Another Christmas Story

On Christmas Eve morning, Grandpa drove to Fort Wayne to pick up Emma and Adrian.  Andy still lives in Arizona and did not come home for Christmas.  We were so excited to have Emma and Adrian with us this year.  While they were driving back to our house, I was cooking and getting ready for everyone to arrive.

As soon as they entered the door and gave me a big hug, their question was: "When can we open the presents?"

I assured them that opening presents was on the agenda.  First we had to eat breakfast.  They let me know that they were not one bit hungry and could go right to the opening part!  I stuck to my guns and said, "That's okay, you don't have to eat, but everyone else is going to eat and you can wait until they are done."

Next, Emma sat by the tree and found presents for her.  She then asked, "How about if I just open one now?"

Again, I said, "After everyone eats breakfast, we will open the presents."

Soon Adrian had his plan.  He said, "My stomach doesn't feel good.  I don't want any breakfast."

Again, I said, "That's okay, maybe you can eat some fruit."  He agreed to that.

I then got them busy adding comments to the patio window with the glass crayons.  They had wonderful messages:

Adrian's said: "Merry Christmas to the presents"

Emma's said: "I love you guys!"

Soon everyone was here and the eating began.  Adrian ended up eating not just fruit but fruit pizza, bacon and other stuff too.  It did take him awhile to realize he might as well eat...no presents for awhile.

We were so glad they were able to be part of the family celebration this year.  We were also glad that we had gotten to see Andy just a month before!

Our Christmas Story

This is one of the stories I have been telling all my friends:

After all the presents were opened, food had been eaten and the window had been written on, Audrey and Meron started their annual parade going from the living room through the dining room and the kitchen over and over in the circle those rooms made. 

I looked over at Angie (Audrey's mom), and asked, "So, do you think we will have any singing this year?"

She replied, "I don't know.  Hey, Audrey do you think you will sing today?"

Audrey stopped, looked at her mom and said, "Yes, I will."  Then she proceed to continue her march around those rooms singing "Jingle Bells" along with Meron right behind her.  Then behind them came little Graham toddling along swinging his head to the beat of the song.

When I asked Michelle where Bam was, thinking he would be joining the parade, she said, "He's still in the kitchen eating." 

I went in the kitchen and sure enough, there was Bam pulled up to the counter eating a tangerine.  He looked up at me and said, "Mor?"

A Christmas Update

It has been so long since I have had a chance to add to this blog.  This is the last day of our vacation so I decided if I wanted to add something it had better be now.  I want to share some pictures of all the grandkids so you can see how much they've grown!

Here's our two oldest: Ty is now 16 and loves to wrestle.  Lane is 13 and loves all sports.  Both are great, big brothers!

Here we are with Emma & Adrian.  She is 10 and he is 7.  They tease and have fun. Both are great leggo fans!

Here we are with Kiann and Graham.  Kiann is 13 and Graham is one.  Kiann loves to wrestle, play golf and soccer. Graham loves Mickey Mouse! He is also a pretty good dancer, he loves music!

This is Jay & Angie with Audrey and Mallory.  Audrey is three and Mallory just turned one. Audrey loves to sing. She loves to just have a great time doing anything!  Mallory loves her baby dolls.

Bamlaku is one and he loves to eat.  His favorite word is "Mor"!

 This is Meron with Audrey.  They are best pals! Meron is three. She loves to smile and pose for pictures.  If she is in a bad mood, but sees a camera pointed at her, she will smile in an instant!

Shelby is a little mother.  She is 10 and is great with the little ones.  You can always find her entertaining them and helping them put on some sort of production!

There you have all eleven grandkids.  Oh, wait a minute...our other news!  This year we are going to add one more to make it an even dozen.  Isn't that GREAT news?  Thanks to the parents, Todd and Beth!

Dave Finishes Sub-Novice Classes

Dave has been attending classes at the Fort Wayne Obedience Training Club for the past eight weeks.  Last night was his last class in this session.  He was training in the Sub-Novice class.  The class is one of the first in the series on the road to Obedience Competition.  Dave had to do heeling on leash, sit for a period of time away from his trainer, stand for exam, return and go into a heel position.  We felt Dave was the star of the class!

Dave and his daddy did so well that Dad was asked to become a trainer and teach some classes.  They felt he did such a good job with Dave and seemed to know what he was doing, that he would make an excellent trainer.  Since he had done training for classes when we had Murphy, this is not a stretch for him. 

We are now doing a lot of practicing at home with Dave and waiting for the next time he can attend classes.  He will probably take the summer off and start again next fall.  His next class will be Novice where he will be doing some of the same things, only at a more rigorous level.  Congratulations Dave and Daddy!!!

Graham's New Teeth

We had been waiting and waiting to see what Graham had for us.  He had been a little fussy and had trouble sleeping. Sure enough, we were right.  Out popped those teeth!

Now he looks like a BIG boy with all those teeth. AND he is much happier!

Yep! At almost 9-months he has four teeth on top and two on the bottom!  What a little doll!!!

Ireland's Happy Man

Last night we again went to Hicksville, Ohio to attend our last concert series concert.  We picked up Ramona and took off for the Huber Theater in downtown Hicksville.

The entertainment this time was Cahal Dunne known as "Ireland's Happy Man".  He is a native of County Cork in Ireland and has a following of loyal admirers and friends that is unique in the rich history of Pittsburgh entertainment where he now lives.   He is a composer, pianist, comedian, story teller and television personality. His style is rich and deep, reflecting the many strands in his distinguished career.

We can't wait until next year to see what the Huber Theater Concert Series brings to the stage!

What Genre Are You Reading?

Beside my bed I have always had a stack of books.  They are books that I am currently reading, books that I plan to read, and books that I want to just look over in case I decide to read them.  Many people think that you can only read one book at a time.  But that's not me!  I could be reading all kinds of books at the same time and switch back and forth between them with ease. 

Let's think of it this way: Do you only watch one program at night and then turn off the t.v.?  What if that program is a "to be continued" show?  Do you not watch another show until that one is completely finished? What about the people who channel surf?  Or the people who watch a baseball game and golf game and a car race all at the same time, surfing from one to the other? 

That's me.  I'm a book surfer.  I like to read various genres at the same time.  Right now I am reading two and just finished another one.  Our book club is reading: Little Bee by Chris Cleave.  That is fiction.  I was a little shocked at the ending by the way! A fellow district coach recommended: Work Hard, Be Nice by Jay Matthews.  That is nonfiction. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I can't stop reading it! The last book I am reading is one that just looked interesting and a friend said they read it and enjoyed it.  I needed a book to just enjoy and not have to think too hard, so I am also reading: The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly.  That is fiction, too.  (My friend was right.  I am really enjoying it a lot!)

So, don't be afraid to read more than one book at a time.  Don't be afraid to read more than one genre at a time.  Just don't be afraid to read and read and read!!!

HAPPY READING!