Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

Teri's Christmas Card arrived about in time for me to say "Happy Birthday" to her -- okay, so it's not related at all but her birthday is on Friday ... and it is so hard for me to believe that she will be 35! It was just yesterday that she was walking around on her tiptoes -- just like Rudy does now!

So, I'll share three sides of their Christmas card here ... and also say a special "Happy Birthday" to our daughter #3!!

Difficult days ...

Teri headed to Orlando to the Florida Hospital yesterday morning as her friend from childhood, Lisa Pannell, was scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a mass in her lung. It was malignant although the doctor was fairly certain he had been able to get it all. He removed the bottom lobe of her right lung.

Lisa is just a little older than Teri so needless to say, this really had an impact on Teri. Also, Lisa looked to Teri for support so Teri needed to put her own feelings aside to be strong for her friend. I am so blessed by daughters who take their role as friends very seriously. Bob and I talked about that last night -- that each one is always "there" for whomever needs them and for that, we are so blessed.

Teri said that when Lisa called her a few weeks ago, she realized that she sounded a little unaffected at first and felt a little badly about that. She was just processing the info ... Lisa knows Teri pretty well. She told her boyfriend, "Give Teri about an hour and she will call back very upset" ... it was almost an hour on the nose! Teri called ... and she was bordering on hysterics as Teri can do.

Will appreciate your prayers .. it seems so many have been going through difficult times recently. We have received word of several who have died -- one as young as 7, one in his 30's -- another in his 50's. So many need prayer!!

On a lighter note maybe -- it's cold in Atlanta!! I have traveled from Atlanta to Indianapolis to the middle of PA -- and the fluxuations in temperatures seemed almost unbelievable! From 59 degrees in PA in the middle of February ... to snow a couple days later. Fortunately, it didn't stick!! I HATE driving in the snow!! Okay -- that sounds strong but I have strong feelings when it relates to driving in snow!!

However, we have our own version of 'black ice' when it rains after it has been very hot here in Florida. The oil on the roads comes to the surface and can become very slick. So, I guess I can't get completely away from driving challenges .. still, I'll take my Florida weather -- I hope to be back there on Monday afternoon -- for about 3 days. And then it's back to Indy again!! I am meeting myself coming and going!! I am anxious to get back to see Ava ... oh, and all the others, too, of course. I think Tyler is afraid that I was going away for a long time so I assured him on the phone that I would be back soon!!!

So much for now ...

Running ....

Teri ran in a mini-marathon this past weekend .. it took her about 2 hours and 20 minutes to run 13-1/2 miles. That included several stops along the way so she was quite happy with her time.

A bright, brisk morning in central PA ....

Now I sound like a radio announcer ... actually, it is a beautiful, clear day in central Pennsylvania. Last night, I wondered if it would be when Rachel and I were attending a wedding in Sunbury, about 15 miles from here. We were getting ready to leave the church for the reception and opened the doors to snow! It appeared it might even stick to the ground but it didn't last too long so I breathed a sigh of relief. I don't necessarily like to drive in it -- especially when I can't remember the directions well. Am I directionally challenged ... sometimes. Oh, I did a great job in mapping out the directions to the church and on to the reception. But, I put aside the directions to the church after we got there .. and then couldn't quite remember how to retrace our steps. So, I just took off north on one of the road I assumed lead to somewhere - which it did and it didn't cost us too many extra miles -- maybe one or two, or so.

The wedding was beautiful ... Esther Hobbs and William Straight. I knew Esther's parents since I was a teenager -- when a lot of 12 year old girls thought Mike (Hobbs) was one to pursue ... it's pretty funny in retrospect. He didn't choose any of those girls to be his wife -- Joann was one beautiful lady (inside and out) and went to be with Jesus about three years ago. William and Esther have quite a love story which can be read here ...

This morning, Teri is running in a half-marathon (13-1/2 miles). I was a little concerned since she has had bronchitis but her doctor cleared her to run so I am praying she will be okay. She sent me this photo to make sure I knew she was doing fine!! So, it's off to church soon and then heading west a few miles for the rest of the day!

It has been fun to be in these parts which we called home for a few years in the late 70's and early 80's. How the years have flown by but friendships remain close!

We are truly blessed!!

Fluctuating ....

Well, it was -2 somewhere this last week -- today it was in the upper 50's. That would be Indiana weather. I have never seen snow melt more quickly than it did yesterday.

I am now at my sister's place -- which means that I have been bombarded by three kids who want to play video games! And, of course, they know they will probably beat me! However, I did lead for a few turns until someone stole a star from me ... for those of you who know Mario Brothers Party for Nintendo 64, you probably know what I'm talking about. And, yes, I know that Nintendo 64 is now very outdated but for this great-grandmother, they have to take things a little slow! :)

I did get to see old friends ... actually, why do we call them 'old friends' when they are still great friends. I have no clue! It was great to see Bette Towle and two of her four children, Derek and Leanne. Derek told me his title -- I think he is Deputy Chief in the city of Greenfield, IN. And I'm sure when he is in uniform, he can be quite scary. However, when he is son and brother, he can be quite the harasser!! But, Bette and Leanne seem to love him a lot so I guess they can overlook his irritation. (I think he did it for the reaction rather than because he had any bad motives!)

Today, Rachel and Allen drove up to surprise their two oldest daughters at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois -- my birthplace. I sort of interrupted my mother's college plans while my dad was attending Olivet. The girls were very surprised and pleased to see their parents today. Rachel is going with me to Pennsylvania for a week and the girls will be coming home during that time. So, her Valentine's Day request (early) was for Allen to take her to see the girls. I stayed here with the rest of the kids .. and got a trip in to see my dad, also.

So ...I'm winding down for the evening .. a little tired-- maybe a lot tired ... and I hear the kids fussing about going to bed ... reminds me of years gone by!

Brain freeze!!!

It was all of -2 this morning in Indianapolis IN -- and why did I pick February to come to Indiana? If it weren't for family and work, I probably would wait until it was warmer -- but even so, I'm glad I came! Along with being pampered by a great mother-in-law, I got to visit my sister and her family and spend some time with my dad. Roxanne is with me and doesn't get to come often so it's been a special treat. (See the photos at the end!!!) Roxanne attended kindergarten at the Nazarene Christian School in Beech Grove, Indiana. She was able to find a photo of her volleyball team that she could take a picture of -- she was thrilled! Most people never guess that she is 38 years old! (What does that make me???)

I've been busy yet wanting to blog -- but thinking I'm too tired -- but visiting it again and so glad that blogspot actually saves what you have been doing when you forgot what you were doing and left it -- and then thought, "Oh, no ... now what do I do?" Thankfully, blogspot must understand those of us who just don't always remember where we are ...

I started this and didn't get it finished but am posting it as it is ... how's that for rambling and confirming that my brain is certainly frozen -- at least, it's a good excuse!!

With my sister and her family

(minus the two in college)

Always have to have a funny photo! Always!!

Roxanne wanted to be sure to get a picture with them, too ...

And a funny photo again ....

And the photo of her volleyball team!! Can you see where she is??

Busy times ....

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"

Visiting Marley's 7th grade class

and Regan's 6th grade class

Regan had both NanaAnn and NanaLinda in her class

Grandparents watching the youngsters!

The LINDA's are at it again!

Today, about five of us (Linda's) met at Ferg's in downtown St. Pete for lunch. The lunch was special as Linda Porter and her husband, Phil, were in town -- they had moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, about two years ago and we've missed having her as one of our Florida Linda's! They've had a tramatic year as they lost their home in a flood in Terre Haute .. actually, they lost their home and their car. They've relocated to higher ground -- but still in the Terre Haute area.

Sandi went along with me as she hadn't gotten to meet some of these ladies who have become great friends. And we took Ava along. She was a sweetheart -- just looked around and smiled at them all during lunch. She is such a contented little gal for the most part.

So, here are a few of the photos I took today -- I'm not in the group photo as I was taking the picture and our server wasn't necessarily the best and I don't think we would have asked her to take one of all of us ... lol!

Phil and Linda Porter

Sandi holding Ava who is quite intrigued with Linda Chapman

And Linda Porter sure enjoyed Ava -- it was getting a little cool in the restaurant so we added a hat!

Tim's Toms

Our friends, Tim and Nova Ferguson, live out in the middle of nowhere Ohio. Well, not really but it seems like it. When the corn is high, you drive down a lane, take a sharp turn to the right and before long, you are at their home. I love it -- Tim's a hunter (as his Nova) and their home reminds you of a lodge. High ceilings and a wall filled with trophies from as far away as Africa, I believe.

When Nova sent me these photos of the visiting "Toms", I asked if I could share them. It's one thing to hunt them but to have them actually come calling on you, that's an interesting scenario. As you can see, it appears that Toms have found a great friend in Tim!!

They start really young ....

Rudy is just about a little over 20 months old (birthday May 3rd) ... he already is working towards his driver's license. Tyler had his quite young, too, although his vehicle was quite a bit larger than Rudy's. When Rudy is bored with that, he hands the phone to his mom with the request, "Nana". The photo below was taken while he was talking to me. I actually understood some of the words -- especially "Daddy", "Mommy" and "Marley"!