Alex Plays T-Ball For the First Time

Sunday, April 17th, I watched our youngest grandchild walk in his very first Little League Parade. Now remember, it only lasted about three minutes. But none the less, we were very excited to see him walking with that great smile he almost always has on his face. That smile got even bigger when he realized Uncle Corey was driving the Sheriff's car.

Then it was on up the hill to the field. Each of the four T-ball teams played one inning. Fortunately, the Chicago Cubs were up first. All the kids did a great job. They hit the ball and ran like crazy.

I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch these little guys. They can play every game feeling no pressure. We can even route for all the boys. Doesn't really matter what team they are on. Too bad that has to end in the next couple of years.

They call it sports. I guess the competition is supposed to be fun.
Hugs and kisses,

Door Mats With An Attitude

Hey kids, I got these in an email this morning and had to share them with you. Way too funny. My very favorite is below.

Do you have any idea how many times your parents, Papa and I have listened to a message very similar to this one when we made necessary calls to just about anyone in any type of business? Substitute the word "phone" for "mat", "call" for "visit" and a second "call" for "knock."

Doctors offices are the biggest users. Every once and a while someone has the audacity to update you as to where your call falls in the waiting line. What do you think? Should I change the message on my answering machine and use this one? Let's face it, at my age the majority of calls I receive are doctors offices "confirming my appointment." It would really be a fun thing to do! Wonder if they would laugh before they hung up???? What do you think? My opinion: if they didn't laugh, they have no sense of humor.
Hugs and kisses,

Just a "Nana Need to Say"

I just need to say this. God blessed Papa and me with four wonderful "over the moon" grandchildren, who have enriched our lives more than we could ever have imagined. I always tell them I love them "more than love." And it is true.

We also have a fifth grandchild; a beautiful angel; our guardian angel, who we also love "more than love." When I make references to our grandchildren, it is very difficult for me to say four. Amanda is not of this Earth, but I want the world to know she is our grandchild; our fifth grandchild. We have been blessed with five grandchildren.
Hugs and kisses,

Kara's Fourth Grade Special Persons Day

Special Person's Day with Kara was great (and so were the refreshments). We walked in and found our Kara decked out in one of her Kara outfits; frilly skirt, peace sweatshirt, hair extensions and two mismatched flip flops. We were not surprised by her attire. It goes from one extreme to another with Kara. She has those "American Girl beautiful dresses with hair just so" days. But she has lots more of the "let my personality show through" days. We love the surprise element it adds to seeing her.

We saw lots of Kara's creations. Every year the children add their art to a small bag which will eventually hold a teddy bear for a very sick child. Of course, hers was very creative. Her cartoon strip, "The Puppy Diaries," was also displayed. As we walked around the classroom, it was fun to see bits of her work here and there.

Kara is an excellent student full of creativity. Her drawings are awesome. Must be that Russian blood running through her veins. She is the girl other girls want to be like. Really, it's the truth. We love the person Kara is and hope she never changes. She is great. After all, Kara is one of our four "too good to be ours" grandchildren. Our fifth grandchild, Amanda, is guardian angel to all of us.

Oh, I have to add that one of Kara's good friends is granddaughter to a wonderful lady who was a best friend to me throughout all of my school days. How great is that:~)
Hugs and kisses,

Back To Things As Usual

As you can see, it is back to things as usual again. The Easter header has been filed away. The original one is back. I really have to find time to make a new header and background.; one full of sunshine, spring and summer fun. Time, that is the problem. Lets watch to see how long it takes me to find that time:o)
Hugs and kisses,

Brushing Teeth the Lazy Kid's Way!

I was looking back through my pictures so I can digitally cut a few of the kids out for fantasy layouts when I came across this picture. It was taken a night during the winter when the boys were staying overnight. Alex forgot his tooth brush, so I gave him one of the ones I keep on hand for just these times. He just loved the little feet on it. Well, I turned around and he had figured out you could stick the feet to the wall and brush your teeth without using your hand. This kid is just too much.

If you ever need a perk me up, just stop in at our house on a Tuesday. I guarantee you will leave laughing. Oh, yes, we will miss our youngest grandson when he starts school in the fall:o(
Hugs and kisses,

Emily's First Special Persons Day at Tamarac

Grandma, Grandpa, Papa and I had a great time visiting Emily's kindergarten class and meeting her teacher, Mrs. Bonesteel, and her classmates. It was fun to see Emily's work hanging in various areas around the room. The bunny in the above layout is her work of art. I love it!!

We also visited with her music teacher, Mr. Siegenthaler. He played the guitar while the children sat and listened. Then we got to see the class do a dance that is the envy of the elementery school. All the kids were having a great time dancing; even the boys.

Before we knew it our hour had slipped by and it was time for the children to return to their daily routine for the remainder of the day.
Hugs and kisses,

Alex Has To Have His Lunchable

I think this is too funny, so I have to post it. You all know we have Alex every Tuesday. Well, months ago Pops (our boys' name for Papa) bought a Lunchable for Alex's noon time meal. He bought a ham, cheese and crackers one. It had a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup included with it for dessert. Ever since that day, Alex has to have a Lunchable so he can have his Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. The above layout shows the five steps to Alex eating his dessert. Too funny!
Hugs and kisses,

Father Daughter Dance

The Girl Scouts have a Father/Daughter dance every year. This year's occurred while we were in Florida; thus this entry is being made way after the fact. We were given lots of pictures by Kara and Em's parents. So many, it was difficult to choose which ones to use in my layout.

I would like to mention this was Emily's first Father/Daughter Dance. She was over the moon, but only lasted forty-five minutes. Exhaustion set in and Emily went home with Grandma and Grandpa. As you can see, Kara partied hardy. The night can never be long enough for our fourth grader. The stamina comes with age!

I hope I have provided a view of how the night unfolded. Our girls looked beautiful in their new dresses. They danced, laughed and had a great time with their friends. As you can see, both enjoyed dancing with Dad. Another memory made . . . .
Hugs and kisses,

A Birthday in NYC's American Girl Place

Kara's birthday is January 3rd and her gift from Nana and Papa was a day at The American Girl Place in New York City. Between Mom's January and February work schedule and Nana and Papa being snow birds, it didn't happen until April 10th. But it was well worth the wait.

We started out April 9th and stopped at the Bronx Zoo. The girls had lots of fun. Actually, so did Nana and Papa. Then we continued on for a night's stay at The Hilton. The first picture in the above layout is the view from Nana and Papa's room; the Radio City Music Hall's marquee. Our two rooms were beautiful and conveniently across the hall from each other.

Our breakfast brunch at The American Girl Place was at 9:30 Sunday morning. The girls wore beautiful dresses. Their dolls even had dresses to match theirs. The tables in the Cafe were set quite elegantly. The theme centered on a very bright pink. The napkin holders were so cute. The girls got to take them home. The menus were also bright pink.

We each ordered what we wanted and feasted on a delicious breakfast. Of course, we had to have dessert. It was some kind of mousse topped with a pretty blue daisy flower. Kara's had a candle and we all sang happy birthday to her. She had that sweet shy look she gets on her face, but I know she loved it.

Then it was off to the Doll Hair Salon where the girls picked out which hairdo they wanted for the dolls they broughtwith them from home. We got the add-on to have each doll's face and hands cleaned professionally. It really was interesting to see how these "doll hair specialists" could undo the knots and comb through the dolls' hair. At the end of about an hour session, Molly and Julie looked gorgeous.

Oh, I forgot to include that Corey stood in line quite a long time to get numbers so Kara and Em could stand in line for their turn with the hair specialist. I know; it gets complicated. But what a Dad those girls have.

Next it was off to get Kara and Emily's picture taken by the photographer. All the pictures came out just beautiful (of course). Mom and Dad allowed the girls to choose which pose each wanted. Last, we went shopping. Kara picked out two dolls. She had been saving every penny she got to buy one of them. Emily picked out a doll. Then it was on to buying things their dolls "really needed."

I can honestly say that, with the exception of Christmas, I have never enjoyed a girly day so much. This place is like a special haven for little girls. Kara kept saying how happy she was to be there and how she had always wanted to go there. Em's smiles were too beautiful. Both girls were over the moon. I know Papa and I made memories for our girls with this trip. But I have to tell you, I went home with so many wonderful memories of celebrating a very special 10th birthday for Kara on April 10, 2011.

It really was like a dream.
Hugs and kisses,

T-ball Season Begins

We had a fantastic Tuesday with Alex, as always. I can see him becoming self sufficient right before my eyes. I hate to admit it, but our "baby" is growing up.

As soon as his Dad and he walked through the door, he couldn't wait to tell us he got his T-ball uniform. He is playing on the Chicago Cubs team. He said his Dad even let him sleep in his uniform shirt. How cool to have such a Dad!

Alex's first baseball parade is this Sunday, followed by a one inning game. I love watching his excitement, as he names all the people he wants to see him play. It will be interesting to see if this enthusiasm continues. We'll watch and see.
Hugs and kisses,

Life Is Back to Normal

Well kids, we got home Monday afternoon. It was not fun unpacking all we brought with us for the month. Then, of course, there is all be bought while in Florida, mostly for you four wonders. Papa and I were so excited to see you. You all looked like you have grown a few inches. We loved getting all those hugs and kisses. Many more from the girls. We all know it is not a boy thing. Emily and Kara, you warmed my heart by actually sitting on my lap and snuggling with me. Em kissed me tons of times and would touch the side of my face softly. I was over the moon:~) We have to go on trips more often, just so we can come home and get all this attention.

Today is Friday. So we have been home four days. All the unpacking and putting away is done. This morning I signed on to Facebook to catch up. There was a statement and blog link posted by your Mom, Alex and Zack. After reading a number of the posts on that blog, it again hit me in the face just how lucky we are that "life is back to normal" has the meaning it does for our family. There are millions of children and adults whose "normal life" is heartbreaking; even lacking the food needed to thrive. Please ask your Mom to read you the latest post on this blog: http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Boys, this is your Mom's post on Facebook:

"How humbling that the kindness of strangers and one special person can make a boy living in an orphanage so happy; and it all hinged on him getting glasses. All of our kids could learn something from that."

Kids, I know you are aware that Papa and Nana sponsor a young girl living in an orphanage in Petropavlosk, Kazakhstan. We also donate to help make it possible to add happiness and love to the lives of these wonderful children in many different ways. It would be wonderful if you could draw pictures for me to include with our packages (like Kara has done). You could also start a "Donation Fund" by saving your change in a jar. You could then purchase things these children need. It could also be used to help make the postage charge more affordable.

Our family has adopted children from Kazakhstan, Russia and China. This has established a bond between us and these international countries. There are millions of children living in the United States who are in need of food, clothing, medical attention and toys our children take for granted. Please find a place in your heart to seek out an organization to add happiness and health to the lives of orphaned children. You can check with your parish church, call your town or your school. You can search the Internet and find so many not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to improve the lives of children who have become orphaned.

Thank you and God bless.

Hugs and kisses,