April Showers ? ?

What exactly, you ask, are April Showers in Minnesota. Well, they could be liquid rain or frozen snow. Snow is exactly what we had on Saturday. Then today, as I sat and watched Ashley and Kylee play softball, I was wrapped in two blankets, had a winter ear covering on and a scarf tied around my face. The record high for this date, as Beth told me, is 91 degrees. Well, let me tell you we were a far cry from there. I started this a couple of weeks ago and thought I had better finish it. As you can see -- we in Minnesota wake up even in late April and early May to snow covering our decks and hot tubs.

Chicago Reunion Trip

I joined our senior high group at church in a "reunion trip" to Chicago. For those who don't know -- I volunteer with the youth (junior high {7 & 8} and senior high {9-12}) at Central Baptist Church. Each October we (the volunteer staff and youth pastor) take the junior high to Chicago to experience ministry in a larger inner city than St Paul. Then every four years we "reunion" with the senior high (some who went in junior high and some who didn't). This was our 4 year mark so we set off for a whirlwind trip to Chicago over the weekend.

On Saturday, the group took the elevated train downtown and walked close to 10 miles through Chicago -- seeing the architecture, many buildings, bridges, water, skyline, people; smelling the smells of Chicago, and just enjoying the day with students who had never had the opportunity to see Chicago from the street level.

We stayed at Tapestry Ministries' building sleeping on the floor in the back of the sanctuary and balcony. We visited the Art Museum (I got to see some pieces by Michelle's favorite artist); Millenium park with the big very shiny silver bean; Navy Pier (where we rode the ferris wheel -- it is very high and a bit spooky); the Rock and Roll McDonalds; walked the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) where I bought popcorn from Garret's; went to China town and finally got to see Eme over dinner on Saturday night.

Then it was back in the car for the trip home. It was a great trip with a great bunch of students. I look forward to the next big event for the youth in May -- Alpine Slide day.

Home Again

Thought I would share a couple of pictures taken while in Hawaii. It was an enjoyable trip as I got time to spend with my grand daughter, daughter, and son-in-law. We had many opportunities to spend time together shopping, sight seeing, and just hanging out together. I wanted to be able to give you a bit of a glimpse of what I saw while there. I will try to give a little description of the pictures. (This is the Lei Laura greeted me with when I arrived.)

When I got in the backseat beside Danya, this was the look I got.
I'm sure she was thinking "Who the heck are you?"

We went for a walk one evening and then I read books to her.

We went to the beach. Mommy with her camera, Nana with her camera, and Dad with his phone!

Diamond Head taken from the road to Waikiki.

Near the beach at Waikiki

Taken while driving on the H1 to Laura and John's House.

What does it mean to be a grandparent

Since my children now blog, I thought I would give it a try. Since I have returned from Hawaii, I have been pondering what it means to be a grandparent. I don't believe that I have fully discovered what it means but certain things certainly have become apparent to me. First and foremost is the fact that to be a grandparent means you need to be flexible and always ready to be there for them no matter what the need.

I am enjoying being a grandparent and love to care for my grand-daughter and grandson. At times it seems they are growing at the speed of light.

Danya has gone from a baby in crisis to a little wonder to behold. She smiles when spoken to, is trying to crawl (or at least with my help is attempting), and certainly can be stubborn (gee, I wonder where she gets that).

Oliver is a wonderful smiley baby and I love to have him stop by the house so that I can watch him become more and more aware of his surroundings (He came to the house for my birthday and when I went to his car seat to say "Hi", I was rewarded with the biggest smile!). I love to hear Margaret share her thoughts and feelings about having a "little guy" around. She is a great mother to him and I can't wait to help out this summer by watching him during the time that she works.

Hawaii

I have been in Hawaii since March 29th to help Laura while she is having her final treatments for the thyroid issues she has had.  It has been a time to get to know Danya up close and personal as well as get to know Laura's husband John a bit better.  We have opportunity to do some fun things while I have been here this time.  We have been to Pearl Ridge shopping mall; a neat little baby store (Danya needed a new swim suit); to Waikiki (I had never been -- not much to see but lots and lots of people crowding the beach); got to see Diamond Head a little closer; and went to the beach (Nai Lagoon).  When I get home and am able to download my pictures on my own computer, I will share some with all.

I miss those at home but am having a warm and sunny vacation.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog.  I hope all that view this blog will be touched by something said or some picture on the site.  I am hoping to share some of my thoughts and feelings about being a parent, friend, and grandparent.

I am a mother of 4 grown daughters who are married to 4 wonderful, Christian men.  I have 2 grandchildren -- Danya and Oliver.  They are the cutest grandchildren and have such wonderful smiles.

Come back often to see what is to come.