A gathering place

Well I have been told to update this blog or be considered the worst blogger ever! I will admit that facebook has been updated regularly but this has been long neglected.

Our family ended 2008 with the blessing of time spent together and a fun Christmas in the snow. First time I ever remember that much snow on Christmas day. The guys made an inner tube run and it progresses to the deck as a launch pad so that the thrill could be intensified. There was something about “getting air” while heading down hill in an inner tube that was driven by the testosterone in the group. I think Brad has a video to post of the successful “Air” that was achieved by Aiden. Boys will be boys.

We did love having the gift of everyone home and so enjoyed all the little ones first Christmas’. Larry and I marveled at 15 Christmas stockings out in front of the fireplace and everyroom filled with a family that started with our 4 children. We are blessed.

I kept waiting for Brianna to post first about her little Maddison Grace, but she is taking way too long. I don’t what she could possibly be doing all day that she can’t just stop everything and sit in front of the computer and write about her precious little daughter:) Is it because she might be feeding her, changing her, changing her outfit again, taking her picture again, holding her continually, that she might sneak in a shower (heaven forbid) instead of posting? Could be.

Oh well it’s a Grammie’s job to post when 3 weeks have gone by and it has not been done.

Maddison Grace Stewart arrived September 25 weighing 7lbs 15oz and 21″ long. She is adorable!

Maddie and Grammie.

3weeks

We are so happy to have this little blessing added to our family. God is so good.

It appears I am the last family member to post announcing our newest addition to the family Sage Olivia Scandrett. It has been so fun to have Canyon this past week and also spend a little time with Summer, Brad and little Sage helping them as they ease into being a family of 4.

There is something about the language development of a 2 year old that is a joy to behold. Canyon is a bit advanced in some of his verbal skills as well as his memory and interaction in conversation. Maybe I biased because I am his grammie , however the kid is SHARP. For example this a kicker…. Evidentaly they had a racoon that had been hit by a car near their home. Canyon had seen this on his walk with Brad and they must have discussed it being hurt. Canyon on his own is telling Larry and I this story how “the racoon was on the road , someone hit it with their car, the neighbor did it, the racoon was sad.” I asked “How did it sound when it was sad? Was it crying?” trying to relate to a toddler. He replies with a very sad in pain tone”racooooooooon”. Wish I could post his little voice but it was so funny. Gotta love that little man.

Now we await the birth of little Maddison Grace with Brianna and Kyle. Can’t hardly stand to wait to see how beautiful she will be. We have had glimses in ultasounds that tease us of her sweet little face. Allyssa , Sage and her will be a joy to watch grow up as three little girl cousins together, what fun we will have.

Well we are off to a busy summer!

June was filled with many family events and July looks to be just as busy.

Larry and I escaped to Cannon Beach for a few days to relax and enjoy the beach and sunsets. We love it there and try to go whenever we can.

Our little Alyssa’s baby dedication was a sweet event as her parents committed to raising her for the Lord. We are so grateful for Crystal and Rick’s commitment to Jesus and their family. You are doing a great job!

Kyle (Brianna’s husband) graduated from the UW this month. Way to go Kyle! No small task while trying to be a great husband and working full time as well. We are proud of him and love the way he loves our daughter.

We have gotten to spend a few days with our grandson Canyon this month as well. He is a crack up with his ever growing vocabulary. He does love to be outside and has enjoyed his rides with Papa on the tractor.He would mow all day if he could.

We so blessed to have such a great family and one that lives within driving distance..Thank you Jesus!!!

Happy Summer!

Ok so I like kids. That has never been a secret. I was crazy about my own (guess I still am) and all the little children I had in Sunday school and Kindergarten and preschool. However…

Can I say that the grandparent thing is the best!!!!

It is like you get to have a do-over with your own kids only it isn’t 24/7. You are always loved and get a ton of hugs.

I was in Kirkland yesterday with Brianna and Kyle, they invited me to their baby ultasound. I saw my little grandbaby kicking and wriggling around like crazy. It was so awesome to see that little one God is forming inside my daughter.

Brianna is having grandbaby # 6! Summer and Brad are also expecting their second and due in August. Crystal just had her third child Alyssa in February. So currently I have 3 grandkids through Crystal(Aiden 6, Abby 3 and Alyssa 7wks). Summer has Canyon 19 months and baby in August. Brianna #1 due in Sept.

Yesterday after I was with Brianna and Kyle, I went over to Crystal’s to visit and ended up staying for dinner to wait out the traffic on 405. I was sitting next to precious little Abby when we had a little chat. I said” you took Mommy out for dinner to Red Robin for her birthday Monday night right?” Abby,”yeah”.  Me,” Well what did you have for dinner?”     Abby, ” Chicken hands.” I said ,” oh, do you mean you had chicken fingers?”(as I am cracking up) Abby, ” Well you eat them with your fingers.” Out of the mouths of babes come the funniest things. It made me smile all day.

Well they are coming over for Easter Sunday and I can’t wait for the next funny thing they will do. They just are such a blessing and I love ALL of them!

Well it seems I only add to this blog on vacations, holidays and seasonal changes.  However…..

I am struck with the major impact the sun has  on my energy and motivation and all around perkiness.

When that warm, yellow glow comes through the window I want to clean my whole house and redecorate, wash everything, go outside and plant flowers (even though I will kill them in a week or 2) and take a walk with my hubby or grandkids.

It is amazing what refreshment God gives through the warmth of a teaser of Spring.

So get out there and soak up the sun,even if you have to do it in a winter coat and gloves. It’s worth it.

I love Christmas!!!

I love celebrating the birth of Jesus and all he has done for us.

 I love reading the account of his humble birth to little children Christmas morning.

 I love the wonder in my grandson Canyon’s eyes as he looks at the Christmas tree and fights the temptation to throw “the ball”.

I love the time spent with my grown kids and their little ones, enjoying just being together.

I love the decorations that give the atmosphere of celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

I love the Christmas songs…All of them……over and over.

I love my wonderful husband Larry that has celebrated the past 30 Christmas’ with me. I am blessed to have such a faithful and loving husband.

I love Christmas!

Well since Brianna asked here are some of our Anniversary Celebration photos. We LOVE Maui!!!

And I love my husband of 30 years. I am so blessed to have such a loving husband and amazing kids, and grandchildren.

Hey I’m too young to have all that! Aren’t I? My driver’s license says otherwise.