Let Her Letter 365

Gabe's letters

2011-02-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we received two letters from Gabe. It looks like the first letter he received from home was on Friday 28th. He really appreciates getting our letters. That was a long time without hearing anything from us and he was feeling it. He is doing well but misses his former lifestyle. :)

Heard from Gabe!

2011-01-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

We finally got a phone call from Gabe! It was just 6 minutes long but was so good to hear from him! He's alive and well. He says he underestimated Basic Training and has endured some surprises. He says he should have gotten more info from his brother Jonathan about his Basic Training experience a year ago. But he is doing well, has gained some weight and is almost finished with the Red Phase, after which things get a little easier in some ways.

Fun in the California Sun

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have such fond memories of Gabe during our vacation to Disneyland. If he had gone to West Point at the end of his senior year, he'd have been gone already. That was his Plan A, but Plan B is working out pretty well, too. When I think of all the time since June that we've had with him, I am grateful to God. And it is looking as though he may spend May and June at home with us before he goes to West Point the end of June. Tracie and her family and Jon are planning a trip home during that time so we may have all our kids together again. It may be a long time before that happens again, so we will cherish every moment!

Basic Training - Gabe's 6th day

2011-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

So, our last days with Gabe were good, filled with normal day to day doings. At the thought of him leaving my emotions would spill over rather easily but once he actually left, my emotions have been even. I served Gabe his favorite foods during his final days, especially steak. I can't help it, it's the way I'm wired. He sorted through his stuff, making piles for us to giveaway and save. The rest of the stuff in his room we could do whatever we want with it. That suits me just fine, but I haven't gotten in there yet.
We spent some good time with him at the end, even witnessed his swearing in before he shipped out. He had a week of inprocessing, shots, medical exams, measuring and issuing of uniforms, etc. During that week he called quite often since he wasn't officially in Basic Training yet. We talked more that week than ever before!
Now he's been at REAL Basic Training, his 6th day and all we've heard from him is a script he read over the phone during his one minute call that he is alright, don't send any packages and he'll send us his address soon. He added, "I love you both." So we were content with that. He is in the Lord's hands.

6 Days Left with Gabe - Thursday

2010-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

Gabe is making progress toward being ready to go this coming Tuesday. He is sorting through his bedroom. We hope to use it as a guest room while he's away. We just learned today that he is to report the afternoon on Monday the 3rd. He is allowed to come home for the evening but he is to be returned by 9 PM that night. The next morning he will be sworn in officially and then will ship out. Just a few more days.
Gabe lets me hug him whenever I want to, even when he's in the middle of something. He is sweet to let me. He knows I need to; it's for me, not for him.

7 Days Left with Gabe - Wednesday Cleaning

2010-12-29T09:16:00.003-08:00

Gabe started working on his room today, sorting through stuff. He has some books he'll let go and others he'll keep.

8 Days Left with Gabe - Tuesday

2010-12-29T09:16:00.001-08:00

9 Days Left with Gabe - Monday

2010-12-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's Monday. Gabe leaves next week. We're really feeling it. We're off from work all week so we slept in and then had our quiet time by the fire with coffee as usual. Talked about what life will be like when it's just the two of us. We're not sure what to expect and not sure how much we'll like it. Can't fight it. It was bound to happen. And it's the right thing for our kids to fly away on their own, to make their own way in the world. But it certainly has an affect on us. This one's different because it's the last one, leaving our nest empty. But it will never be empty really because they always come back for visits and for awhile seek our advice for day to day things. And they add to our family by marriage; we have wonderful additions of a son in law and daughter in law. And then the grandchildren. What sweetness and wonder they add to our family!
Gabe is feeling it, too. He's been spending more time with his friends; it's their break, too, so they are in town still. Good timing for him. In fact he's spending so much time with his friends gaming till the wee hours that we don't see him much during the day because he is sleeping. We'll allow him his freedom to do that; it won't be long before he won't have that luxury anymore.

10 Days Left with Gabe - Sunday

2010-12-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

We had a full and unusual day. In order to get 3 hours north to a West Point open house we left at 9 AM. Gabe slept most of the way up. :) Once there, we spent a couple hours meeting West Point freshmen who answered tons of questions, even our un-asked ones. We also met some parents of students who will be entering when Gabe does. We learned that the best airport to fly in and out of when going to West Point is Newark, New Jersey. That was a surprise to me.
Then we hit the road and drove north to my brother's house where my parents were visiting from Arizona for Christmas. We had fun getting to know our little niece Hannah and Gabe spent time with Josh and Daniel playing games. Dad looks real good; his heart surgery was just 2 months ago. After a tasty meal and my mom's famous Date Cake for dessert we headed for home. We were surprised that it took us only 3 1/2 hours. Though the wet weather made visibility difficult, there was not a lot of traffic through Seattle. Gabe slept most of the way home, too. He said it makes the trip go faster; I know just what he means!

11 Days Left with Gabe - Christmas Day

2010-12-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had a nice Christmas day. It started out with Gabe not being able to sleep after 2 AM and was up tending the fire when Tennis got up at 4:30 AM. They had some hot chocolate and talked in whispers. I went back to sleep for a few hours. By the time I got up Gabe went back to bed until Maddy and Trinny woke him up to open presents! We ate cinnamon rolls and mandarin oranges and opened our stockings. Finally Nathan, Cynthia and Jacob came over and the party got started! Here are a few pics of Gabe with his brother Nathan, 14 years apart in age. They are so alike though!
It was so special to also be able to talk with Jon and Tracie and Isabella, also my mom and dad. It was a good day.

12 Days Left with Gabe - Christmas Eve

2010-12-25T20:25:00.001-08:00

We spent some time at Nathan and Cynthia's house Christmas eve. Gabe enjoyed the XBox Kinect games. When we were ready to go we took with us Maddy and Trinny. Jacob went to bed about the time we left so those staying enjoyed the games without little ones around. I'm sure for them it was quiet. :) But it wasn't too bad at our house. Trinny and Maddy got along real well and we watched Stuart Little II with them before bed. They were excited that the next morning would be Christmas!
These are a few photos of Gabe and others playing XBox Kinect. It was fun watching him having a good time.

13 Days Left with Gabe - "Best Uncle in the World"

2010-12-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Gabe spent the afternoon and evening over at Nathan and Cynthia's house. When I asked him how it went he laughed and said maybe the "Gabe's the best uncle in the world" thing wasn't the best idea. He's been getting the girls, 3 and 4 years old, to say it any time they wanted something from him. He said while he was at their house they followed him around and wanted his attention all the time. He loves them and didn't mind but it wore him out!

14 Days Left with Gabe - Decorating the tree

2010-12-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

I finally brought downstairs all the decorations for the tree and asked Gabe if he wanted to help me put on ornaments. He was glad to, said he noticed we were waiting to the last minute this year, almost. He smiled, didn't want to hurt my feelings. Of course I defensively started telling him about all the things that took priority for me this year till now. He didn't really want to hear it. He said he knows I've been busy and he's glad we're doing it now. We worked together talking about where each ornament came from, who made it and how long we've had it. It was fun. Hopefully next year he'll be able to come home from West Point for Christmas. If not, maybe we'll make a trip to New York to see him. Each day he lets me hug him and nods with understanding when I tell him how much I'm going to miss him and that I love him. This Christmas half our kids are away from home but hope to visit in just a few months. We are about to begin a new chapter as Gabe moves away.
Oh, and today he passed his physical fitness test which has earned him a rank. He will enter Basic Training with a chevron as an E-2. He's a goal-setter, focused and determined. I admire that about him.

15 Days Left with Gabe

2010-12-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Last week on the day Gabe couldn't sleep he was sitting by the fire when we got up for work. He told us that something happened. Before we got up at 5 am he said he saw two people wearing hoodies, running from our neighbor's house and then they went running down the street, hopped into a car and kept going. He was concerned that they were up to no good, so he donned shoes and took off after them in his car. He wrote down their license plate number and came home. He told us all about it when we got up. We thought it was kinda funny that he doesn't know the neighborhood routine in the dark wee hours of the morning, like 4:30 am. We were pretty sure it was just the family who delivers the newspaper. They employ their kids to do the running while the mom drives the car. He must have thought that rang true cuz he crumpled up the piece of paper and threw it away. We told him he should get up early more often! Love that boy.

16 Days Left with Gabe

2010-12-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Gabe and a couple friends pulled an all-nighter playing games at our house last night. They were so quiet we didn't hear a thing. When we got up this morning they were still at it. We don't usually turn on the tv in the mornings but rather we sit by the fire, reading and talking. Watching the boys sitting before the glow of the tv this morning looked a little to us like sitting before the fire. My husband always says that when there's a fire, there's life and it draws you to it. I guess for some, the tv does that, too.

17 Days Left with Gabe

2010-12-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Gabe went for a long run with his college buddy in the pouring rain today. They help each other follow through with their desire to keep in shape. Gabe wants to pass the Army Physical Fitness test before he goes in January. His friend is already in the Navy, doing ROTC at University of Washington. I love to see them do their P.T. together.

18 Days Left with Gabe - A big help

2010-12-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

We have had some forceful winds recently which tore the tarp off our wood pile. Tennis and Gabe spent a few hours this afternoon out in the cold repairing it. The fir isn't seasoned yet so we are trying to keep it covered for at least a few more months. It's something Tennis couldn't have done by himself today so I appreciate Gabe's help.

19 Days Left with Gabe

2010-12-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's not that we love our other children any less, it's just that with the last one it's different. Just as the first child holds a special place as firstborn, and the only daughter likewise, so the youngest holds the spot as the baby of the family. I've heard people introduce their adult son or daughter as their baby and others proudly introducing their "baby brother" who now towers over them in height. It's a term of affection and maybe of ownership.
I remember loving my baby brother and trying always to be his protector, the one who watched out for him making sure he got a good seat, wasn't left out of something fun, and got a big enough piece of dessert. I remember after we moved to Portland we drove back to Seattle to spend Christmas with my grandparents. I was about 10 years old and my little brother was just turning 5. I was so excited for Christmas remembering the wonderful year previously that we experienced at my grandparents' house. It snowed all the drive to Seattle which added to the wonder and magic. I remember singing softly to Jay most of the way up, singing Silent Night over and over. We enjoyed a special bond.
I think that's how it is with the youngest. When we say they're the baby of the family we mean it with love and respect knowing that they hold a very special place in all our hearts.

20 Days left with Gabe - Oatmeal Blechhhh !

2010-12-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Gabe can't sleep. Last night was one of those nights. We heard him around 3:30 am stoking the fire. It was supposed to get down to 32 degrees and we heat the house with our fireplace insert, so we appreciated his effort. We never really did get back to sleep and when we got up at 5 am Gabe was still awake sitting in front of the fire. When his dad left for work he agreed to join me for oatmeal. I regularly have it for breakfast, with raisins and no sugar. He added brown sugar and when he finished it all he told me emphatically that he does not like oatmeal. I laughed and told him that in the army he'll probably have to eat it and it'll probably be the quick oats kind that have little texture and will probably be served cold! He shrugged his shoulders and said if it comes to that, he'll do what he has to do.

20 Days left with Gabe

2010-12-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

Gabe's friends from high school who went away to college are now trickling in from their various schools back to our town. We're glad he is connecting with these guys knowing that they might be friends for life.

21 Days with Gabe - What a good uncle

2010-12-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Today Maddy and Trinny came over for a few hours. Gabe built castles with the girls out of wooden blocks and they had fun knocking them down. These pics show Gabe sliding Trinny back and forth through his legs. She had never done that before and had so much fun! She loves her uncle Gabe.

22 Days Left - Barking Dog

2010-12-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

Last night we had just fallen asleep when Jack, our yappy Terry-Poo, started barking and wouldn't stop. We finally realized that we had locked Gabe out and he was softly knocking on the front door. Gabe is sharing his car with me and we have only one key, so it was hanging in the kitchen, along with his house key - grrrrr. He must have thought it was a little bit funny that Jack kept barking but knew he needed to wake his dad up to let him in. Jack is such a crazy dog. Even though he knew it was Gabe he just isn't able to stop himself from barking when someone is knocking! Must be his superior breeding.

Gabe apologized for waking us up; he thought his keys were still in my purse, and no one goes there but me! I'm not sure he realizes how annoying that dog's barking is to us when we are sleeping! Actually maybe he does. When I leave for work in the morning Jack sits at the top of the stairs where he can see all the activity on the street in front of our house. He barks at all the dogs and dog-walkers, so maybe in some sick way this is PAY BACK for countless similar scenarios he has endured with this crazy dog when we're not home!

Gotta love 'em, both of them. Their fair points out-weigh their faults, not so convinced about Jack's though.

23 Days Left with Gabe

2010-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Soon Gabe will head off to Army basic training. As we count down the days I am full of emotion. My baby is leaving the nest. I've been a mom for 33 years. I will always be a mom. But having none of my children at home anymore, even though on the one hand I look forward to it, will certainly be an emotional adjustment for me. I am excited for Gabe that after a few months of enlisted life he will change gears and spend the next four years training to be an Army officer at West Point. He is excited about that. He will have the basic training experience of an enlisted man which most officers coming out of West Point will not have. He hopes it will help him in leading soldiers in the future. And I think it will.

This is my own blog, so if I express pride in my children or am sappy, all I can say is that it's me, it's my heart. And I will make no apology for that.

I am coming to realize how very much I will miss Gabe. I was thinking about him this morning, that he has never shown any rebellion. He is an unusual and amazing person. I love him, I am incredibly proud of him and I will miss him terribly.

I truly did not think I would be one of those who struggle with the "empty nest syndrome." Now that I'm on the brink, I'm not so sure anymore.

Isabella Name Banner

2010-07-13T20:01:00.001-07:00

Madison Name Banner

2010-07-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

Baby Jacob Name Banner for Baby Shower

2010-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Name Banner - Milan

2010-07-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Name Banner - Nolan

2010-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Name Banners - Hannah & Daniel

2010-07-13T14:10:00.001-07:00

Banner - Joshua

2010-07-13T14:07:00.001-07:00

Made to order name banners made with 6" squares of decorative card stock strung with color-coordinated ribbon make a wonderful party or room decoration. $24

Walking on Walls, must be genetic!

2010-07-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

This is Gabe walking on the wall and even the ceiling! His brothers did similar wall-walking, can't understand where this is coming from!

Happy Birthday, Tennis!

2010-06-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Father's Day/Birthday Barbeque was eaten INDOORS because it was cold and wet outside! Jacob loves the Johnny Jump Up but in a few months will be regularly joining us at the table. Tennis turned 59 and still looks great! But Maddy pointed out that Great Grandma Cook and Grandpa Heuton have the same hair, meaning they have the same color: very gray! We missed Jon and Tracie & family, but heard from all of them so that completed our day and we felt very full...., of love and food.

Father's Day Fixin' Food

2010-06-22T18:33:00.000-07:00

Gabe, Building Blocks, and Girls

2010-06-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

"GABE IS THE BEST UNCLE IN THE WORLD!" At least that's what he tells his nieces to say. And why wouldn't they think highly of him, he plays with them and reads to them and they love him for it! Of course, despite the brainwashing, they love it when he teaches them the finer points of skyscraper architecture!

Nathan's smile

2010-06-22T15:17:00.001-07:00

Nathan was 3 months old and was such a little ham in front of a camera! I've always loved this baby picture. He was a very smiley little guy. This second photo was taken at a family reunion in the San Juan Islands area during the time we lived in San Diego. He was about 10 years old. He continues to melt my mama-heart when he smiles.

Nathan.....always was a farmer

2010-06-22T14:51:00.001-07:00

Nathan always loved being outside and was a big help in the garden, even at a young age. Here he is with his overalls on and a shovelful of soil. We worked together and planted a nice garden that year.

Currently Nathan maintains a large garden and loves spending time working in it. He encourages Maddy and Trinity to work alongside him and enjoys their satisfaction as they eat something they 've helped grow!

I remember how Nathan would eat a carrot he just pulled out of the dirt. He would wipe it off on his pants and enjoy it, grit and all.

Happy Graduation Gabe!

2010-06-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

He did it! We made it!

2010-06-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

My baby graduated from high school. It seemed as though the day would never arrive. He's been ready for this for so long. We've been parenting for 32 years now, so we are ready for this, too. I KNOW I will miss him though, as I miss each of my kids. But becoming adults and finding their own way is inevitable and I wouldn't want to hinder what is best for them. We are so happy for Gabe.

Isa loves being a big sister!

2010-06-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Isabella loves her baby brother!

Milan, our youngest grandchild

2010-06-03T16:14:00.000-07:00

Milan is such a sweet little guy and don't you just love those blue eyes! He is greatly loved by his big sister, too!

Two of my boys, aaahh aren't they cute!

2010-06-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

My baby is 18!

2010-06-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Gabe is Graduating!

2010-05-16T11:50:00.001-07:00

Gabe is graduating.

That means the close of a chapter of parenting in the home.

We will continue to parent thankfully, but will be in an advisory capacity now.

These photos at Machu Picchu were taken almost four years ago, how he has changed. We will all eagerly watch as he goes to college and grows as a man, becoming all God means him to.

This last photo is of our four kids. I can't express how very much we love each one of them and are so thankful they love and enjoy each other!

My two youngest

2010-05-12T12:52:00.001-07:00

Proud of our son

2010-05-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Jonathan left in January for Lackland Air Force Base. Here we are with him at Papa's Pizza before he left and then after his graduation from basic training. He graduated in the top 10% and also won the Warhawk Award for being the most physically fit guy there! That means he did more pushups in 2 minutes and more situps in 2 minutes than anyone else and then immediately ran 2 miles faster than everyone. We are proud of him for pushing himself to do his very best! We were there with him for his graduation and enjoyed it all thoroughly!

Getting back on Track

2010-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Isn't this is a sweet shot! I've been very distracted of late with personal challenges. I HAVE been lettering and will post some of what I've been doing soon!

Day 32 - Name Banners

2010-02-03T12:54:00.001-08:00

Day 31 - Jon & Gabe

2010-02-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Day 30 - Yuliya and Karla

2010-02-01T06:32:00.001-08:00

I'm liking this lettering style, would like to try it out on some additional names and applications like envelope addressing. Maybe tomorrow.

Day 29 - Milan Alessandro

2010-01-30T21:14:00.001-08:00

Day 28 - Jacob Matthew James

2010-01-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Day 27 - A little Funky

2010-01-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

Day 26 - Sketches

2010-01-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Day 25 - Jacob, the process

2010-01-27T09:26:00.000-08:00

Day 24 - Jon, even further

2010-01-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

I am interested in adding color to the background of some of these. And also in making the letters with more movement, dynamic.

Day 23 - Jon, a bit further

2010-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Spent the day with my foot up again due to edema, pooling of fluids around my ankle.

I am not uncomfortable walking but it looks real bad. Anyway, I'm thankful it isn't any worse. As I worked on Jon's name, I couldn't help but wonder how he's doing at basic training. Love you, son.

Day 22 - Jon

2010-01-24T20:20:00.001-08:00

Day 21 - Lydia & Sprained Ankle

2010-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

I sprained my ankle first thing this morning, but my daughter in law came over and spent the whole day taking care of me. I am so thankful for her help. By the evening I was able to walk on it again, very slowly and gingerly, but it's getting better. I created and colored this design for Lydia's name while watching a movie with my ankle on ice.

Day 20 - Cole

2010-01-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Day 19 - Brysen

2010-01-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Day 18 - Jacob Steps to Adding Color

2010-01-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Day 17 - Jacob outline

2010-01-19T21:20:00.001-08:00

Day 16 - Monoline Fun and Stretched Cursive

2010-01-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

Day 15 - A Little Color Goes A Long Way

2010-01-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Day 14 - Gabriel Graffiti Style

2010-01-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

I LOVE graffiti! I like studying the letters, which too often are unreadable. I prefer to be able to read them, but don't mind if I have to work a little bit at "getting it." My personal style when I try to create graffiti is still too "tight" and predictable. I need to loosen up and to work at designing the letters to be intertwined more. I really like it when they do. It's more intriguing to look at.

Day 13 - Tracie Lee, Stretched Cursive

2010-01-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - Birth Announcement Practice

2010-01-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Day 11 - Italic practice with a cartridge pen

2010-01-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

When I practice with a cartidge pen, I like to use spiral notebooks because they are already lined. For italic, the lower case letters are 5 pen-widths high. A Shaeffer Broad nib fits just right in the Wide Ruled spiral and notebook paper.

Another thing that is good about notebook paper is that it has a nice smooth surface; the ink-filled nib glides nicely over the surface without feathering.

Whenever you letter, put a piece of paper under your hand. It will protect your writing surface and keep it clean. You'd be surprised how sliding a hand back and forth on the paper, even a very clean hand, deposits oils from your skin and prevents the ink from laying down properly; it'll skip and spoil your lettering.

Day 10 - Cynthia

2010-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Day 9 - Hannah Rose, Larkin Renee & Heidi Finleigh

2010-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Day 8 - Italic Calligraphy

2010-01-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

Today I practiced italic with a dip pen and a Speedball C1 nib.

Italic lettering and I go way back. I took a class my senior year in high school. Then I took several classes in college. As far as lettering is concerned, it's my first love.

Since I am going to letter every day this year I must be sure to practice italic. It helps my every day handwriting and besides being relaxing, it sharpens my lettering skills in general.

Day 7 - Riley

2010-01-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

Day 6 - Zach and Isabella

2010-01-07T21:45:00.001-08:00

Day 5 - Cole and Nate

2010-01-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

Day 4 - Hannah

2010-01-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

I am barely getting my feet wet at this. Even doing just one name a day like this is not easy. What's hard is making the time for it, saying no to other things. I have so many ideas I want to try so I'm excited about it. My goal is to be consistent and even if my daily work isn't so great, I plan to post it because I said I would. My desire is to develop skills and to learn, so even if I'm not showing forth my best work I will still put it out there.

Day 3 - Isabella

2010-01-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Day 2 - Sophia

2010-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Day 2 Having fun with this!

It was a very busy day with my son heading out on a new adventure and all but because I am committed to doing this every day I did the work and had fun doing it!

I couldn't post till today because of internet problems but I'm not going to let that get me down.

Day 1 - Lydia

2010-01-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

This is the name of a friend's baby girl, Lydia. Her room is a jungle theme.

Letter Her Letter 365 - A learning adventure

2010-01-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

I am going to "DO ART" every day for a year and to blog about the experience. I read an article about a woman in my area who successfully drew every day for an entire year. She learned a lot during the experience. I thought this would be a good idea for me.

I LOVE LETTERING. I expect lettering to be my focus, but will include other art as well. I have lots of project ideas but need to push myself when I feel lazy and don't want to work. I hope to grow in my skills this year and in self discipline to keep at it. Also, I need to open myself up to the opinions of others and to bring my designs to a completed state.

Isabella Meets Barney

2009-12-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

I spent a month mid-November to mid-December in Cusco, Peru with Tracie and her family. One day we went to the outdoor craftsmen market. Isabella spotted Barney and made a bee-line for him. She was so excited to see a familiar friend. It was so cute, made me laugh. I was glad I had the camera with me to record the moment.

A Pair of Princesses!

2009-11-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Trinity wanted a princess dress, so this is my version of a pink Sleeping Beauty dress, complete with sheer sleeves, ribbon rosebuds at the waist and little poofy things on the hips. She was so happy with it.

Each of us has at one time or another worn something that made us feel "like a million bucks." This was Trinity's moment. She told me, "thank you for the princess dress, so bootiful!" many, many times during the weekend. My heart was happy because hers was.

Madison looked pretty in her Snow White dress. Her mama bought it second hand and it needed quite a bit of repair. After several hours of work on my part it looked as good as new. In her very dramatic way she expressed to me her appreciation as though I had even woven the fabric myself!

Madison wore sparkly red shoes that matched her princess dress and Trinity wore sparkly pink shoes with hers. They both looked the part, wearing crowns featuring images of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

As soon as they were dressed they headed off to a harvest party where lots of nice comments about our little princesses were overheard. Grandpa noticed that Trinity seemed like a different girl, twirling round and round, truly enjoying being all dressed up.

Trinity wants to be Sleeping Beauty

2009-10-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

My challenge is to create a costume for Trinity (2 1/2) that looks something like this. When her mama brought home a pretty Snow White costume for Madison, suddenly the hand-me-down Ariel costume didn't appeal to her. She cried for a princess dress, to be Sleeping Beauty. I will do my best to make her feel special. She's a little young to understand the lessons that could be taught at a time like this. We'll save those for another day. Today I want to make my little granddaughter happy.

Grosgrain Giveaway: Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costumes

2009-10-14T16:17:00.001-07:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Imagination Stirring

2009-09-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Aerial view of our property and Ron and Sue's, too.

Ron and Sue's new outbuilding. Our property is on the other side of the trees.

What would you do with an interesting old building like this? I thought about turning it into a studio, but would need bigger windows for lots of light. I wonder if it would make a good cabin playhouse for the grandkids. We chose to not buy the property with these two old buildings on them after all. But the view from this shed is all ours.

I love the rustic feel of this barn window. On the other side of it is a beautiful brown horse. In my dreams.

My new toy

2009-04-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my new piece of exercise equipment. That's not me, though. It's really fun and easy to use. It's very quiet and I don't have to put on any shoes in particular; any shoes will do, even my slippers! I work up a sweat and can feel the aerobic benefit, but mostly I can feel it in my legs. I don't know if the elliptical has anything to do with it, but I've dropped a couple pounds, too.

2009-04-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated with this kind of lettering, in fact I am practicing and creating some of my own. My style isn't this wild and crazy but I'm trying it out. I'll share some of mine here when I take some pictures of it.

2009-04-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

About 25 years ago we had dinner with some new friends. They made pizza with homemade dough. I loved it! I've been using this same recipe ever since. In fact we just had this same pizza for dinner tonight. I thought I would share it with you.

Place 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in a big bowl. Carefully pour in 1 cup of very warm (but not hot) water. I'm told it's about 115 degrees. In a few minutes you will see it bubble as the yeast dissolves and interacts with the sugar. That's called proofing. When the yeast is proofed, add the following ingredients: 2 Tablespoons sugar, 2 Tablespoons canola or olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and half of the flour. The total amount of flour is 2 3/4 cups. In order to not have to knead, add half of the flour and mix 2 minutes until elasticy with an electric mixer. Then by hand or with a bread hook attachment, mix in the rest of the flour.

You can let the dough rise while you grate your cheese and prepare your sauce and toppings. On an oiled surface, press the dough from the middle out. When the dough won't spread out, just wait a minute while it does its magic and in a bit it'll let you press it to the edge. After you oil the pan, try sprinkling it with corn meal for that special crunch. This dough works without having to rise, but rising is good for it, too.

It may take a little longer than 30 minutes from start to finish the first couple of times, but once you get used to it, I expect you should be able to make it and bake it in 30 minutes.

Add sauce, mozzarella cheese and toppings. In a preheated oven, bake for approximately 18 minutes. Let it cool a little before cutting.

Tips:

This recipe makes one 15 inch round pizza. If you prefer a thinner, crispier crust don't use all the dough Or double the recipe for three pizzas.

You can use a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, or even a cake pan. You will want to adjust the amount of dough to the pan you choose.

This dough will keep several days in a zip-bag in the refrigerator.

Freezes well. Thaw it in the fridge.

Makes terrific garlic bread. Press dough out on pizza pan and spread with softened butter. Sprinkle garlic and spices over all.

Make a second pizza while you're at it, cut it up and wrap pieces for lunches.

This is one of our favorites. I hope you will give it a try!

Let's make Apple Crisp!

2009-01-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

The girls help grandpa peel apples for the crisp. Their job - taste tasting. Maddy learns how to work the apple, peeler, corer, slicer. What a great tool.

ISABELLA turns ONE

2009-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

Princess Isabella on her birthday

Isabella with her beautiful Mama...

Having fun with her papa. Just look at those little toes!

Isabella's birthday card for her memory book. The rosebud print dress with eyelet pinafore.

Christmas Snow

2009-01-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

We LOVED having snow this winter, especially Christmas Day.

Our Very Own Table

2009-01-24T20:05:00.000-08:00

Grandpa and I painted the little table and chairs that have been in our family for 25 years. They belonged first to the girls' daddy and aunt Tracie. Then uncles Jon and Gabe used them for a long time. Now it's Maddy and Trinity's turn. Not only did they get a fresh coat of paint, I painted some roses on them in January. They enjoyed playing with it Christmas day, having tea with their babies but on the day when we told her they could take it home, Maddy was excited. She said, "Oh, my good-NESS!"

A close-up view of the painted roses.

A few more pics

2008-12-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

This is our lane going the other direction, to the mailbox on Hammer Road. As you may have gathered, it's known as a driveway to city folk.
This is our southern border. The cluster of trees is our neighbor's farm that we chose to not buy.

Another look at our neighbor's farm, looking west. Our build site is on the left just out of sight.

More pics of the property

2008-12-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the view facing north from where we plan to build our house. The trees on the right are Sue and Ron's property. The other pictures are of our great discovery. Not only do we have a creek, the source of it is on our property in the form of several fresh water springs! What a refreshing spot it will be on a hot summer day.

Our property

2008-12-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is the lane on our property in Iowa. The smooth hill ahead is where we plan to build our house. The trees on the left in the distance mark the corner of the property that belongs to my husband's sister Sue and her husband, Ron. If all continues to progress as planned, we will sign papers in January. We plan to move there when we retire, but that won't be for several years. This picture was taken in July, the snowy one was taken in January 2008.

Laura and Tracie

2008-12-07T16:13:00.001-08:00

Today unexpectedly we ran into an old friend of ours: Laura C.
Back in the day she was Tracie's dearest friend. Here they are with their homemade "cabbage patch" dolls. We have many fond memories of this young lady, who now has a family of her own.

Sewing for my granddaughters

2008-12-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

I have some sewing projects in mind for my three little granddaughters.....DRESSES!!
Here are some fabrics and patterns I may choose from. But I'm not saying who gets what cuz I want it to be a SURPRISE!!

2008-12-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

Isabella Amaia
Tracie Lee with Gma Cook I see the resemblance, don't you?

A New Tradition

2008-11-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to start a new tradition. Two of our granddaughters live near us so we invited them to sleep over Thanksgiving night. Their parents can do the crazy 5 AM Christmas shopping, if they want to. What we will do is MAKE GINGERBREAD HOUSES!! We are going to make wonderful memories and will look forward to some future year when their baby cousin Isa can join us from South America. It was really my idea, but Grandpa is willingly going along with the plan and being a big help, as usual. Right now we are still just waking up. But since Great Gma and Gpa gave the girls, Maddy & Trinny, a gingerbread house KIT, we are all set to begin when we're ready. Will Grandpa and I ever be ready? After all, these girls are just 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years old! Are we crazy or what!? More to follow....

This last photo shows Maddy phoning her mom when we were all done. She was so excited, told her mom to, "come quick and see the pretty house!"

While we were still in the decorating mode Trinny was all about the candy and how it tasted. She would lick a piece and then put it on the house! I gave her a small pile of candies to keep her involved but every time there was none left in front of her, she would climb down from the tall stool, go around, and climb up on Maddy's where she could reach the big stash of goodies! It sure kept me on my toes, trying to keep her safe from the candies and the candies safe from her! I realized what an agile little thing she is. So many times I thought she was going to fall off the stool but she never did.

Maddy on the other hand showed how big she's getting, she'll be 3 soon. She seemed to understand without much instruction just how it's done. She did her share of tasting but kept it separate from the decorating. She really enjoyed the process and has been telling her mom every day that she wants to go back to Grandma's to make another pretty house. I think before Christmas they will enjoy decorating Gingerbread Cookies!

Oh, and one more thing. These two little girls are darling and their mama always fixes their hair so cute. Grandma doesn't have the same knack, just wanted you to know that I'm aware of my shortcomings. :)

This new adventure

2008-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

I have joined the world of blogging. It's a familiar place, but strange at the same time. As I have enjoyed reading the blogs of others I wondered what I would say if ever I decided to jump in and join them. And so I have. My adventure begins today. It's Thanksgiving Day 2008. I have a lot to be thankful for, my daughter-in-law for launching this blog for me. And for all my kids, grandkids and my loving husband. Being a wife, a mother and a grandmother is certainly an adventure, if you look at it that way. And I always have, I think. I do like adventures, as long as I feel in control. I really am not much of a risk-taker or a seeker of the adrenalin-rush. And I discovered a few years ago that if I never, ever again go to an amusement park like Six Flags, I will not miss it.

But this blogging thing seems to me will be a really fun adventure. I am excited about the possibilities! A great creative outlet. And I expect I'll learn lots.