Do You Need To Go?

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. That is a real, bona fide Port-A-Potty sitting on a cement storm drain at the edge of our front yard. I can see property values dropping to an all-time low.

From what I've been told, the widow next door broke her hip and is recovering in a nursing home. Apparently, it was decided that she should stay there and now her children are undertaking a massive remodeling of her home. Construction has been going on there for months. Now, it appears a room will be added on the back of the house, probably extending the den area. I guess the potty was moved in to accommodate the builders. But why sit it by the street?

The house is vacant and I'm sure there are at least three bathrooms inside. Maybe the construction company's policy is to abstain from using the bathrooms inside the home. But what's wrong with the back of the driveway? That would give more privacy and protect home values. I can't imagine "needing to go" and having to walk to the street, step up on the curb and enter this blue structure. And it's placed where all the neighbors can see the comings and goings.

I'm sure it was easier for the truck to unload the potty at the street instead of backing up the driveway. Also, the potty might be in the way at the construction site. Still, it remains a very strange addition to our tranquil neighborhood. Our mailman is probably the only one who is thrilled by its presence. How convenient for him.

Anyway, I thought the potty and its positioning at the edge of our yard would make an interesting blog post. I swallowed my pride and stood in the street and took pictures. I hope no neighbors were staring from their windows and wondering what this mad woman was doing. I also hope they don't actually think Robin relieved himself in that disgusting place. The lengths we will go for the sake of the blog!

We have three bathrooms and a litter box, so we really don't need the front yard potty. It wasn't placed there for our use anyway. But if Mother Nature were to make an urgent call while mowing the front yard, I guess we would be glad the potty is there, in plain sight, property values or not. After all, when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Soccer And Family Day

Robin and I headed out this morning to watch Camryn and her team play soccer. Camryn is a freshman this year and enjoying her first year in high school. She's also very active and joining the soccer team is one of her many activities.

Allison, Jude and Sophia showed up too, and Thomas and Jude were excited to see each other. We had a great time cheering on Camryn and her team and the weather was warm, but not unbearably hot. Camryn's team lost, but they played a good game. I've always believed that teammanship and enjoying the game is more important than winning. It's the actual playing and interacting with other people that is so much fun.

After the game, Allison's family and Robin and I met at a restaurant for Mexican food. Baylee had stayed home with Brian since she's still recovering from having her tonsils removed, but they joined us for lunch. It was good seeing Baylee's appetite, although it's not totally back to normal. I made up for it.

Outside the restaurant are a mechanical horse, horse and buggy, and a train. The three kids had fun on those. Yes, even Sophia got to ride and rewarded us with a smile. Sadly, the camera was in the car and forgotten about as we got caught up in the moment.

Overly full and satisfied, we all headed home. Robin and I had plans to take a good nap in a cool room, while Allison lamented that they would not be able to take one. Oh, I remember the days of having three little ones.

By the way, Allison, I awoke around 6:45 this evening. Sorry.

Reunited - And It Feels So Good!

"Our Gang" assembled at the farm, what we affectionately call my parents' home. My sister, Donna, and I each took a childhood friend to visit my parents. It had been years since they had seen Patty and even longer since they had seen Deborah. We were all looking forward to it and we weren't disappointed. It was a full day of laughter and feasting!

Mother laid out a spread! The table was set beautifully in fall colors. We pigged out on meatballs with a homemade barbecue sauce, cole slaw, potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans and homemade rolls and cornbread. Dessert was Mother's famous chocolate pie and homemade chocolate ice cream. Weight Watchers, here we come! I always eat too much when I'm there since I don't get my Mother's food that often. Tomorrow is another day and I will try to do better, although I did bring home rolls and a whole chocolate pie. Maybe I should wait until next week to start watching my weight.

I don't know when I've heard so many peals of laughter. We talked about old times, the present, and planned future reunions. We all had a great time. Even Sugar, my Dad, was having fun, but then he was the only male with five women. That can't be too miserable.

This was my first time to meet the new donkey. He was very friendly and came to the fence when we approached. His mother, Sweetie, was always by his side. Jake did a huge hee-haw welcome for us and gobbled up the carrots we offered. The donkeys, however, are having some personal problems. Sweetie is in heat, kept backing up to Jake, but he has been suffering from ED lately. Get the Viagra.

The drive to and from the farm was especially fun for me since Patty and Deborah rode with me. We talked and laughed so much that the miles just flew by. We stopped at a produce market and they bought some vegetables and Patty got her Halloween pumpkins for decorating her front yard.

The reuniting with old friends, and letting my parents get to see their adopted daughters from our childhood, was really exciting. One thing is for sure, none of us are experiencing a shortage of endorphins today.

Guest Blogger - Allison

Please do not issue a missing person's report, I have her and she is safe as long as she follows my instructions. I have her in my possession because I cannot live without her. I am talking about my mom and the author of this blog - Peggy.

This morning she arrived before 9am to care for #1 and #3 while I took #2 to get her tonsils and adenoids removed. Oh sure the appointment is at 9:45 but she didn't go into surgery until 11:15. By 11:25 the doctor came into the waiting room and gave us a good report on our little girl. At about 12:00 the nurse called my husband and I back to hold our little girl and console her as she screamed at the top of her empty throat. She ate 3 Popsicles - half of which ended up in my hair - then they sent us home.

The patient was very grumpy all the way home just saying single syllable words and pointing at what she wanted. Is this how it is going to be for the next couple of days? I can handle it as long as there is an end in sight. We go to the pharmacy to get pain medication. I stressed to the pharmacy tech that I cannot wait the 15 minutes quoted and she graciously rushed my order. Baylee cried all the way home and I just prayed that I could get home before she passes out from pain. We drive up the driveway and I look at my little girl in the back seat, face flushed with pain/crying and I scoop her up with the plan of placing her gently into her comfy bed to recover from this most traumatic experience.

We walked into the door and she saw her memaw sitting in the living room. I am not kidding when I say she leaped from my arms and ran into her memaw's waiting arms. She was talking 90 miles an hour as if nothing was wrong. How does this happen? Will she revert back to her pitiful self as soon as memaw walks out the door? Well I'm not risking it. She is here to stay and I dare you to come and try to get her from me!!!!!

Did I mention she also administered her pain medication and got her to drink more water than she has consumed her entire life? Yeah, she is here to stay.

Patients Require Patience

Baylee and Robin were real troopers today! Both went through their surgeries with flying colors. I expected Baylee to come home from the hospital refusing to talk or swallow, and with a big grumpy face. Instead she flew through the door, anxious to show me the ponies and doggy she opened when she came out of surgery. We sat and put a puzzle together a couple of times and she ate jell-o. She talked a lot and sipped her water. Having tonsils and adnoids taken out do not keep a good girl down.

Robin's visit with the oral surgeon went quickly. He was home in no time and called to tell me all went well. I was even able to understand him with all the gauze in his mouth. Two teeth were extracted and one was deep and left a very big hole. Today he was instructed to only eat a cold diet. I bought him Ensure drinks, jell-o and pudding. He and Baylee are eating the same things today, including ice cream.

Patients can be demanding and irritable so Allison and I are practicing our patience. But so far, so good. These two are tough cookies.

Class Of '68 And '69

Jan, one of my friends from high school, came to work and had lunch with me today. She always manages to bring in a package of M&Ms. Today she brought the dark chocolate kind, full of anti-oxidants (and sugar, I know).

We visited over enchiladas and caught up on each other. She just returned from an annual family reunion in East Texas, the first one since her Mother passed away in March. I know it was different for her, but I'm glad she went and got to be a part of it all. I know I've said this many times, but it never ceases to amaze me how happy, positive, and fun Jan is on a daily basis. She finds the beauty in everything. She even pulls laughter from her zoned-out friend.

At the end of our lunch, Jan showed me how to make my own dessert. She took a flour tortilla, buttered it, and opened a packet of sugar and sprinkled it over the butter. Then, roll and enjoy. Free dessert! Once we got back to the office, we munched on the M&Ms. Gotta have that chocolate.

Besides being my friend for many years, Jan is also a cheap agent. She tells everyone about my books - via e-mails, neighbors visiting over the fence, and word of mouth. She hasn't asked for a commission. I like cheap.

Thank you, Jan, for another pleasant lunch with your sunny personality!

Double Trouble

Robin was supposed to have a tooth pulled today, but X-rays showed an infected tooth next to the chipped and cracked tooth. He was referred to an oral surgeon. They will extract both teeth this Friday morning. The same day Baylee goes in to have her tonsils removed.

So, being the perfect wife and mother that I am, I told Robin to leave the surgeon's office and go directly to Allison's house. After all, she already has everything set up for a soft diet: Jell-o, ice cream, and other pureed goodies. Why should both of us stock the kitchen with sick food, confine ourselves to the house, and care for two patients who are spitting blood? Allison's home is ready. Mine isn't.

I'm sure Allison will see the logic in this arrangement. It just makes perfect sense to have both patients in the same convenient place. I'll only be a phone call away. And if I don't answer right away, please leave a voice message. I'll be getting a manicure. Or pedicure. Or massage. Or all of the above. Robin, leave the checkbook at home.

Memaw's Latest Corruption

Robin and I had special guests for dinner last night. Allison came over with three of my beautiful grandchildren. I hadn't seen Jude or Baylee since before I left for Georgia, and they were as anxious to see me as I was them.

Jude and Baylee wanted the usual - funny face pancakes which have gotten a lot of attention on this blog lately. Sophia dined on the healthy homemade vegetable concoctions her mother makes for her, while the rest of us wanted egg, potatoes, gravy and my mother's homemade wheat bread. This was all innocent enough until Sophia was introduced to Memaw's slot machines.

It's no secret that I have corrupted grandchildren before this. I have pictures as evidence. Candice, Camryn, Thomas, Jude, Baylee, Ashton, and now - Sophia - have all be photographed with the one-armed bandit. It's a big hit when they come to visit. How fun to slide quarters into the slot, hit a button or pull the handle, and hear the musical sounds of corrupting children in progress. A special picture is one where the kids have hit a large jackpot and Memaw and Kodak capture the moment.

In all fairness to me and my influence, we did engage in innocent fun as we played hide and seek. Jude and Allison would hide while Baylee and I counted. Then it was our turn to hide and I kept reminding Baylee to be quiet and still so as not to give away our location. We had a great time while Papa Robin entertained Sophia.

So, it's not always an introduction into the dark world outside the confines of family when grandchildren visit. But it's safe to say that they are drawn to the colorful lights, the feeding of coins, and the exciting sounds of a win. That allure is here to stay. Be prepared, Juliet and Callan are next.

Happy Anniversary To My Small(er) Intestines

Or . . . how I wrecked our vacation with emergency surgery. Or . . . how to get out of wearing a bikini at the beach at 50+ years old, which I was dreading (How I wish I could see myself through Robin's eyes). It was a year ago today that Robin rushed me to the hospital after spending only one night in our condo. I've never heard of a health problem that could manifest itself so quickly and escalate into a life-threatening situation, unless it was a heart attack or stroke. I simply awoke with an extended stomach and soon the pain began. It was two days later that I came out of my stupor, having lost the time in between.

A section of my small intestines was removed to cut out the kink that was obstructing its function. Today, I'm good as new, except for an 8-inch scar that is no longer sore and a mountain of medical bills that are far from being paid off. A week in the hospital, with three days in ICU, is not cheap. Why does it cost so much to leave with LESS small intestines than I arrived with?

And should I pay for the appendix they removed without consulting me first? Although it took away the possibility for further abdominal surgery in the future, I never asked for us to be separated. Not that I miss it. Nor do I miss the small intestines that ended up in an incinerator. What I do miss is the financial freedom I enjoyed before the vacation from hell.

A year has passed and I guess I can't use the surgery as an excuse not to work. That's the biggest disappointment of all.

VA Stands For Very Aggravating

The Veterans Affairs Hospital in Dallas has a long history of negative publicity. While many improvements have been made, there is room for more. Robin had two routine visits there this week and he fell through the cracks both times.

First, he was asked why he wasn't being monitored for the medication he's taking. Well, he was never told he should be. He goes for his visits, takes the meds prescribed, and waits for another notice that tells him when to come back. The blame game begins. It's a clerical error, the computers have been down, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing.

Robin knew in the beginning that he would have to exercise extreme patience when visiting the hospital. It's always crowded and waiting is the norm. But the price is right. It costs little or nothing for a veteran to receive medical attention. So he arrives with normal expectations and has received good and bad results. Good, meaning tolerable.

He arrived for his second visit this morning. He was told he didn't have an appointment. He assured them he did, that the doctor set it up when he was in earlier in the week. He even pulled out a piece of paper and showed them his 9:00am appointment. They finally found him in the system. He, indeed, had an appointment, but it was for 1:00pm, "and our offices close at noon," he was told. Again, he waved the sheet of paper with the appointment time clearly written for 9:00am. They relented and let him see the doctor.

I have little experience with the VA but what I have seen needs some attention. They need to get organized. And they need to get human. The patients are packed in the rooms like sardines. I realize space is limited and the veteran population is large. Still, the tight quarters would be bearable with a little more personal attention. Some may say it's a depressing place to work. Dodging enemy fire in a foreign country is depressing, too.

When my father was there recovering from surgery he had an irate roommate. His foul language and yelling was getting on everyone's nerves. The environment was not conducive to recovery. A nurse came in and reprimanded him, which only made matters worse. Another nurse came in and got human, using a different approach that resulted in a better attitude. She told the man she knew he was hurting and asked what she could do to make him more comfortable. Her soothing words calmed and relaxed him. His biggest need was to be understood and to know someone cared.

Our veterans deserve the dignity and respect they have earned by serving our country. I'm a firm believer that health care needs to be available to the men and women who have protected us. Many are there for war-related injuries, whether physical or mental. They need to be treated with respect. They put their lives on the line for us. The very least we can do is help them live a healthy life in this free world.

My plea to all those who work in this facility is to see these veterans as the people they are. They are not human garbage or rejects from society. They are God's children, our heroes, our defenders. Feel for them. Love them. Help them. Get human.

Where Am I?

When day turns into endless night,
The battles over, I lost the fight;
That God is there I have no doubt,
Anxious to help me work it out.

My faith in God is not at stake,
I know He feels each heartache.
He is present, my God on high.
The question is, Lord, where am I?

He hears every whispered prayer,
He longs to tell me He is there.
“I’ll take away your hurt and fear.
Come close enough so you can hear.”

My heart cries out for help divine,
I gladly welcome peace sublime.
God is waiting with answers sound.
He looks for me, I can’t be found.

I trust you, Lord, with all my heart,
I know You’re willing to impart
The wealth that comes from heaven’s store,
To fill my life with something more.

The struggle has to do with me,
I’m not where I’m supposed to be.
Upon Your presence I can rely,
My problem, Lord, is where am I?

Surgery For Baylee

Baylee visited an ear, nose and throat specialist today and the verdict is in. After months of suffering through swollen tonsils, they and her adnoids are coming out next Friday, on the 21st.

Baylee was very disappointed that they weren't being removed today. The tough Kim Possible look in the picture is no act. She's ready to enter the hospital and get those annoying things removed. It helps, however, to know she'll be getting a little get well present. It also helps that she has no idea how sore her throat will be afterwards.

My heart goes out to Baylee, but it goes out to Allison as well. It's not easy watching your child enter the doors of the operating room, a place where Mommy isn't allowed to go. I so remember when Ron was two and he'd already been to the doctor eight times in his young life with his tonsils. A surgery date was set up and we arrived that morning with new house slippers and firetruck pajamas. He looked so sweet walking beside me and had no idea what lay ahead.

My heart broke when the nurse pulled him from my arms and carried him away. His arms were reaching for me as he cried. I cried myself until they brought him back. He was irritable and refused to eat or swallow. He wouldn't speak, but merely grunted. The first words I heard out of his mouth were the next morning at home when I got up from the breakfast table to do something, turned around and saw him in my chair. "I'm eating your breakfast!", he told me. My tears fell as I told him to go right ahead, eat it all.

I'm not saying this to make it worse on Allison. Whether I said anything or not, I know my tender hearted daughter. I know her tears will fall next week even if 1,000 of us told her it was no big deal. It's still her baby going to surgery, even if it's a simple, routine procedure. I'm glad she is full of that much love.

As for Baylee, her Kim Possible persona will kick back in and she will be no worse for the wear. She's a tough little cookie and will face this as an anticipated adventure. And I'm sure she will feel much better in the years ahead. I just hope it doesn't change her distinctive raspy voice.

All will be well, Baylee Girl. Memaw is making cinnamon vanilla ice cream for your big moment. I love you, sweet girl. I love you, too, Allison, and my shoulder is waiting for you.

First Day of School

Three of my grandsons had exciting first days of school. I regret that Thomas's cute picture wouldn't open and I will have to exclude him this time. Hopefully, I can get it to open later and add it.

Thomas was thrilled to be going into the first grade. He is my oldest grandson and this leap into first grade with two missing teeth is a milestone for our family. On the day of registration, he walked into the school office, spread his arms, and asked, "Do you remember me?". Of course they did. All through the halls the kids and teachers were saying hi to Thomas, the boy who never meets a stranger.

Jude began attending Wee School at a Baptist church close to his home. He looks so sweet as he's heading out the door with his lunch box in tow. He's making friends quickly and being a good helper for his teacher. Baylee wanted so much to stay with him. All the activity in the room on that first day looked very inviting to her. Jude will also attend museum school this year and we all believe he will love it. He's into anything scientific and especially is interested in the solar system.

Ashton entered a pre-kindergarten class and I had the privilege of being there on his first day. I snapped this picture of him with his parents as they were leaving to take him to class. His Mom bought him a new watch the day before so he could keep track of when she would be picking him up. He looked so sweet walking to the car with his school bag. He let us know that no math was taught that first day, which translate as a total waste of time. He will have the opportunity of exploring other subjects besides math.

Baby Callan, my fourth grandson, is content to sleep in his car seat as Ashton is picked up from school. At almost three weeks old, all he cares about is his mommy's breasts. That's just fine. We don't want to rush his entrance into any type of school right now.

Congratulations Thomas, Jude, and Ashton on entering school, making new friends, and blowing us away with all your knowledge. As Ashton told me as I was reading him a bedtime story about Adam and Eve and the tree of knowledge, "Knowledge has a silent K". Sounds like he's been to school already.

Pretty Girls

Baylee and Sophia had some special moments while Memaw was in Georgia. Sophia turned 10 months old and had her picture made while playing pat-a-cake. Baylee looks smashing in a new cowgirl outfit that she received from her parents for her birthday. And both girls look adorable in their bumble bee costumes for Halloween. I don't feel the sting, but I see a lot of cuteness.

Tomorrow - pictures of three of my grandsons on their first day of school!

A Sad Farewell

When we awoke this morning, Ashton said, "I hate Grandparent's Day because Memaw's leaving." The mood continued. I made funny face pancakes for everyone this morning and mine, as you can see from the picture, had a sad face. That's how I felt about leaving all of them this morning.

But the kids got excited during the drive since we drove through a few tunnels once we reached Atlanta. Ashton played with my electronic Yahtzee game on the way, and calmly told us he got four yahtzees in one game. I found that hard to believe and asked to see the game. Sure enough, four of them and a score of 615. Clayton said he can just see Ashton headed for Bandera every year with Cheryl and me. Last night we introduced him to the real game where you actually roll dice. He enjoyed that and I have a feeling his parents will be playing that a lot with him. Juliet sat beside me and said, "Juliet's turn", and I'd let her roll for me. She even gave me a yahtzee. Angela got two yahtzees and won the game.

It was hard getting out of the car and saying goodbye to everyone. Callan was asleep so I only brushed his cheek. I think Juliet was bewildered by my tears. I hugged Ashton and told him I'd see him Thanksgiving. He's asked if he and Jude can have a sleepover then, and both mothers said YES. Leaving Angela and Clayton was hard too. They were so good to me during my stay and showed me such a beautiful working family. They are truly blessed and I am blessed to be a part of them.

On the upside, Robin was smiling when I got to the baggage claim area and vowed to keep me home with him for awhile. Nothing like being accepted coming and going.

My Last Full Day

We had a wonderful day, but a sad one too as I considered it was my last full day with them until Thanksgiving. Ashton didn't want me to leave and his eyes welled with tears. Of course, I followed suit. It's been so thrilling to spend this time with grandchildren I don't get to see that often.

Clayton and Angela showed me Dahlonega, a cute town with a quaint town square. We browsed some shops, put coins in the player piano, and had lunch on a covered patio. I ordered an eggplant sandwich - something I'd never heard of - and it was delicious! Ashton and Juliet were great and we never know Callan is around unless he's hungry.

We stopped in one shop for cookies and peach and raspberry Ade's. You can tell from the picture that Juliet loved her peanut butter cookie that was partially dipped in chocolate. The oatmeal raisin I selected (and shared) was yummy too.

Another picture shows Clayton at his desk at work with Ashton and Juliet sharing his spotlight. He works in a very nice state-of-the-art facility. They do their own surgeries there and I got to tour that section too. Clayton even gave me an eye exam and told me I was blind as a bat, and will not pass another driving eye test. So, he gave me a prescription for progressive bifocals and a list of reading glasses in different strengths for driving, reading, and computer work (or play). Such are the ravages of aging.

It was with an aching heart that I packed my suitcase tonight. I know I need to be home with my husband and back at work, but I will miss this new family of five. Three exceptional grandchildren live here with two wonderful parents. I'm being totally objective. Just ask Bob and Sherry. They will agree with me.

A Visit With Old Friends

Pastor Bill and Jan had dinner with us this evening at Angela and Clayton's home. Bill was the pastor of our church in Grand Prairie during the 1980s. It was wonderful seeing them again, We had a great time catching up with everyone.

Their daughter, Rachel, lives in Colorado with her husband and two adorable children. William is living in Chattanooga, and Paul is in Yemen learning Arabic as part of his ministry. Bill and Jan work together in a ministry of church planting and reaching those who are in need. They just returned from Uganda and the needs there are great and they met many wonderful people.

It was great to learn that Bill and Jan live only about 30 minutes away from Angela and Clayton. Lake Lanier separates their cities. They had some wonderful suggestions as Angela and Clayton search for a church home after their recent move to Georgia.

Jan has taken up art so she and Angela had much to share. Check out Jan's art and pottery at http://www.janlevinart.com/.

Kudos to Angela who made a fabulous spinach lasagna, homemade garlic butter for the French bread, and for complimenting me on the artful way I arranged the salad. I didn't know I had it in me!

Home Alone With Two Guys

It doesn't get any better than this: alone with two handsome guys! Angela and Juliet did a grocery run and I got to keep Ashton and Callan.

Callan stayed awake the entire time and Ashton . . . well, the picture says it all. He was busy at the computer. This time he was a normal 4-year-old playing a game on Nick Jr., instead of telling me the temperature in a small Middle Eastern country that I've never heard of.

This morning Angela went to her first MOPS meeting and took Callan with her. Ashton and Juliet played in the back yard for awhile then Ashton helped me bake chocolate chip cookies. After the kids went to bed, the three of us cleaned on the house.

We're having dinner guests tomorrow night and I will be making more ice cream and helping Angela with the meal. One of our former pastors and his wife will be joining us and we're looking forward to the visit. They live a couple of cities away.

Having a great time and loving on all these babies.

The Movie Star And The Genius

I kept Ashton and Juliet while their parents and Callan had a date. They had dinner at Outback and Callan had to tag along since Mommy carries his dinner around with her. I was industrious and made a frozen pasta dish and fruit for the three of us. Then we had a little computer time for Ashton as he checked the temperatures all over the globe and Juliet walked around with her stylish shades.

I had the privilege of having worship with these two darlings. We read some Bible stories, sang a few songs, and had prayer. Then if was off to bed as Juliet said goodnight to all her stuffed bed partners and Ashton got his back scratched. I asked if he'd like me to move in with them and scratch his back every night and he said yes, but that Robin would get very lonely.

When Clayton and Angela and little Callan arrived home we watched a move they had rented, Blades of Glory. Callan joined us for the movie and we had a very relaxing evening. I had coffee which will keep me awake all night and Angela ate a bowl of homemade chocolate ice cream that I made yesterday. Clayton showed extreme willpower and was content to watch the movie without ingesting anything.

Ashton has caught on quickly to my electronic Yahtzee game. Cheryl has a little competition here. We sit and play it a lot. Even Juliet will push a few buttons and say, "I got a Yahtzee".

I've made some math problems for Ashton, but he doesn't play fair. He has the right answers to Algebra, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Then he acts up and throws in some square root and numbers squared and leaves Memaw in left field. I don't want to play with him anymore.

Surprisingly, both Juliet and Parker the cat have had something to do with me this trip. I should have done laser hair removal sooner. Jack, the newest cat, sleeps with me but when I try to pet him, he bites me. He has drawn my blood four times so far. I guess he has a love/hate relationship with me.

I'm having a wonderful time and it's going by too quickly. I'm tempted to bring them all home with me. Let's take a vote.

Baylee's Birthday Party

Baylee had the best birthday ever! It was definitely planned with her in mind. Robin and I had the honor of hosting the party at our home so the kids could enjoy the pool. The major attraction was later when a petting zoo took over our front yard! Baylee was led outside to see a beautiful pony, all saddled up and ready to take her for a ride. A little fenced-in enclosure was set up and the animals were led to it one by one. We had a sheep, a goat, a pig, three chickens and two adorable angora rabbits. There was a bucket full of brushes and the kids were able to groom the animals. Baylee would go back and forth between the pony and the other animals. She was in heaven.

Her great-grandparents came from East Texas and brought homemade chocolate ice cream. Yummy! I made chocolate chip cookies, and Allison had some tasty Southwestern eggrolls, her homemade pico, and other snacks.

It was a wonderful day for Baylee and all her guests. I had to leave for the airport that evening and missed out on being a part of the cleaning crew. I'm in Georgia having a wonderful time and will begin posting pictures of this batch of grandkids. What a dedicated Memaw! I left my home with six grandchildren there and headed to Georgia to see my other three. Actually, I'm just plain blessed!