The perfect family and other tall tales!: 2009-01-25

Wow, I didn't realize it had been several days since I had 'blogged' ... oh, well, it's that time of year!! I'm hitting the road tomorrow and won't be home for a little over three weeks. I'm afraid I may freeze completely before I get home as Indiana and Pennsylvania are my destinations!! Yikes!!!

But, before I took off, I had several things to get done -- like Grandparents' Day at Teri's girls' school yesterday. (My name tag included their classroom numbers.) I spent the night with them the night before doing Nana duty -- which included rocking Rudy to sleep. Like I didn't want to? He seemed to settle down pretty quickly -- until 6am. He seems to be the family's alarm clock. Actually, I heard Marley in the shower well before 6am! School for them starts at 7:55am so they have to be off and running early. They were quite excited that I would be taking them to school as Teri has never been known for being on time. She usually makes it barely on time but has Marley especially a little beside herself. She knew if I was there, we would be leaving on time -- which we did!!

I attended chapel with the three girls -- two of them sat with me while Regan had part in the service. Then it was off to their classes -- hitting three classes in about 45 minutes! I only had three classes -- Teri's mother-in-law, Ann, had five!! Then it was back to the cafeteria where we were entertained by the preschool through 2nd grade classes. They had some cute songs just for us grandparents. This was the first time they had held Grandparents' Day and I don't think they were quite prepared for the number who attended -- probably well over 200!!

After that, we headed back over to the school to get our pictures taken with our grandchildren -- 1st floor for 3rd and 4th grade -- I only had a 4th grader on that floor. Then head upstairs for the 6th and 7th grades -- Regan and Marley. Ann stood in the 3rd grade line for Jake and then came back and joined me for Bailey's picture. They had to chase Marley down in class -- we were quite aware that she is now an almost 13 year old -- and that means that she isn't necessarily excited about grandmothers and moms attending class although she opted to sit with me in chapel. She came and we got our pictures -- I think we were the last picture of the day!!

Tyler was here when I got home (with his mom, Sandi, of course.) He's always so interesting and I'm never quite sure what he will say next -- he is sort of a walking encyclopedia and I've learned not to disagree before I check my facts -- and usually, he is correct! Scary, huh?

Along the way, I got a text from my sister, Rachel, telling me that my dad had been taken to the hospital. In 11 inches of snow!!! Fortunately, the nursing home provides the transportation. He has a mild case of pneumonia and is back at the nursing home. At 84, it can be pretty scary for him.

So, here are a few photos from my days in Winter Haven ...

Rudy's favorite past-time is hooking and unhooking the child restraint -- on anything!! He will sit for a very long time doing that. However, unhooking is a challenge so you hear him say, "Mommy!!" when he wants it unhooked.

The oldest and the youngest -- Marley, almost 13; Rudy, 21 months

Rudy loved trying to put on my shoes!!

Visiting Bailey's 4th grade classroom -- with her friend whose grandparents couldn't attend

Each of the students posted what they appreciated about their grandparents on a bulletin board outside their classroom .. Bailey's read, "They care about me and watch me while my parents are gone ... Bailey"