Haircut...

Naomi's hair was getting pretty long, and while lovely to look at it was often the source of stress, for both her and me. So in an effort to help her be more independent in caring for her hair we decided to cut a substantial amount off. Since her hair was so nice and healthy and we were cutting off more than 10 inches, she chose to donate her hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Big sister Angela, (aka family hair cutter) came over and did the job! (I got to watch and hold the Little Guy!)

A Gathering of Days...

The year is marching on and somehow our days and weeks end up full, even when there is little on the calendar. Here are some photos that give you a peek into some of the happenings at our house.

Our recent first rain of the season, though not any great amount, was enough to bring down a lot of wet leaves in the back yard. It definitely looks like fall out there!

Naomi has been working on her dinner-making skills as well as beginning a collection of recipes for her own recipe book. Yum...

One of our weekly activities is ice skating. On a few occasions Melody and Miss M have joined us. Here Miss M, at 3 1/2, is skating  for the first time.

 Last week we celebrated Naomi's birthday and she and I enjoyed an outing of shopping and lunch in a nearby community. Angela and her little guy joined us. We had a delicious lunch at a little bakery cafe. Naomi chose the barstool seating in front of the window!

On a recent fall day Naomi and I enjoyed a delightful afternoon of wreath making at the home and property of dear friends. We started off by gathering an assortment of cuttings, all from their gardens and property. Then we snipped, clipped, and bundled and fashioned beautiful autumn wreaths, all while enjoying the fall weather and the fellowship of good friends. (And some yummy cookies and good coffee as well!)

The finished projects:

Here are Naomi and Miss M enjoying a tea party on a recent afternoon while we were caring for Melody's two little ones. Melody had the flu :(

It is exciting to see the very last stage of our remodel getting finished, the master bedroom. Bob and I have taken up residence in one of the bedrooms vacated by our grown kids. It would have been tricky to do this when we had all 6 living at home! It's also very handy to have our two employees (aka sons) to help get the job done! (Son # 3, Lucas, is inspecting in the second photo!)

This is where Lucas spends a good amount of his day, wading through Algebra, Biology and other exciting subjects!

And lastly... a random shot of Sweet Pea and Sapphire struggling with their geometry... Hmm...

Naomi and her "girls"...

 

Thought I'd post some pictures of Naomi and her two guinea pigs, Sweet Pea and Sapphire. They are pretty funny little critters!

They make a whole array of sounds: chirping and squealing and purring. They race around madly first thing in the morning but otherwise are pretty sedentary. They like to cuddle and recently Naomi sewed two matching "cuddle cups" (basically pet beds), for them which she uses when she brings them into the house. They are often curled up in these beds on the table next to her as she is doing her school work. (Who knows maybe we'll have some very educated guinea pigs!)

Here they are enjoying a nice juicy dandelion from the yard!

Here Little O is feeding them a carrot. He has abbreviated their names to, "Pea-Pea" and "Fire".

This is so funny... Sapphire is lounging on her back, munching on a carrot! 

Oh the life of a pampered guinea pig!

Good Lookin' Guys...

My first born son with his first born son - all decked out for a wedding!

The little man looks so grown up with his "big boy" haircut and tie and suspenders!

So sweet...
... love them both!

Afternoon At Grandma's...

Periodically I get to have two of the grandchildren over for lunch and the afternoon. It's a fun change of pace for all of us. Miss M. and Mr. B. enjoy playing with their "big kid" aunt and uncle. I get to enjoy the kids and their dear mom gets an afternoon of peace and quiet! Usually I am not so good about getting the camera out when they are here, but this week I did, so here are some photos of an afternoon at Grandmas!

Painting with water is a great activity - it has a lot going for it - you never run out of "canvas" as the sun "erases" it quickly, it does not stain clothing or faces and clean up is a snap!...Of course the down side is that there's no art work to hang on the refrigerator!

Play Doh was fun for Miss M. and Naomi.

Mr. B. having snack with Uncle Lucas!

And of course... even an afternoon at Grandma's house includes a nap!

Lots of fun memories!

60 Years Ago Today...

Although we did our celebrating last month, today marks 60 years of marriage for Dad & Mom. In honor of their special day I will reprint my post from their 59th anniversary. It is every bit as true today as one year ago. I only hope that there will be many more anniversaries yet to celebrate!

Today my parents celebrate 60 years of marriage. That is an admirable milestone in and of itself, but what is more admirable to me is the way in which they have lived out those 60 years. Their life's journey took them from the farm to major cities all across Canada. Their retirement years brought a total loss of vision for my mom and now in their senior years they face the multitude of health challenges that come with age. The journey of life often takes us to unexpected places, but Mom and Dad have always embraced their life with contentment and graciousness. Wherever they went they made friends, found a church and got to know their neighbors. They have always practiced kindness, generosity and hospitality. I am so blessed to have them as my parents.

So today I say ~ Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Here is a song for your anniversary:

Another Quilt Story...

For those of you that read my daughter Angela's blog, you may have seen her recent post on the quilts that she and Melody made years ago. (You can click here to read it if you've not seen it.)

When I saw her post I decided that I needed to show you all another quilt project that my two girls did years ago! About 11 years ago I had seen a quilt in a Pottery Barn catalog that I just loved; well the girls created a very close replica of that quilt including pillow shams, as a gift for Bob and me and managed to keep it a surprise right up until the "quilting" stage. It is beautiful and we have been using it continuously for 10 years now.

I have some photos here of the quilt as well as a scan of the catalog page that was their inspiration. I am still amazed at how similar it looks!

The whole quilt is hand quilted plus tied at all the corners. They embroidered their initials and date on a backside corner.

Here is the Pottery Barn catalog quilt:

 Thank you girls! I love the quilt and I love that you made it!

The Big Event...

The last day of our trip was the 60th anniversary celebration. The event that had brought us all up there. Dad and Mom's condominium complex has a lovely clubhouse that was perfect for our Sunday afternoon "Come and Go Tea". We were able to set everything up on Saturday afternoon. We decorated with tablecloths and ribbons used at Angela and Crandon's wedding, in teal and gold and silver. Melody put together some pretty flower arrangements, and several of us did some baking. These next few pictures are Saturday after we set up.

We used the same guest book that was used for their wedding, 60 years ago. I think the only guest that was at the anniversary and the wedding was my Aunt Mildred!

These are some photos from the event - lots of good visiting with friends, neighbors and family!

Miss M. was showing off her sticker on the front of her dress!

Everyone enjoyed looking at Mom and Dad's wedding album.

(By the way, that is the next great-grandchild, due in October, in the center of the photo!)

Don't Dad & Mom look great!

This little guy was worn out by the end of the party! Fortunately his Aunt Naomi was happy to sit and hold him.

After celebrating all afternoon, the family and some close friends went out to dinner at a local restaurant that Dad and Mom frequent.

Here are the 5 of us: Mom & Dad, Myself, Doug & Brenda

I consider myself very blessed to be able to celebrate this milestone anniversary with my parents!