How I Spent My Summer Vacation ~ Part 2

So, for two weeks, the children and I did what Grandma's and grand kids do, I cooked, they ate and played.  When I have the opportunity to stay with them, I love to cook for them.  Like my own Granny, for me, cooking and feeding the family is my love to them, or for them, an expression of love you might say ~

So, I shopped before going over and had the opportunity to put up many items so when my daughter in law runs late with kids going here and there one night, or just needs some help one night - she can reach in and grab something already made - meatloaves (of course!), Minestrone Soup frozen in many sizes, Navy Bean and Ham Soup, in many sizes (so my daughter could grab a size for lunches for herself!), Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Parmesan, Zucchini Bread (sliced before freezing), lots of pancakes and waffles.  Just made double or triple the amounts of dinners I made for the children, then put up a family meal in a "Food Saver" bag - gotta love those!!

And then there were our family derelicts -

Lucy - THE DIGGER

The Digger - Lucy - who can dig a hole under the fence a be gone before I could run to the bathroom and get back to let her back in!  She found the muddiest place in the development to get full of mud before I found her!

Molly - THE FETCHER

Then there's Molly - yea, look at that face - but don't let her fool you - she waits for Lucy to dig out, and me to go running after Lucy - then comes in and makes that hole a bit bigger and takes a nice long walk!  When she a Lucy get out together, it's like herding cats!

Molly loves to play catch, too.  She runs after the ball and brings it and puts it right into my hands.  She was a great one to play with - but still - an escapee!

Scout - LOVES SCOUTY TREATS!

Last, but not least, Scout.  She's a boxer.  All muscle, but a tad lazy.  No fetching here, just "Snacks please" - can you see that question when she look at you, too?  So, since she never went under the fence to escape - extra treats for Scouty!

After two weeks away from my home, sleeping in my own bed feels marvelous!  Instead of the little arm, or little leg throwing over my body from the little octopus sleeping with me - I'm home sleeping next to my wonderful sweetie.  I sure love my wee ones, but I sure missed Grandpa!  Home to my garden, my birds, my home!

Home only two days - then a jaunt to the Los Angeles area for a DAR trip ~ which I will show you in my next post!

Til then, I hope this week is a marvelous one for all of you!  Have fun, stay cool, love on the kids and grand kids!

Blessings dear friends,
Hugs,
Donna

How I Spent My Summer Vacation - Part 1

Ahhh - remember going back to school and the first essay, story, paper - what ever your teacher called it - was "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" - remember way back when ? ? ? Well, I do!  I remember spending time with Granny and Baba, who I adored and spoiled me (just a little)!  And, the opportunity to go to the Girl Scouts 2 Mile Walk and Sleep Over in the 4th grade - my only childhood occasion to try, eat, eat, eat and eat smores!!  Oh, they were so good!!!  Two weeks camping in Yosemite and seeing the firefalls each night (yeah, I'm that old)! Or, how about, "What Good Books I Read During Summer Vacation?"  Are you kidding, reading books?  OK - I was one of those nerdy kids who did read - I loved to read, and still do!

So here's part 1 of "How I Spent My Summer Vacation."  My son and daughter in law took a 2 WEEK trip Spain and Italy!  How grand is that - OK no, I did not get to go - but I got something better - I got to spend the entire two weeks with my wee ones.  And, you all know how I love spending time with my grandchildren.  The oldest two are 22 and 19 this year, so grandparents aren't THAT important any more!  he he he - Actually, having two different sets of grandchildren has been kind sweet - best of both worlds I think.  I had quality time with the older boys when they were growing up (way too fast) and now these three (time is still going by too fast!!!)

Off to Camp!!

Week One - Isaac and Elise go off to camp.  This is a Christian Camp and it was up in the Sugar Pines area of Yosemite.  What a beautiful National Park (and Wonder of the World) it is. Look at these happy campers on the way to camp!

My Sweet Elise - Ready to Roll!









Isaac is ready - no I-pod, no computer, no X-Box - OH MY!!!

It's Me and You, Grandma!!

And, Little Missy, too young and Grandma's shadow!  She has her own post a few down helping me make Zucchini Bread!

You know how hard it is to get them in to the shower, get cleaned up and go to bed early - not a problem the first day home.  First things first - Isaac wanted to know what was for dinner!?  His favorite, Meatloaf!!  Of all of the things I cook, my sons and grandson always want a meatloaf when they're coming over for a few days

Here's the morning after they returned home!

Please - can I sleep a little bit more?

Do I have to get up, Grandma??

Yes - of course Grandma let them sleep in longer, a lot longer, and did she have to get up - heck no!!

Guess having all that fun with Grandma was just so tiring for Little Missy!

Good Morning, Grandma!

Trust me when I say, Good morning did not mean, Okie Dokie I'm getting up with you!  I mean Cinderellie had a tough week, she had to eat lot of good food, played so hard with her Webkinz, played on brother's X-Box, watched movies with Grandma and ate lots of zucchini bread - that she made with her own two hands!!

Well, we'll be back in a day or two for "How I Spent My Summer Vacation -Part 2!"

Hope you are all enjoying what's left of your summer vacation!  Some have already gone back, some next week!  What ever happened to going back AFTER Labor Day????  Oh Yeah - - - I remember - - -

Blessings,
Donna 

A Bit Of Laughter And Cheer, A Smile Or Two!

I've been away from home, away with my wee ones while Mom and Dad are vacationing.  They are have a marvelous time - and so are Mom and Dad.  The first week, the two older ones went to camp and it was just me and mini me.  Now it's the four of us, oh and three dogs.   Oh yes, three dogs!   That's a story in and of itself!  For another day!    Actually for another month!   When my mind is a bit fuzzier!

My dear friend sent this over to me to put some laughter in my day (and honestly some are hysterical, some so-so  but the entire thing is funny)  Plus some extras my Sweetie sent along. So, for those of you who need a bit of laughter and lots of smiles ~ here's a few to help you!  You all know how Blogger can be with spacing and all, I did what I could, think I got all of the duplicates out and do hope I bring you a laugh and a smile!

Have a wonderful Tuesday ~ 

Blessings, and hugs, 

Donna

PARAPROSDOKIANS...

(Winston Churchill loved them) are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous. 1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it. 2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list. 3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright          until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. 5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. 6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.. 7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. 8. They begin the evening news with 'Good Evening,' then proceed to tell you why it isn't. 9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research. 10. Buses stop in bus stations. Trains stop in train stations. On my desk is a work station. 11. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks. 12. In filling out an application, where it says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.' 13. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you. 14. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy. 15. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman. 16. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory. 17. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. 18. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with. 19. There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away. 20. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure. 21. You're never too old to learn something stupid. 22. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. 23. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. 24. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 25. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. 26. Where there's a will, there are relatives. And mine is......... I'm supposed to respect my elders, but its getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

  ·         I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way.   So I stole a bike and asked for       

            forgiveness.

   ·         Do not argue with an idiot.  He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. 

   ·         I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.  Not screaming and yelling like the passengers 

             in his car.

   ·         The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.   

   ·         How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

   ·         Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very        

             edge of the pool and throw them fish.

    ·         A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.

    ·         I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it, so I did, saying, "Implants?"

    ·         Some cause happiness wherever they go.  Others whenever they go.

    ·         I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.

    ·         When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

    ·         Some people hear voices.  Some see invisible people.  Others have no imagination whatsoever.

    ·         A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

    ·         If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?

    ·         Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the 

              paint is wet?

    ·         Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America ?

    ·         A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

    ·         The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

    ·         Always borrow money from a pessimist.  He won't expect it back.

    ·         A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

    ·         Hospitality:  making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

    ·         Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

    ·         I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a 

              piece of seaweed touches my foot.

In The Kitchen With Wee One

Grandma's and granddaughters in the kitchen ~ is there anything better to hand down in a family but home made love from the kitchen?  I loved being with my Granny, and I love when my girls want to help!

While mom and dad are vacationing in Europe, we are with the children.  The two older children actually went off to camp this week, so Wee One and I have had a blast 'just hanging out' and having a great old time!

You all know one of my favorite things to do is creating in the kitchen, and I've shown you bits and pieces of our garden.  One of the kids, big and little kids, favorites is Grandma's special recipe of Zucchini Bread.  Here's the first bread sized zucchini from our garden!

This guy came in at 4 pounds 9.75 ounces!  And it made a total of 6 loaves of bread, 12 cups total of shredded zucchini!  And, this little gal helped with the entire process ~

Cleaning this guy up ~

Shredding ~

Stirring ~

Measuring the dry ingredients (yea, we got a little goofy!)

OK - we added the zucchini and dry ingredients - then got serious - "hey, Grandma, doesn't this look like zucchini puke?"  Yea, maybe we got a little goofier!

We stirred, stirred, stirred, never even complained once, not even spilling a drop on the floor, t-shirt, a girl after my own heart!

Then she looked at me very serious and said, "remember what the special ingredient is?"  'Yes, I do ~ do you?'  "Yep, stir in my love with my finger!"

I've always told the kids is my secret ingredient is love, by sticking my finger in and giving the recipe a good stir!   


6 yummy loaves of bread, with lots of love in them, and a great time in the kitchen!  Being a grandma is one of the most precious things God blessed me with ~ 5 wonderful grandchildren!

Blessings to all,
Donna

~ ~ Haaappy Birthday Toooo ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday - actually a milestone birthday - so my daughter in law and wee ones came over to celebrate with us!  I made a nice dinner (I know, I know - but I love cooking, so it's not a chore for me to do it!!)  And Karla made the Cup Cakes!

Karla always makes the cutest cup cakes, they are honestly a gift themselves!

And of course, how do you decorate for Grandma?

Why ~ a garden of course!  Wait til you see these up close!

Soil made of crushed Oreo's, with the cream intact!

A head of lettuce with a mint M&M and Corn Flakes dipped in green frosting on top!

Radishes and Carrots made with Sour Balls, Corn Flakes, a bit of frosting, rolled Starburst - Cute!

And, three peas in a pod, again using taffy, frosting and sour balls!  Aren't they just the cutest?!

And, while the cup cakes are the cutest, these three little ones are the apple of my eye!

I love how Karla makes these, because she puts a thin layer of frosting on them to help them adhere, not a ton, so you can actually eat the entire cup cake!  They picked out a lovely card, it honestly brought tears to my eyes, as did my Sweetie's!

They only stayed one night - Bible Study Camp was having an evening of fun tonight they were so excited to get to - "Nerd Night!"

 Leila with two crooked pony tails!

Two

Nerdy

Kids!

Like Urkel in

Family Matters.

Snorts and all!

Could find a single extra

glass frame we had

hanging around

here forever! 

Wishing you all a Happy Wednesday - the weekend is fast approaching.  I'm trying to change the font on my blog, so hang in with me!  Had the kids over and needed all the time for storing up Grandma lovin' till I see them in a couple of weeks!  

Blessings to all!

Donna

Honey, I'm Home! What's For Dinner?

Oh my gosh, got home too late last night for dinner.  Had a light bite to eat and then laid down for a bit and I was out like a light!  This morning I didn't wake up until 11:20 am - can you believe it!!??  No little arms or legs flopping all over me all night, all cozy in my nice bed.  How is it our bodies know when we're home?  I don't know, but mine knew last night and I slept like a rock!!

Friday, Karla got the children up early and they all went to Yosemite with family from out of town ~

Leila with Mrs. Whiskers and a dog  are ready to go!

And Elise putting a tail on her animal cap!

Big smile and a nap on the road for our Isaac!

I'm sure they had a lovely day, home with mom later, before off the next day for a bid weekend in SoCal at the Amusement Parks! Lovely to entertain!

What's that I hear???  Drat - no little voices, no needing drinks or dinner, sure do miss them after we leave each others company.  But, I'm home with my Sweetie, and we keep each other company.  The best thing??  I'll be back with them when mom and dad go on vacation and stay with them for two weeks!

Thank you all for your comments regarding Jill's Sneaky Momma's tutorial blog!  She's great.  I know we have many friends that have tutorials, and we thank all of you too.  But, this gal has really taken a lot of time organizing and putting up tutorials for those of us who (hate to say it this way) are like beginning, beginners!  That's me.  And, from some of the comments I've gotten, some of my friends have enjoyed the plain English and the pictorial images she uses.

Bought more plants today - oh yeah - more gardening!  And, we followed the instructions on mixing to soil additives for the plants in the ground we planted the last couple of weeks from a gardening expert at the Nursery, only to find it's burning them and we need to dig them up yet one more time - three times now - so this should do it, don't you think!?  So, that's our Sunday!  Hope you all had a happy Saturday and enjoy the day tomorrow!

Hugs to you all,
Donna

Freaky Windstorm Blew Right Through!!

Hi All!  Oh my gosh, with all that we've been doing, I haven't had time to post a blog in 5 days!  Some have written to see if I'm well - Thank you so much for your messages of concern!   There's so many wonderful friends here in blogland!  Sometimes you overwhelm me when I think of how much love there is between us, checking up on each other when we don't hear from our bloggy friends.  Thank you all so very much!

Finished up with my doctor visits (just my regular visit) dentist, bone grafting taking it's time and eye doctor, need new glasses, got most of the plants actually planted or replanted, as the case may have been, pots repainted and touched up, and lots of reading on my DAR involvement, which always turns out to be more than we originally planned!!

So, chores done that could be done, and now, here I am at the new house with our wee ones.  I had planned on taking a lot of pictures of the new house today with the children, but we had company - a Freaky Wind Storm blew in and here's a few pictures of before and after ~

During windstorm

After dust settled!

Oh my gosh!  As you can imagine, as soon as the wind started up and the dust was flying, we ran through the house getting the all the windows closed and put the dogs in the garage!

These were taken through a glass window.  So if it appears to be a bit glare, there is!

These two of the back yard.

Side fence and trees of neighbors.

After the dust and wind!

Really blowing like crazy - we could barely see the trees and it's not that far!

The back yard is about 1/2 acre, so you can imagine how much dust was flying!

On these last two photos these workers looked as though they might be debating whether or no to get down and finish later when the wind stopped.

They did wait - and they did finish!  Look at the difference in the trees

in the background!  Wow!

Couldn't decide to finish or get down!

What a difference after the dust settled!

Just 1/2 hour north of us, in the Fresno area, it rained so hard and fast, the streets flooded.  This storm blew in and out in less than 4 or 5 hours, by the reports, they made it seem like days.

I will be here for 4 more days, so I have lots of time to get my photo and Grandma fix in!!  I love being with the children, and I know many of you know what I mean!  We're like the motto of the Post Office years ago, Through wind, rain, sleet or snow, we'll be there with those wee ones when ever, what ever!!


Have a great new week!  Be back tomorrow with more photos!

My love to you all!
Blessings,
Donna

As Mother's Day Comes To A Close ~

I thank all of my wonderful friends who wrote personal notes to wish me a Happy Mother's Day.  To all of us on our blogs wishing each other a blessed and lovely Mother's Day, I pray you all had a good day.  A day filled with love, or memories of love.  Some of us, our sweet Mother's have passed on to Heaven, for some we look in to Mom's eyes and remember all the heavenly things she did for us. Others of us were blessed with Moms, AND Grandmas, Aunties, big Sisters or good Friends and have many to be thankful for today!

Some of us are blessed with little ones who make cards, or pictures, or have gifts for us to open.  Some of us are still waiting for the miracle of life one day.  Some of us have raised our children, and are watching them become wonderful Moms (and Dads!) and we now have wee ones that call and wish us "Happy Mother's Day, Grandma!"

How blessed we are indeed this opportunity of celebrating today!

My very first Mother's Day was May 10th, 1970, two days after the birth of my daughter.  As I held her that day, I thanked our precious and heavenly Lord for the blessing I'd received and asked for His guidance as I held her so close to me.  I whispered, "I love you, my sweetie,."  As she slept in my arms, I cried tears of joy!

I received a call today and was serenaded with a 'Happy Mother's" song and when I asked to hear it one more time, please?  My eldest son's entire family joined in and sang both verses!  When we said "Good~Bye and I Love You" I cried (I cry when I'm happy!)  My son also made a surprise visit on Friday and stopped by and joined us for a quick dinner on Friday!  He was on his way home after being away from his family, and I was so thankful for his personal wishes for a Happy Mother's Day!

My Sweetie and I slept in today, and he awoke with banging on the front door.  He was handed this from our youngest son and his beautiful wife, who live states away!

For me, the love of family, I love you's, hugs and kisses, songs from the children, pictures and cards, happy memories ~ not just today, but every day, I am most thankful for.  I've come to know so many wonderful people here in Blogland, and I know these are the things that are most important to you as well.  As one of our bloggy Sisters said today, 'I remember when Mom would say "always wear clean under panties, you never know when you'll get in to an accident!"  Or "If everyone else jumped off the bridge, would you jump, too?"  I know you remember these, too!  How about this one ~  my dear Uncle Fred used to say, "you always hang your hangers over the bar and all in the same direction!"  Why you ask?  Well, what if there was a fire!!??  I guess in the old, old, old, old, old days, it took longer for the houses to burn!  Oh, and just in case you're wondering, every single hanger, in every single closet is hung OVER the bar - no, no, I'm not rescuing any clothes if there's a fire!   Me, I'm making sure before I run out the door I have clean panties on!  Just sayin'!

This is my favorite, my sweet loving Granny, who was one of the most important people in my life, use to say, "Watch out who you are friends with - birds of a feather, flock together!"  As I grew up, I learned what she meant.

I'm glad we're all in the same flock!  Chirp, chirp!

Love to each and every one of you Chicks!
Blessings, and hugs,
Donna

Sharing A Couple Of Cards!

With Mother's Day coming up, and birthdays and anniversaries, I started making a few cards up.  I'd love to share a couple of special cards ~

This is the Mother's Day Card I made for my Mom. I love double and triple matting the paper so they have a more dramatic effect.  I used pop dots on the "Happy Mother's Day" placing it over the ribbon to be the focal point.

Oh, I love the Calla Lily flowers on this card!  With all of the designs going on this card, the only focal point needed was the bunch of flowers placed on the gathered eyelet.  I wasn't sure of all the designs together until I saw another card artist who made some similar and thought they were beautiful.  This is for a special friend who will be coming down with her husband to spend a few days this week. We'll be celebrating her birthday while they are visiting!

I also print my own sentiment on the computer on card stock instead of stamping something.  To take the time and money making my cards, I would like it to say exactly what I want it to say!

Thanks for taking a peak!  Tomorrow I hope to have the garden finished and be able to share those photos with you!!

Blessings, and I wish you all a wonderful new weekend to work on the special projects, hunt for the treasures you've been looking for, or like us, finishing the garden!

Hugs,
Donna

Long Distance Thrift Store Purchases!

My sweet daughter in law in Colorado sent me this box of goodies, just jam packed and filled to the brim!

                    

This is what the box was full of!  Can this girl pack a box or what?  There's a little of this, a bit of that and a bunch of everything! 

Here, let me show you around!

Here are some pearls and beads.  Oh, just look at the ribbon - the organza blue ribbon off to the side!  There's also some in some yummy green, yellow and lots of tapestry ribbon!


 Lots and lots and lots of lace!

By the yard and look at the Eyelet Lace with Roosters! Cute, cute, cute!

Kim found the prettiest antique doilies!  Some stitches I've never seen before and all well taken care of!  Very few had stains, and I think I can tea dye them and use them for other items!  Oh ~ I love it!

 
 
 
So much beauty!!  Don't you agree?

 

 

 

 Tons of Ribbons, cording and

Calla Lily's on Ribbons!

And then there's bundles and bundles and bundles of this stuff - paper raffia ribbon - I don't know what to use this for!  Any ideas?  Any of you use it for ?  What???  Let me know, as I have lots of it!!!

Looks like great fun to work with ~ just need to know what, when, where and how?

 
 
Ideas?  Suggestions??  Have you used it yourself?  This is only a small portion of it!
 
 
 
 
Thank you so much Kim!  She is such a sweetie to go out and bargain hunt for me!  All of this cost me what??  A whopping $17 - yep - this gal knows how to shop! 
 
Love you, Sweetie!
 
Thanks for stopping by, I wish you all a wonderful rest of the week!
Blessings,
Donna