sea cow home! I'm not sure one will fit in the overhead compartment.

It's strange to be back without them, but I'm enjoying the rest of the week at the beach. The weather is beautiful! Hot, hot, hot.

Grandchildren .....first full day

On the first day of their Florida vacation, the grands always wake up wanting to swim! Being an obliging Nana, I put my bathing suit on and into the pool we went! Ashley is at that age where floating is her thing....Adam....he's all boy. Cannon balls all the way!

Here he goes!

Sister just looks on, relaxing with a small float behind her.

Aiming for the hula hoop. By the way, it was a bull's eye!

Uncle David let Ashley back his car and move it in the driveway while Nana stood biting her nails. She did a great job. Maybe she'll get her license soon. She's required to take a class before getting her license and there just hasn't been time, so she can't drive on the street. Sigh of relief here.

Nana and the grands. I like to get a picture right off in case we don't have another opportunity.

Uncle David, Ashley, Grandma Duncan and Adam. We went to visit their great grandma, my mama. She was so happy to see them.

Below is what my girl would do 24/7 if given the opportunity. She is a reader and reads several books a week. She was making this face because she didn't want me to record her reading. She's supposed to do more than read while she's here.

Once again quiet settles over the house as everyone heads off to bed. Tomorrow will be another fun day. If truth be known, I could just sit for a while and soak them in!

Surprise arrival alert!

The surprises arrived safe and sound tonight at 8:39 p.m. while grandmothers and grandfathers and uncles were waiting patiently! Their flights were right on time and they're HERE!!

I mean are they cute, precious, brilliant or what!? Oh, do I sound like a grandmother? :)

It's late, they aren't tired. Oh, dear!

I am so thankful for their safe travel and for this precious time we have to spend with them. That's it, that's my surprise. Worth the wait?????

Uncle Hugh!

Russell's 91 year old uncle asked if anyone knew what a blooger was (sounds like booger with an l). I said do you mean a blogger? So I commenced to explain it to him. He scratched his head and said why would you do that? I just smiled :).

The surprise is almost here! It's a good surprise!

Just a note....

A Sunday note. We had a wonderful and refreshing Sunday. After Sunday School and Church, our two campus outreach students came to eat with us. They are delightful! They're so eager to share the gospel and reach out to others. Plus they're so cute!

Today, they had to leave soon after lunch and as soon as their cars were out of the driveway, the three of us, hubby, Matt and I each found a napping place and went into comas!

I have a big surprise coming tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll get to make the big reveal, but be watching and you'll soon see!!!! I'm super excited!