A GRANDMOTHER'S NIGHTMARE . . .

It was a very hot Texas day, 105 in the shade, and Lyly was in a hurry to get the grandchildren to swimming lessons about 35 minutes south of where she lived. First she had to drop off baby Wesley at her mother's house and then hurry back to Miss Shelly's for the start of the 5pm lessons. She pulled through the gate at Shelly's house, parked under a large shade tree, turned off the car, took the keys from the ignition, placed them in the cup holder beside her, and opened the driver's door. The door closed behind her and she turned to open the rear van door to let Kylie and Luke out of their car seats - the door was locked. She turned back to open the driver's side door so she could release the lock on the back door but much to her surprise and horror the door was locked also.

You have to understand that this was her daughter's car which she would keep anytime she had errands to do or needed to transport all three children to school, doctor appointments, etc. Lyly's car was different - any time you had all the doors locked, you removed the key from the ignition and opened the driver's side door that door would remain unlocked until you locked it again. Not this car.

Another family pulled up just as Lyly discovered all the doors were locked and her cell phone was locked inside too. The dad, Andrew, got out and asked if everything was okay and was told that the grandchilren were locked inside the hot car and she had no way of calling for help. He kindly let her use their cell phone to call 911. After what seemed like a hour (but was only about 15 -20 minutes), and a lot of prayers, the fire department showed up. They worked on trying to get the car unlocked but with two children, 4 years old and 2 years old, screaming and crying in the backseat, they decided it was time to break a window.

Thank the good Lord they were safe. Luke was the first one to be released and came immediately into my arms, hugging me tightly; however, one look at the huge fire truck that was there, he forgot about everything that had just happened. Kylie was brought out and held by one of the firemen and she too could only stare at the fire truck. You see their PaPa was a retired fireman and this was the first time they had seen a fire truck up close and personal.

After a drink of cold water they were ready to go into the pool for their lessons. It is amazing how fast children can bounce back from something so frightening; however, it took me much longer.

I have never experienced anything so scary in all my life and hope to never experience it again. Thank goodness for the help and support that the other parents gave to me and for the goodness of God who kept the children safe and unharmed during this mishap.

SCHOOL IS OUT . . .

Boy I didn't realize it had been almost a month since I had done any blogging. I sometimes wonder where the time goes but watching 3 little ones everyday makes me realize that I really don't have much time for anything else. MDO ended the last of May and each of the kids' teachers gave them pictures to remember the year by - I loved them.

This one is of Miss Kylie and her class. The last day they had what they called "Western Day" so some of the children dressed up in their western outfits. They had hay rides, petting zoo, pony rides and a picnic.

Miss Kylie's first pony ride and she loved it.

This is the little man, Luke, who the teacher say is always happy (with the exception of a meltdown once in a while) and loving. You can tell he really loves life and all that it has to offer him at this time.

Luke was totally fascinated with the goats and sheep. He delights in checking everything out for himself and doesn't seem to be afraid of anything.

This summer they are attending MDO for 6 weeks and could hardly wait for it to start again. The theme for this summer is children's books. The first week was "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" and they were to bring their favorite bear with them to school. The second week is "Make Way for Ducklings" and they are to wear their swimsuits. The third week is "If You Give a Moose A Muffin". The fourth week is "Carl's Afternoon in the Park" and they will have bounce houses to play in along with a picnic. The fifth week is "Goodnight Moon" and they will be watching a movie at the drive-in and they are to bring a decorated laundry basket to use as their car. The sixth week is "The Carrot Seed" and it is silly day at MOD. They are to wear something silly.

I love the MDO program at this church. The teachers are wonderful and the children learn so much, especially about Jesus and His love for them.

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND . . .

Since everyone is so busy on the weekend (and especially with Mother's Day and everyone trying to spend time with mothers and mother-in-laws) we decided to meet for lunch on Saturday to celebrate with all the moms that were able to be there. My daughter and her husband were celebrating their 8th wedding anniversary so they weren't there and my son was in Austin for the weekend so I took the big girlie with me and we met my sister, her children and grandchildren and my mom for a Mexican lunch.

My sister hates to have her picture taken but she allowed this one.

Mother sure doesn't look her age (84 - but don't tell her I told you).

My niece, Lynley, and her boy friend, Blake.

My nephew, Ryan, and his "intended", Grace (they are getting married in November).

My nephew, Devon, and his big boy, Austin.

Devon's wife, Nicole, and their little girl, Casey.

We had a great time and, as always, love getting together to visit and catch up on everyone's lives. We all live in different areas of the Metroplex so special occassions are nice.

While we were at the restaurant I had to take the big girlie to the bathroom. While washing her hands she was carring on a conversation with a lady that went something like this:

Lady: "Where did you get that pretty red hair?"

Kylie: "From Jesus."

Lady: "Well that is a very special gift He gave you."

Kylie: "Did you know that Jesus died on the cross for us?"

Lady: "Yes, I did."

Kylie: "But He rose and went to heaven. Isn"t that nice."

Lady: "Yes, it sure is."

Children sure listen to what is being said and they aren't afraid to speak up and tell you all about what they have learned.

BOB AND LARRY . . .

I am sure that every parent and grandparent knows of or has heard of Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales. My grandchildren love to watch their DVDs and, I hope, learn something about the goodness of God and how we should obey Him and treat others. Well, a few weeks ago, I heard that on the 30th of April Bob and Larry were coming to Lifeway Christian Bookstore and, of course, they had to go seen them.

For a whole week our Big Girlie has been asking if it was time to go. Finally the big day had arrived. So on Saturday I met them, along with some of the parents and their children from a Small Group that my daughter and son-in-law attend, and stood in line to be one of the first to see (and possibly hug) Bob and Larry.

The excitement was building as the children could see them from a distance. They could hardly wait.

The closer we got to the front of the line the more the little girls, Kylie and Katie, did not want to get up close and personal with Bob and Larry.

But true to form the little man could hardly contain himself. He was climbing their friend's arm trying to get a better look at his heroes.

It is a good thing that Theresa is not only tall but strong. Luke was all over her. While the girls were being very proper standing in line with their purses and ignoring Kylie's brother and all the excitement surrounding them.

Finally, it was our turn and, of course, being a normal child, Luke decided he didn't want to get very close to them. You can see he didn't want his mommy to be very far away.

Our turn was over and as we were leaving Miss Kylie decided to cry because she wanted to "see Bob and Larry" so as luck would have it some of their friends were about to have their visit with our heroes so I took Kylie back to go up with them - knowing full well that she would never, never go up with the Anderson girls. And I was right.

Dad (a detective with our police department) and his three girls were the only brave ones to venture into the area of Bob and Larry.

As we said goodbye to our vegetable heroes it was off to McDonald's for my daughter and her friends and children and I was off to run some errands. As I drove away I thought to myself that this was a wonderful way to spend the morning watching the children, with excitement in their eyes, have such fun with some of their favorite characters.

LUKE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY PARTY . . .

Saturday in Texas was a beautiful day and an especially wonderful day because we celebrated our little man's 2nd birthday (actually his birthday was Wednesday) with his Mom, Dad, sisters, grandmother (me), great grandmother, uncles, aunts, great aunt, and cousins. All in all there were about 15 people who came to our house on Saturday afternoon to see a little boy so excited he could hardly contain himself.

It was a Mickey Mouse theme since he can't see to get enough of Mickey.



My mother had gotten him a tool table for my brother to give him and since it was unwrapped he saw it first and couldn't wait to get his hands on the tools.

From what I could tell he loved everything he received. He loves cars and race tracks and could hardly wait until my son had put it together so that he race those cars.

The big hit of the party was the the battery operated Yamaha that I got him. I wish I had gotten a picture of his face when he saw it. He immediately jumped up from the floor and hopped on it and started to ride around the house. I think he loved it (and so did his cousin, Austin.)

Surprisingly they shared it very well (even with Mom.)

They also loved the T-ball game that Beejee (my mother) got him and the boys took turns hitting (or trying to) the ball.

Before we knew it, it was time to light the candles, blow them out and call it a day.

Thank goodness for all the new toys because the week started out so cold and wet and they couldn't go outside to play. That makes for a long day. We put together the water play table that Aunt Mel and Uncle Quincy got for him and they loved pretending that they were sailing their boats. Children really do love a party and so do the adults. There is always another one right around the corner.

PICKY EATERS & SLEEPY GIRL. . .

There are picky eaters at my house during the day and I am having such a hard time trying to figure out what to fix that they will eat. I have tried everything but nothing seems to wet their appetite. I have gone on-line to see what others are making for their children/grandchildren to eat but my grandchildren just turn their nose up and refuse to even try a bite. Then one beautiful day my son's girl friend, Amy, told me about some turkey meatballs that she use to fix for her boys so I decided to put them to the test.

The big girlie only wanted to have her picture made with her crowns and wasn't interested in eating anything much less meatballs. She actually pictures herself as a princess.

Look at the little man and you will see just how much he loved the spaghetti and meatballs. It is written all over his face (and clothes.)

This little man has his mouth is so full he looks like a chipmunk.

Wouldn't it be nice if they ate like this every day and I wouldn't have to worry about them not getting enough of the good things to eat.

Little Miss Wesley received the gift of a " from her great grandmother and the first time she sat in it she fell asleep. Of course, now she will only sit in it for a little while and then start crying. 

She is going,

going,

gone.

Oh to be able to fall asleep like that.

SPRING FEVER & POTTY TRAINING . . .

Spring has finally arrived in North Texas and the trees are starting to bud and leaf out, flowers and herbs are being planted by neighbors and some are even getting their gardens ready for the planting season.

When I looked I could see that my holyhocks were starting to form buds and I can hardly wait to see the gorgeous blooms that appear.

Neighbor's columbines are in full bloom and seeing them makes me long for springtime in the rockies.

After a year of trying to entice the big girlie into going to the potty she has decided that maybe it is now time. She was just not interested before - not one little bit. We had purchased all kinds of potty seats - the one that fits over the big toilet, a regular potty chair and then (thanks to my mother) the potty chair that sings when you have gone to the bathroom. Nothing seemed to work.

Then a few months ago a miracle happened - she took an interest and is now well on her way to becoming a BIG girlie.

After seeing his sister use the potty, our little man has wanted to experience the joys of sitting on the potty so we have been letting him try it out. What a little man he is and, by the way, he turns turn two years old tomorrow (birthday party at Lyly's house Saturday. Lots to do to get ready.)

This little guy can always find joy and excitement in everything that he does.

While I have a hard time entertaining everyone during the day our little one is growing up so fast and loves just watching her brother and sister.

These are the moments of a grandparents day that makes it all worthwhile.