Nice Little Butter Dish

Isn't this a sweet dish?
Drew and I are in Gettysburg with his aunt and uncle. Right now we are just hanging around in the hotel watching TV. I have been to two auctions and eaten out twice today. Oh, and also visited a little outlet shopping mall. At the outlets I bought two little coordinating outfits; so very cute. They may become Christmas outfits or at least get the boys pictures taken in them. So I guess you could say I spent a little money. Drew did not come with us to the auction this morning and I only spent $10. Now this evening we went together and the bill went up, way up; but Drew bought several things he wanted. I really wanted this nifty little butter dish to match my new dishes that I bought for my new house. Not match really, just go with. http://cgi.ebay.com/Anchor-Hocking-JADE-ITE-Covered-Butter-Dish_W0QQitemZ370095000545QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
I don't know how to insert a link but the above address will connect you to an eBay sale that will describe a similar dish. And well, we got a bargain. I had left a silent bid while we left for a while to rest. When we got back to the sale I had not won the butter dish. I did spy it under the chair of another buyer. As the evening progressed I could tell he was a dealer by what and how he bought stuff. After bugging Drew fairly shamelessly he did inquire about buying my coveted item. I was told "not to break it as it was in mint condition and it was worth at least a hundred dollars. I almost chocked. But my sweet husband bought the dish, for half the suggested retail price.
I was hoping to use the dish but now I am a bit nervous. The similar dish on sale on eBay is listed much higher than the $100 suggested.
OK, getting tired. We are relaxing and having a good time.
God in His Mercy has richly blessed this grateful daughter.

Grandmothering is not for wimps

Above are the long anticipated pictures from my visit to my dads. There are more, we may get to them later, but the second baby is almost asleep so I will follow soon.The trick is to fall asleep the minute they do to best optimize their down time. Kaleb just quit thrashing and fussing in the next room, at least I can no longer here the crib banging off the wall or the wails of agony that accompany the, "I am NOT going to sleep" routine. DA is s-l-o-w-l-y drifting off to sleep in the chair beside me. NO, I do not make him sleep in the chair. Remember, his car seat is sitting on the chair beside my bed. I could put the car seat in the other crib in the "nursery" but then the little guys wake each other up. And two up at 3 AM is truly no picnic.

Drew made the comment that if someone had two kids the ages of our guys all the time that they would have to hire two full time helpers. I had to laugh. Sure validates the term full time mom, or the phrase "No, I do not work OUT of the home". He helped me with the baths and bedtime routine tonight. But then this morning before church he said he worked up a sweat putting socks on Kaleb. He never even made it to the shoes. Don't think that I do not appreciate the help he gives. Cause I do...I mean every little bit helps. Right? And the side humor...his struggling with the menial tasks does make the chores lighter.

OOhhh, deep breathing has comenced and I believe snoring is around the corner. Gotta go...to sleep that is. No bodily fluid pun intented, but you may take it that way if you like.

Oh yea, my dad has chickens and we brought eggs home...

snuck in

I tried a different way to sign in. i am to tired to get out my computer. I can do this while lying with my head on my pillow. Even with a laptop you cannot do that. Crazy day today. Zulu came up with a huge gash on her front left leg. Had to have the vet out. She got a pile of stiches and has to be on stall rest for 10 days. She is liking being in the barn but I'm not sure how long she will like not going out.

Erin checked my mare Summer and she is still pregnant. The baby is the size of a football. Heh...That's cool. Christy N was here and rode Janet's horse and Dory this morning. She said Dory is doing well enough to ride. So most of the horse news is good news.

Babies will becoming tomorrow. It is sometimes an adjustment at firs if they have been gone for a while. And since they went home Monday morning it will be strange for a bit. But I do miss them after a while and am looking forward to seeing them tomorrow.
I know its early but I am going to try and sleep soon. I would like to try and read now before I get to whipped.

I'm a rambling girl

I know I should not go on and on like on the last post; I will try and keep this brief. In the past it was my habit to do most blogging right before going to sleep each night. Unfortunately now, sleep comes before all else. I try and stay awake to peck out at least a some feeble attempt at a funny story or two, but alas it is not to be. Even now as I type away Drew has come to bed and is waiting for me to shut of the light. The funny tags for the pictures are just a brain wave or two from my conscious thought. So lets see who can come up with the most witty caption for each pic.

In case anyone did not know...I am fifty now. Yep, one half of one century young.

This has been a busy week for me, an eye doctor appointment yesterday, a vet appointment I had to cancel today, and an appointment at Family Counseling tomorrow morning. I have to reschedule the vet, and an upcoming appointment on Monday in Pittsburgh that I must have forgotten about but cannot fit into my life right now.

Babies come back tomorrow or Saturday until Tuesday or Wednesday. Kaleb had strep throat, and was quite under the weather for a week or more. He seems to be doing better now. I am sure he will be full speed ahead by the time he gets back here. Now I am much too tired to continue. God's grace continues to abound; obviously or I would not have gotten this much out.

Techno Queen

Not really...but a can always dream On my way out to Sunday afternoon dreamland, and I discovered I was already signed in. One baby sleeping. One talking to himself in his crib. No, not Drew! I gave Jer a two hr reprieve from his TV grounding since he is on moniter patrol. I wanted to make go outside but I wanted a nap more. I,ll console myself by letting myself think we will take a walk later. There, That's done. Naptime!

Lost Pup

Please pray for my dear friend Cynthia. As if her recent car accident was not traumatic enough, her family dog of ten years had to be put down this afternoon. He had cancer and was in very poor health. We all thought it was doggie bronchitis or some such anti biotic curable ailment. She is very sad, and now has no companion to sit with her through her recovery.

Babies went to Grandma Bev's tonight. Seems so quiet. Restful though. I am weary worn, but looking forward to a few days to rest and regroup. Can't wait to see my house, Drew says the plasterers are done. Hope to get up tomorrow. Also, due to the increase in the size of my part time family; we are trading in my little Lincoln SUV on another Suburban. Not my choice of a car by any means. But praise God we are in a position where we are able to buy what we need. I swore I would never drive that large a car again. More challenges and changes; all in the Hand of a God who knows so much better than I what it is that I need.

Bottle Baby

Kaleb is asleep; DA is sucking down his evening cocktail of baby formula and rice cereal. Yum, yum! I have just tried to type that four times. My fingers are sure not doing the walking tonight. I swore I would never prop up a bottle for a baby. Oh, well...so many things change. I do have to grab him and burp him or the sleeping may not go so well. He smells so good right now it would be a shame to stink him up with baby puke...fluids again. OK, burping with one hand typing with the other. That's not working so well either.

All is complete. Both babes are sound asleep. Jer brought me some stuff that needs filled out by tomorrow; at least its not two dozen cupcakes or something awful like that. As soon as I get the pics from my camera from my dad's I will post one or two.

Babies keep getting cuter, but I am getting a bit weary. I need my spirit stirred for the long haul. On one hand I cannot imagine not having them, but on the other I am leaning heavily on the Power of God to bring me through this on so many levels. These tiny little people so dependant, so helpless to continue on without their every need being met through the grownups in their lives. The honor, privilege, responsibility of it all is awesome in the overwhelmingly filled with awe kind of way.

And, in a completely different way than the other day I am undone.

Upended...

So much that God is revealing to me these days comes from the dark side of my heart. I am not overwhelmed with condemnation or even a conflicted soul. In His unending Kindness, He is simply letting me know that MY time, MY energy, My thoughts, were not all about Him and His business. I LIKED my life. Oohh bad thing to say out loud. And; I had. Ha. You know, I still like my life, but my time, energies, and thoughts have been redirected by His Hand in my life. For His Glory and my good. I guess He got my attention. It is my prayer that I allow Him to keep it.

More on Fluids...

Now that Granny has begun to strap me in for the night I sleep much better...so she thinks Brudder got a new toy, all I have to play with is a drawer of baby safe kitchen junk!
The yellow wheel spins around, plays non-sensible tunes and I just love it.
Oh heck, here let me help.
Rob, the stain on the front of DrewAllen's tee shirt is drool. A body fluid, yes; but so much of life involves those pesky liquids. Hard not to mention them; they just sort of come up...yes that has a double meaning. Hee Heh!

Pics n Puke

I have a baby on my chest and can only peck one-handed. The mason has begun to lay the stone across the front of the house. And I love it. I have hordes of hilarious granny/baby stories. but i am very uncomfortable typing this way. So many ways to puke, poop, or wail; I never knew. Or at least I do not remember. The third seat, leather, in a Lincoln Aviator can hold a surprising amount of clear liquid vomit, all the while not lessening the amount needed to saturate an entire outfit to the skin. i believe this event only occurs when the grandma is unprepared during a quick carpool run to town. For now that will have to satisfy. The wee one must be put to bed and so must I.

Keep up the good work in my absence,

Baby Come Back...

Yea, we are cute
The little men return tomorrow when I pick them up around 2:30 pm, just before I get Jer from school. I am looking forward to the weekend, crazy yes, but should be fun. I am hoping to get Jer to his first Transformed meeting on Saturday night. I will have to find a sitter for the boys I suppose, in addition to finding out like time and how late the meetings go. I spoke with Kathie earlier to make sure Jer could attend but I did not get any details.

I have enjoyed my "days off". Rode this morning with a new friend, Gingie Alshouse's cousin Kate, a wonderful horsewoman and all around fun lady. We went to bring Dory home this evening, sans pregnancy. But that's OK, I have one baby on the way; and with the two human babies I have that is probably enough for now. We will take her back in the spring and try again. For now I am basking in God's Goodness and Grace concerning the we one we do have brewing.

I love this fall weather. Cool nights and perfect days.

I am going to sleep now. Last chance for a full night before the babies come back.

Pictures and stuff

Here are a few pictures from my day today. Much less hectic than yesterday. Even took a walk this evening up the drive and down the road a piece. Lindsey my neighbor/kimmel cousin went along and drug her two in a wagon. We must have looked like a parade, four kids and three dogs. Ha Ha.

Also, my new mare is pregnant, 60 days pregnant. I am so excited. I got to see the baby horse on the sonogram; its little head and its heartbeat. Gosh darn cool!!

I hear a baby on the monitor, probably DrewAllen needs another bottle before sleep. Well, he sleeps until two or so then eats again. Then four to sixish. Oh well. Still the Grace runs abundant.

All's well that ends...

The day is done, though I can still hear one baby stirring through the monitor. Kaleb went right to sleep, a little earlier than I would like, but he was so tired. Tired to a toddler means accelerated motion, increased volume, and a stiffly arched back and thrown back head every time you try and comfort, correct, or redirect. Can be a very stressful time for the adult in charge. And when the goal is to keep the young tot up to a certain time so that her or she sleeps the night through and does not wake up before 6:00 AM, well lets just say the stakes get considerably higher.

Quite a long day today was. I am weary, but the day is done, guess I said that. The hearing went as we had hoped. Allen and Stacey were there but they agreed to comply with the order and not contest the custody. So we have it. Drew specifically in our case. Bev is a different household and I am not the biological grandparent, so that makes me the ahhh, nanny I guess. I know the terms are for legal purposes but still my sin rose up a wee bit at the notion that I was merely a spectator. Again though my God reminded me that I do not to work for the praise or attention of men but for His Glory, and His Kingdom. My caring for the babies is a joy and a blessing in my life. And a service to their Heavenly Father first and above all. So amazed that I have been called by my King to a vocation so precious.

Just do the next thing

Ever heard that before? Kind of the mode I am in right now. Set one foot in front of the other and trust God for dry land. All in all not a bad place to be. Seems sometimes in our lives God just steps in and takes over, no chance to say no, or even consider if you want to say no...wordy huh?

Drift is...its all about His Plan, His Grace, His Mercy, and His Time for everything in our lives.

I am content. Tired, but not overwhelmed. Blessed to know I am His hands and Heart, without even having to work at it. Yes, it is all work, and the prayers of the saints and the groanings or my own heart are put out there as pleas to our Kind Father, but He does it all. Gives us the chore, sends the Grace to complete it, and then blesses us with a sweet sense of His pleasure.

And, the soft touch of a baby's cheek, a tinkling giggle, or the pure fun of hearing, "horCEE".

Our God is so good and so kind. I am blessed to be His daughter.

Thanks so much for keeping up the blog in my absence. You lives are so interesting. I have had time to read, from my phone. But I cannot comment or post from there. Vic, your girls will be blessed beyond measure to have you for a mom. Sleeping bags on the floor will be OK. It is the love and laughter that goes on in a home that makes it wonderful. You will see.

Rob, I cannot say how amazed I am at where God has taken you. You have become such a humble servant to the children to care for and the people who you work for as well as your underlings. Humility is not always how we feel but how we are seen by others and by our God. He knows your weak heart, but He also knows your desire to be like Him.

Tomorrow is our hearing for custody. Pray all goes well; that God's will is seen and accomplished with Grace and humility.

Baby Talk

Tonight I hooked up for the first time, the baby monitor Mary Bennett was kind enough to lend me . While Kaleb is fast asleep baby #2, DrewAllen, is yet to nod off into dreamland. I can hear him grunting and stirring around on the other side of the wall. I am not sure if he is warming up to get louder or winding down to sleep. He fights sleep harder than his older brother. When Kaleb is tired a snort of milk in his bottle, a few fits of whining, and the snoring begins. Last time I peeked in at DA as Jer calls him, he was sucking both his thumb and his blanked while staring off into the blackness of his dark room. Not pitch black or anything, I am not a fiend; the door is open and the hall light is on.

Today was Jer's first day at his new school. He looked very handsome in his black and red polo shirt and black jeans. The only thing we forgot was his Bible. He needs an NIV, which I know that I have several, but do you think I could find one tonight? Not true. I did find a children's Bible that is an NIV, but I am not sure he will want to carry it to middle school. He seemed pleased, not talkative or real descriptive; but he was not complaining or grumbling either, so I am happy. OOh, I hear a squeal, drats. Anyway, I drove him, Jer, into Indiana and then went to pick him up at three this afternoon. Hopefully, I will be able to contact another mother who works in town and also drives her child in to school every day. I have tried several times with to no avail.

OK, time for me to get some sleep. Check on the baby and tuck myself in. I am oh so grateful for the grace God has poured into my life these last weeks. My friends and family have been so helpful and supportive. I can feel power behind the many prayers which have been offered up on behalf of my family and myself. Thank you.

A Long Day's Night

Off to sleep. Babies are in bed, Jer too. A long day, yes, but not a bad day. The boys are I are getting into a routine. Of sorts. My house is more or less baby proof. I have gates, a swing, two cribs, bottles, baby toys, diapers (lots), and a myriad of other baby stuff.

I have not been on a horse in almost two weeks. I am hoping to end that streak tomorrow morning.

OH, and the big, big news...Ned and Hannah Caldwell got engaged this past Wednesday. We are all so very excited. It has been a gentle breeze of fresh air blowing through this otherwise stressful week. Congratulations my to my son and his sweet new fiancee.

One Week

One week has passed since Drew, Bev, and I began sharing the responsibility of caring for Allen's two young sons. The boys parents are unable at this time to do that. Drew has helped in countless ways but the physical care has been mostly Bev and I. I am the more fortunate one as I have Jer, friends, and other family to help me with my shifts. When she is on duty she is on her own. Please pray for her strength and endurance. We are all having fun and are overjoyed to be spending so much time with our little grandsons/nephews, but it is wearing and has more or less turned my old life upside down. But God in His goodness has provided wisdom and grace for every challenge. I will post a few more picture as I was snapping away this morning, but am going to take a much needed nap at the moment. My two little men just went down for afternoon naps. So instead of doing anything that needs done. Sleep beckons.

Quick Updates

Lucy the Cat before her grand adventure

Well...my usual beginning words. Or maybe "OK" or some other air/space filler to get my mind moving in the general direction of thinking and typing at the same time.

1st: I have a drs appointment in Black Lick at 2:00 this afternoon and must leave home here in a short time. I asked to be put on a waiting list so I could get in sooner than my scheduled appointment and of course they called yesterday for an appointment today. If you know me you know I NEVER schedule anything at 2 PM except a nap, of an N.A.P. meeting as Drew says. But I am resting in my chair with my feet propped up, which means I will not be able to bend them when the time comes to stand up. Feels good now, but we all know about that whole gratify my now pay later sentiment...

Ok, Allen is moved along with his beautiful family, and his lovely mom. I am excited for them. I know it will be a huge adjustment for all but he house is very tidy, newly painted and plenty big. Updated kitchen and other features with an old farmhouse feel. Our whole family pulled together and got the job done with no fussing or fury. A major miracle if you ask me. Moving is stressful under any circumstances and we typically excel at chaos and confusion, but for us A+ for the day. Ben Murphy and Randy worked the Indiana end with Bev until the rest of the fam minus me and Jer made it to town. I went to the farm but pooped out before they went on into town. Jer had a furious cold and was stuck on the couch, which is were I joined him after the first leg was complete.

2nd: I was pitched off my filly on Sunday. All is well, I am only bruised and not broken. Praise God. We were in the arena so I landed on sand. Twisted my neck a bit and banged my tailbone, which by the way I have hated my entire life. No matter how chubby I get my silly tailbone still extends past my rear end and makes sitting uncomfortable. Makes landing hard on your back even more uncomfortable. Ha. The horse was not truly at fault, just spooked as two year olds do. She went one way, I went the other way. And, the ground came up real fast. As I laid on the ground looking up at her she sort or just looked at me like, "Oops" and then took off at lightening speed doing laps around the ring. I think she thought if we caught her her she was going to get her butt kicked. Not likely, since it took me at least ten minutes to even make it to my feet let alone raise a hand to spank. No worries, Jer got back on top in only a few minutes and I followed after a brief respite collecting of wits and breath.

I was supposed to be brief. Cat is hobling along. House is coming. I know I need to get some recent pictures. Jer goes back to school in a couple weeks. Wow, quick summer. I love our new horse, took her out this morning she will make quite the trail horse. Dory is not yet pregnant, still waiting on her to say, "yes" to her man. Benign enough Rob?

I bought my book for care group, means I intend to read it and attend the meetings....

Riding Away

Jer, Sonny, and Christy @ Crooked Creek Horse Park last June

Update on Lucy the cat...her front right leg was crushed just below her shoulder. Most of the bone was broken or shattered. In a surgical procedure the good doc cleaned out the bone fragments and stitched it up as best he could. Her scar is probaly at least four inches long, a crooked sort of way. She limps significantly; her leg kind of just hanges there, though she uses it as a support without putting a lot of weight on it. Oddly they feel she should recover well; the soft tissue forming a new joint of sorts. Right now she is half starved and eating every minute she is not sleeping. I should get a picture to post. Not to graphic now for my squeemish readers. I could look throught some older ones to see if I have a "before"

I rode three different horses today. Wow, what a day for me. I took my first lesson in a few years from Jer's instructor. I had a blast, learned a ton, and can't wait until the next one. Jer was sick today so after Christie rode Sonny to "school" him, I got him after he was a little worn down. I want to learn to canter without feeling like I am going to kill myself. We did not do that this morning, but I am on my way; and what I learned has already helped with Baby Mia.

I rode her this evening. I have been having trouble getting her to take the bit. Not sure why. So instead of fighting with her this evening, I hooked her reins up to her hackamore and rode without a bit. Truthfully she was just fine without the her nasty bit. Of course I will not let her win this battle long term, I was alone though tonight and will wait till I have help to go for round two. I am not one to let the horse "win".

Summer was the other horse I rode today. I had not gotten her out since last Saturday and thought someone should take her for a spin. We did not stay out long, but Lindsey wanted to ride Poco, so I kept her company on our new black mare. Jer was sick so I was on my own most of the day. Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning at eight we will meet here and travel up to Distant PA to gather Allen and his family and move them to their new home in Indiana. They will be living with his mom in a big farm house on south sixth street. It will be a big adjustment for all of them, but I know God will grace them for the transition.

OK, I must get some sleep for an early up tomorrow. Thanks to Ben Murphy and his crew who will be helping Allen's mom Bev get her stuff moved to the new home. I love my church.