Twenty-four Seven on the Frontlines of Humanity
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Did you watch Oprah on Thursday? I only saw the last five minutes, but Maria Shriver made a powerful statement that I thought was worth repeating. She was talking about mothers being proud to say they are mothers, not saying "Well, I was a teacher but...now I'm a stay-at-home mom." Don't apologize for being a mother, is her challenge to all moms -- I can offer an "amen" to that! So, here is Maria Shriver's new message to the world, "Twenty-four Seven on the frontlines of humanity...are you man enough to try it!" Awesome! It has taken too long for us to "see the light" on this issue. What could be more important than guiding and shaping a human being? So here's to all you mom's, those who stay at home and those who work. May you recognize the power you hold and glory in your work!
Proud to be YOUR mom and mom-in-law
posted by Carolee at 4:00 PM
A Garden of Grandchildren
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
I have had so much fun having grandchildren around lately. It started with Shana, Mark and the boys in January. I loved learning how to play games on the Game Cube under Hunter's tuteledge. I would laugh so hard at my own ineptness and he would look at me with eyes saying, "Pa-leeeeze." Noah made me laugh as he told me (everyday) that my heater made rattley noises that scared him, and worried about this and that. I loved watching Denver's independence as he wandered downstairs to play with the toys all alone, no fear at all, and exhibited that same brilliance that both of his brothers possess. Then Nate, Devanie and the girls arrived for a weekend in March, after spending time with their grandparents in Nevada. Hailey and Sierra seemed to easily adapt to new surroundings and were eager to help Grandma cook and water flowers and go shopping at Walmart. They are "girlie" girls (despite their Tae Kwon Do training) and it was fun to watch them dress up and play together like sisters do. Though very different in personalities, they are very close as friends/sisters. Right on their heels came Joe, Suzie, Summer and Merlin. I marvelled at Summer's tape recorder-like memory (if you ever need to remember a code or combination or series of words, tell Summer) and her love for Merlin. For the first day or so, Merlin was quiet and seldom smiled. He seemed to be scrutinizing the whole situation and was wary of his grandparents. It was a joy to watch him "warm up" and the smiles never stopped after that. I loved introducing Summer to some of our old family favorites like Miss Suzy and The Little Engine That Could and Make Way for Ducklings. She was an instant convert and wanted them read over and over.
I remember when little Megan was born...what a joyful experience it was to be present at her birth. I remember the days when Megan and Chris lived with us in Trumbull and the drives to Tutor Time with Megan when we sang songs and did finger plays, and all our trips to Storytime (a bookstore in Monroe) where we found many wonderful books to read. Those were good times. Megan is a marvel and is setting a wonderful example for her brother and cousins. I'm afraid I'm still a stranger to little Ben, but I love his non-stop smile and his beautiful dark hair and eyes! He watches me carefully, but prefers I keep my distance. Wish I could see him more often and become his friend. He will, no doubt, exhibit the same bright mind and wit that his parents have.
Shy and cautious Ashley is a good friend of mine. She just needs about five minutes each time I see her to warm up; then we are pals. She is such a little lady and loves to shop and eat out. She's got everything under control and is pure joy to be around. Her brother, Michael, is ever smiling, ever ready to play and have a good time. Oh...that we could all find joy in our lives like Michael does. Both children are very adept in the kitchen and are good "helpers" for their mom. I loved living near them for a couple of months last year.
I'm so grateful for digital cameras that allow me to follow the growth of our latest flower in the garden, little Andres. I was so lucky to be able to spend a couple of weeks with him when he first arrived...he is truly a bundle of joy. He is quite the "mama's boy" I am told. He certainly looks like her, although there are clear signs of his daddy there too. I love to hear him cooing in the background as I talk to his mom on the phone. I just need to HUG him, though!
What a beautiful garden, full of unique flowers that are clearly thriving. Thank you, good parents, for tending my garden of grandchildren so well. I could not be happier with your contributions and the loving way you are nurturing your respective flowers. How blessed your children are. How blessed I am.
Looking forward to our next addition to the garden, due this month! He is eagerly and joyfully anticipated by his grandma. There is plenty of room in the garden for more!
My love to flowers and gardeners alike.
posted by Carolee at 6:40 AM
A Little Bit of England
Friday, April 09, 2004
Well, you've got to go to Carmel-by-the-Sea (or Carmel, as most people call it) if you are aching for England, or Europe in general. It is on the Monterey Penninsula, in California, just minutes from the city of Monterey. We stayed in Monterey (which is absolutely gorgeous itself) and then drove into Carmel several times -- we're talking maybe a 10 minute drive. So,so, so quaint and wonderful. The ocean is beautiful and you can drive along the coastline for miles. Pebble Beach is there, and you can take the 17-Mile Drive and see more amazing scenery and glorious homes. Wonderful. You'll see thatched-roof cottages and flora-and-fauna to beat anything I've ever seen anywhere! The town of Carmel has cobblestone streets/sidewalks, quaint shops (many with a British theme) and restaurants, and you'll hear lots of European accents. The warmest temperatures you'll find there are in the high 70's, according to a store clerk, and there is no autumn with leaves falling off the trees -- the flowers just change from month to month to let you know the seasons are changing. Just charming! If you ever get a chance to go there, don't miss it!
Joe and Suzie are here with us right now -- Nate and Devanie were here last week. The weather has been cooperating "big time" and we have had a lot of fun. Issac, our new family photographer, has been busily snapping photos of the visiting families and we are excited to have him meet the rest of you. This week we discovered the cutest little farm (Deanna Rose Farm-- about ten minutes from our home) where you can take the children, free of charge, and wander all over seeing and feeding all the farm animals, ride on ponies and fish at the lake (I think Joe and Summer caught four or five fish...then released them.) They also have a hayride wagon that goes around the farm constantly and there are little playgrounds for the children, as well as an Indian village (with an Indian lodge that is huge and so interesting) a schoolhouse, church, etc. They are working on building a root cellar and some other buildings...ever expanding the farm. So much fun! It is only open from April to the end of October, so you'll have to try and plan your visits during that time period so you can enjoy the farm. I think April/ May and end of September/October would be your best bets. I don't think I would want to walk around the farm in the summer, when it is so hot here.
So head for the Monterey Penninsula, or come to the prairie and see all that Kansas has to offer. Two great get-aways!
Thinking of you always,
Me
posted by Carolee at 7:17 AM
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