Happy Birthday, Callan!

My youngest grandchild, grandson Callan, is 4 today. Few things are sweeter than this blue-eyed blond cutie! This boy has personality!

It's so sweet how he compliments his Mommy daily by telling her she is pretty and soft. Sometimes we like soft, unless flabby legs or arms are involved. Fortunately, his Mommy is young enough to appreciate soft. He makes her feel like a million bucks.

This little fellow does a good job keeping up with his older siblings, yet is very anxious to get older. I remember wanting to grow up, too, but it comes too soon and the years pass quickly. Already I'm wondering how Callan got to be four years old this soon. He's so sweet and so smart.
Happy birthday, Callan, and please hang on to that precious baby face for awhile longer. Big hugs for your birthday and always all my love.

Bandera with Angela

All my trips to Bandera have been unforgettable. I've always been there to share lazy days with friends and this is the first time I went without them. But it was still wonderful since I got to spend a few days with baby girl, Angela, and three of my sweet grandchildren. No pajama days on this trip. We were on the go!

We spent one morning on the condo's playground and played a little soccer. I was rusty, but managed to get a few good kicks in. Ashton and Juliet were awesome!

Little man, Callan, is my youngest grandchild and just as handsome as the rest of them.

We had fun playing games inside the condo too. Ashton took over the score pad when he saw that I added something incorrectly. He was faster than I was too.

After the playground, we headed to Natural Bridge Caverns. Ashton had studied about cave formations and was excited to see them. We ventured down 180 feet on steep inclines, then back up 180 feet. I thought I'd be sore the next day, but I wasn't. When I told Robin about our day he asked if I remembered that I'd had a heart attack. I told him I was supposed to exercise and he said, "not all in one day." Point taken.

These next two pictures show how natural our Juliet is at posing. She wants to be an artist who designs clothes, and I think she could add model to her future.

I see the same love and knack for art in Juliet that I saw in Angela. She draws beautifully. I asked if she would be taking lessons from an art teacher like her mom did, and Juliet reminded me that her mom is capable of teaching her art. Why didn't I think of that?

Isn't he handsome? He favors his grandpa whom I loved with all my heart.

Memaw is in good company!

We visited a toy store in Austin and I had to get a picture of Juliet being funny.

Our tour of the state capitol in Austin was interesting and educational for all of us.

A view of the dome from inside the capitol building. We climbed a lot of stairs!

Since Angela lives in another state it had been awhile since we had had some quality time together. These few days with her and the children were definitely highlights in my life. They are all very precious to me and I can't wait to see them again soon.

Happy Birthday, Callan!

My youngest grandchild, Callan, is a big three-year-old today! He's such a sweet boy and certainly not bad on the eyes either. That curly blond hair and those blue eyes have a tendency to melt my heart. This little guy speaks two languages so don't let his young age fool you. He has an edge on some of us, namely his Memaw.

I love this baby picture of Callan with his Dad that appeared on the cover of a parenting magazine in honor of Father's Day. So, I'm posting it again for Callan's special day.

Angela told me that they reminded Callan that the terrible twos are about to end and there should be no more whining and carrying on. Personally, I don't think he's ever been prone to that type of behaviour and I'm convinced that age three will find him as delightful as ever.

Happy birthday, sweet boy! Memaw loves you so much!

Happy Birthday, Callan!

The grand finale in my "Cloud 9" of grandchildren is a handsome 2-year-old today! Callan not only has beautiful blue eyes and blond curly hair, but he also has a sweet temperament. Yes, we are mighty proud of this boy!
Our big 2-year-old is getting an extensive vocabulary. He speaks both English and Spanish. Of course I love to hear him say Memaw.

Is this adorable or what? Look at those luscious lips. You just want to scoop him up and have him for dinner.

He's changed a lot since this picture with his Dad appeared on the cover of a parents magazine. They grow up too fast. We need to pause and drink it all in while we can.

Happy birthday, my sweet boy. I'll be calling and you might not understand the birthday song, but I'll understand Memaw coming out of your sweet mouth. I love you bunches!

Happy Birthday, Callan!

It's hard to believe a year has passed since we waited anxiously for the birth of our little Callan. And this happy guy was well worth the wait. He's celebrating his first birthday today with his family. I'm sure he will be allowed to plow into his vegan cake. We want pictures!

Callan John

Our wait was finally over,
The result was mighty fine!
As your Daddy announced the arrival
Of my grandchild number nine.

As tears streaked your Mommy's face,
She held you to her breast.
And together you forged a bond
As you settled in peaceful rest.

Your presence is still a blessing
For we all love Calle Bear;
With your captivating eyes of blue,
Blond locks of curly hair.

You're such a happy baby,
The cutest smile adorns your face.
And those eager little arms
Are always ready to embrace.

You have a sunny disposition,
Never much to fuss about.
That you are loved and wanted,
You never had a doubt.

God surely blessed this family
When He gave us YOU to love.
For you're a gift from heaven,
Finely crafted from above.

This picture was captured during one of my visits while he watched Ashton and Juliet climb a tree in their front yard.
Callan with his proud Mama on his first Christmas.
Look at that smile! He's such a happy boy who brings smiles to the faces of others.
Here he is at two weeks old when I got to meet him and fall in love all over again. I love those tiny feet peeking from the blanket.

Have a wonderful first birthday, Callan. I love my little guy so much!

The Addams Family - Next Generation

Swing & Splash!

There hasn't been much time to blog so I'm grateful that Allison is keeping us all entertained here. It would be a shame for this beautiful new format to remain idle.

My stay at The Painted House has been great. I'm really enjoying the grandchildren. The vegan meals are delicious, too! Ashton and I have played many games of Yahtzee. Cheryl, he could spend a week with us in Bandera and never slow us down. He's on the ball and hasn't inherited his Memaw's tendency to sling dice.

Juliet is a little doll. I love to hear her talk even if I don't always understand her. She is all girl and I love that! Several times, she and Ashton have told me they love "hanging out with you". So sweet.

Callan needs no words. There are no words! He smiled the minute they picked me up at the airport. I was not a stranger and few people are to him. I've been doing some serious munchin'! Ah, those cheeks and thighs!

Placing all three in the bath was a hit. Juliet was amazed that they were all in the tub together, Ashton commented on how they all fit in there, and Callan was beaming as he felt as big as his older brother and sister.

Oh, and I've washed a few dishes.

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.

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.

New Family of 5

I'm having to steal pictures off Angela's blog since I'm not there in person to take a hundred pictures of this new family of five. I love the smile on Juliet's face as she holds her baby brother. I also love the picture of Angela's three men. And, of course, the picture of my baby daughter with her three babies thrills me and reminds me how quickly time escapes our grasp. What a precious little family that I love very much.