Lyden, Washington Part II

Today is Rachel's first Mother's Day. David and Doug prepared brunch for us. Rachel wanted waffles and strawberries with sausage. My choice was an omelet filled with veggies and goat cheese and served with bacon. We both were totally pleased with our meals. Just so the family knows it is true, here is Doug working in the kitchen with David. Doug sliced all the strawberries and David did pretty much everything else. But, in Doug's defense, Molly did need to be held and cuddled during the cooking process. So he helped a lot by keeping her happy. He also did most of the clean-up work after breakfast.

This post really should be titled "My Son Is Better Than Your Son." Not only did David fix me a wonderful breakfast but my gift is this amazing tea set and tray WHICH HE MADE!! Okay, now be envious... David is an art major and his emphasis is ceramics. He is getting really good and I'm the benefit of his expertise. This will sit in a place of honor on the console which Jon built for me. I'm more that a little impressed with the talent of my own family.

Lynden, Washington Part I

Each grandchild on the occasion of their birth receives a quilt made especially for them by Grandma Judi. Now, I say on the occasion of their birth but to date Henry is the only grandchild to receive his quilt in such a timely manner. As for Molly's quilt, it was mostly done before we had to leave for Lynden. That meant that I carted my sewing machine to Washington and have spent time sewing whenever possible. The top was finished and the quilting had begun. So, I finished that quilting part, added the prairie points to two sides and then did the binding. It was finished a couple of days ago and I think it turned out perfect. I hand appliqued flowers around two corners. This pictures shows that detail. This is the whole quilt.Here is newest addition to the Hammer clan, Molly Marie and isn't she beautiful. I really need to get Doug to take some pictures with a better camera. When I don't use the flash on my camera I just can't hold it still enough the get sharp pictures with the slower shutter speed. Soft focus is good for Grandma but it really isn't necessary for this beautiful baby.Doug arrived back in Lynden yesterday and is enjoying time with little Molly Marie. She needs plenty of Grandpa and Grandma time as soon she'll be dependent on just Mom and Dad. I'm sure they will do a fine job even without my help. Grandma and Molly Marie, we've had lots of bonding time over the last two week. She is really going to miss me.

David is a full time student but wisely is taking on-line classes right now. That way he can study and take care of Molly. Once Rachel is back to work full time David will be spending lots of time holding Molly and working on the computer. It's going to be fun.

David and Rachel's latest project is to raise as much of their own food as possible. Not only will it be healthier but it can and should save some money. The first step is to get a garden going out back. The second step is to raise chickens for the eggs. As it turned out the chickens came before the garden. Here is David introducing the baby chicks to the dogs. It is making the dogs a little crazy knowing there are birds in the house and they are not allowed to 'play' with them.

There are five different varieties of chicken which will each produce a different colored egg. The shells will be different colors, not the insides, in case you weren't sure.

Molly Marie Hammer

Being in Washington with Molly is absolutely wonderful. I'm also enjoying her parents, they're pretty wonderful also. Here are some pictures so you can get a glimpse of my newest granddaughter.

Molly Marie Hammer all bundled up for a trip out into the Washington cold.
The new family and aren't they beautiful!

Grandpa took every opportunity to hold Molly before he had to leave for home and work. Once he returns next weekend, he plans to once again monopolize his granddaughter to attempt to fill up his resevoir before we have to leave.

Molly is one month old and we celebrated with a birthday cupcake. She seems a bit startled by the candle.

Rachel and Molly taking a much needed nap.

Home With Jesus

The jarring of the phone broke the morning silence early Tuesday. Doug answered and received the news that David, his youngest brother, had been in a horrific car accident and was in critical condition. David and his wife Vanessa live in Orlando and he was on a business trip in northern Florida.

As the day progressed, we continued to get reports and learn more of the accident. There were three cars involved on a lonely country road late at night. David's SUV flipped and caught fire. He was trapped inside, unconscious. He suffered third and fourth degree burns over 90% of his body plus numerous internal injuries. The doctors gave him little hope of survival. Vanessa made the difficult but courageous and correct decision to take him off life support. Thursday morning we were again awoken by the jarring ring of the phone to learn David had died. He was now at home with his Lord.

In the midst of this heavy and difficult week we were reminded of God's goodness and providence. This past February Doug had a business conference in Orlando. David and Vanessa invited us to stay with them. We arrived in the early evening. Vanessa prepared us an amazing dinner and David gave us the grand tour of their house. The next day David got us passes to Epcot Center at Disney World. Doug, David and I spent a beautiful day together. As I shopped and explored, I would find Doug and David patiently waiting, talking and enjoying the rare opportunity to have time together. What a beautiful time God gave us and such a warm and wonderful memory of time with David.
Doug with his little brother, David Brian Hammer. 6/3/62 - 4/21/11

Empty Nest Syndrome

Well, my nest has emptied out...AGAIN!! It seems that I should have adjusted to the quiet house, the lack of company throughout the day and the change this brings in my day since I have been here before. But it just doesn't work that way. I lay in bed in the morning expecting to hear Josie calling from her room that it's time to get up. Or have Ella cooing and smiling at me. There is no one to share the cooking with, no other 'wife' in the house. Oh, I'm spending less time at the grocery store and the washing machine is quiet most of the week. I'm sure that the electric bill is lower and food lasts longer. Somehow these things just don't make up for the people I'm missing every day. Heidi has assured me that she is more than willing to drop the girls off at any time to help fill my void. She is in need of some void in her life, so that should work well. But...it is still different. Doug and I are enjoying being a twosome again. It is a good thing to still be in love with the husband of my youth after 40 years. It is a good thing that we nurtured our relationship during the busy years of kids. It is a good thing we are still best friends. It is a good thing to move into this new phase of life (again) and be able to share it with Doug. God has been so good to us. We have a great marriage and a wonderful family. My heart is full even if my house is empty.

Happy Birthday David

Yesterday was David's 30th birthday. I think he has the best present ever in little Molly. Happy Birthday!!

David's a DAD

They're a family and aren't they cute!