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!

We're Grandparents Again!!!

Molly Marie Hammer arrived on Monday morning, March 28 at 8:24. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 8 oz and is 20 inches long. She is beautiful and I can't wait to meet her in person when we are able to go to Washington in late April. It's a long time to wait to hold that precious new baby girl. Congratulations to David and Rachel.

40 years

Tomorrow Doug and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary. WOW!! It is a wonderful thing to still be in love, more today than ever, with the husband of my youth.

Fun with Grandkids

My grandchildren are some of the most wonderful little people on the planet. They are each one unique and full of their own special personality. They bring so much joy into my life. It seems that my own children kept me so busy that the time with them was over way too soon. Now with new little ones around I am once again enjoying, and remembering, the pleasure of watching them, interacting with them and loving them. Below are some pictures of these amazing children. Enjoy!

Here is Josie having fun in Grandma's pantry bowling with the plastic Perrier bottles. She also tried out the dog food and decided it's not that good. Amy and some of Heidi's friends gave a 'sprinkle' for baby Eleanor. It was a fun day to celebrate the new baby who will now be one of the best dressed babies in town. Last Sunday we went to San Diego for Henry's dedication service. He was quite handsome in his bow tie (made by Julie) and button up shirt. It was a blessing to be part of the service. The whole family is invited onto the stage. My Dad was there. He dedicated Jon. I was overwhelmed with God's goodness as I stood with my father, son and grandson and thought of God's faithfulness through the generations. Maddie trying on Henry's bow tie. Josie is at the stage where she really likes to help. She does things like swiffer the floors, help polish the furniture, bring wipes for Ella and even help Grandma build cabinets.

Uh Oh!!

Okay, I said I would try to blog at least twice a month and today is the last day of January. So here is my blog entry.

Not much to say except that I'm enjoying the opportunity to get a little bit organized. As soon as I finish here I'm heading upstairs to clean out my gift wrap boxes and a couple of other items in the master bedroom. That will make the master happy and that is always a good idea!

January 27, 2011

Well, it is my intent to blog on a more regular basis. That would mean that I would take the time to journal and add pictures more than twice a year. I'm actually thinking that I might try for twice a month. Hmmm...that might be a bit ambitious, especially since January is almost over, but a person has to start somewhere. So, if you are actually reading this you are one of the lucky few to be prepared for all the amazing things you will read on my blog this year. Check back soon for the next fantastic entry.

Safari

Traveling to Kenya was about working at Amani and our day with World Vision. The bulk of our time was spent in those endeavors and we were all truly blessed with our opportunities to serve. In the midst of that work God gave us the amazing experience of going on safari. Over the weekend we flew to the Masai Mara which is in the south west portion of Kenya right on the Tanzanian border. Our flight took about 45 minutes and was an experience in and of itself. The rather steep landing took us all by surprise. The hotel was wonderful and the food delicious. Even though we had only been working for a week at Amani, we were ready for a break and a chance to relax. Here we are at the Wilson airport outside of Nairobi with our laminated boarding cards waiting for our flight.

We are on safari!! Notice the giraffes in the background. This is our first day out and we are having a ball. Already we have seen elephants, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, impalas, giraffe, and lions. It is so fun we can hardly contain ourselves. This lone female lion was on the hunt. Our vehicle parked in a great spot to observe her movements. She was searching in holes and looking for dinner. We quietly watched and snapped pictures as she came closer and closer to us. Ultimately she walked within feet of my spot in the vehicle creating some consternation with some in our car. It was awesome. Another of the big cats, this family of cheetahs posed for us. They are beautiful animals with the tear marks on their faces and grand posture. We also saw a leopard crouched in a tree. My pictures of it are terrible but I do have some just to prove I finally saw a leopard. Elephants are one of my favorite animals in Africa and I never tire of observing them in the wild. When we landed at the Masai Mara there was a small herd near the runway. We first spotted them before landing and then had a close up view as we drove to our hotel. The airport is visible in the background. It's a dirt runway with a covered area to wait for the plane. Giraffes are fascinating creatures to watch. They move with such fluidity and grace for a rather awkward animal. It was great fun to be able to pet and feed them at the Giraffe center. I'll include a picture of that on another blog. This crocodile was at least 12 feet long and we were standing not more than 10 feet away. Okay, we were on top of a steep bank so it felt safe. Pretty cool.

TODAY!!!!

Today at 5:30 P.M. we leave for the airport where we will board a British Airways plane and begin the trek to Kenya. It is weird to think the time has come. Time has moved quickly to this date and I know that it will seem no time at all when we are boarding that plane to come home. Pray for us.

More to come.....

Kenya

Today is Tuesday and Thursday evening I leave for Kenya along with three other women. I am both very excited and very nervous. The excited part is obvious. Going to Kenya is great fun, I will have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, serve the Lord as I serve the women of Amani, go on safari which is always fun and this trip is an adventure. The nervous part comes from being the 'in charge' person for our missions trip.

The other ladies going along (Nancy, Amber and Brianna) are not exactly babies that I need to care for but I am the go-to person. Doug is not coming and I've always traveled in Africa with him by my side. He is the one I normally consult with and share the experience. This is going to be so different. It is truly making me depend on the Lord in a whole new way. There is no one else to go to. That is a good thing. It is always a good thing to have my faith stretched. It is good to remember that no matter who is by my side, ultimately it is only God by my side that matters.

Be sure to check back in July for the pictures and updates from this exciting adventure.

Grandbabies

It has been quite a long time since I've bothered to blog about anything in my life. It's not as if nothing of significance has happened, I've just been too lazy to write about it. In the last couple of months I traveled to Kansas City, MO. to help Joan get settled into her new house. We had a blast shopping and decorating Jack and Joan's beautiful new house. The next week Joan came to S. Cal and my sisters and I celebrated by birthday. It was a great day all about me! Of course we had to stop at Jon and Julie's house to spend some time with them and Maddie.

May found Amy and I traveling to Washington to spend time with David and Rachel. Doug, Heidi and Josie came up a couple of days later and we had such a wonderful time all together. Washington provided us with some beautiful clear but cold days and some rain. We went for walks, shopped in the antique stores of Lynden, helped decorate David and Rachel's kitchen, played Wii, kayaked, ate out and just had lots of fun. Doug and I at The Woods coffee shop where Rachel is manager.

David taking care of a sick Josephine. She was sick with a fever for two days. Poor baby.

Rachel, Heidi and Amy enjoying bags of potato chips.

Doug, Heidi, Amy, David and Rachel went kayaking one day while I stayed to care for the sick baby. No kayaks in this picture but I thought you might want to see David and Rachel.

But what has finally made me take time to blog? Grandchildren, of course!! First let's take June 6 which happens to be Josie's first birthday party. That's right she is now 1 year old. She is a total joy in our lives and we get the added pleasure of having her and her parents live with us. That gives us lots of time to be with her and watch her grow and learn. Here are few pictures from the party. Heidi and Amy joining Josie in the pointing game. Josie likes to point at everything and then expects someone to get 'it' for her. Whatever the 'it' might be.

Heidi, Josie and Caleb looking very happy to celebrate her birthday. The other thing contributing to the smiles is finally announcing to everyone that Weston baby #2 is due in December. The family is growing. Josie, however, has no idea how her life will change. It's good to just let her enjoy being the center of attention for as long as possible.

The birthday girl and her cupcake. Turns out she didn't really like chocolate cake. I'm sure that will change in time.

Opening presents is always fun.

Great-grandparents are also fun.

The next morning, June 7, at 5:57 a.m. Henry Oliver Hammer joined the family. Julie had been in labor all day Sunday and we wondered if we would have two grandchildren with the same birthday. Henry decided to have his own day and arrived the day after Josie's birthday. Doug was in Cleveland for a business meeting so as soon as he arrived home on Tuesday we headed to San Diego to meet our newest grandchild. We spent the afternoon taking turns holding him and I think we could have continued for hours more if there wasn't a need to get home. After all, Doug was still on Cleveland time and had to work the next day.

The proud parents with their new son. We didn't get to see Maddie with her brother but look forward to seeing her next weekend when we again head to San Diego to get more grandchild time.

By the way, the quilt was my gift to Henry which I managed to finish the night before, just in time.

It's About Time

Okay, I get ragged on for not posting to my blog. Even though I'm often tempted to write, there are never any pictures to post and the pictures are the best part. Today I'm writing this to let anyone who actually attempts to read my blog know that I'm still around and able to write. Maybe after Easter I'll have some pictures and more to say. For now, just read old posts.

You have to agree, they are cute!!! -- Part Two

Christmas morning starts with a BIG breakfast. We had eggs, ebelskivers, sausages, fruit, sticky rolls and plenty of coffee, tea and juice. Once we finished filling up, it was time to open presents. There is no rush on Christmas morning so we thoroughly enjoy the process of sharing our gifts with each other. Since we didn't even start breakfast until around 9:30 a.m., then gifts beginning around 10:30, the morning was over before we finished. Then, it's a quite afternoon of playing with the gifts, taking naps, watching the game or whatever we choose before heading out to the Lindley family gathering. Here are some pictures from Christmas day.

The sign says "This is NOT a gift." Doug wrapped this gift, wrote the tag and can give you the whole story. It turned out that is actually was a gift and Jon loved it.

Presents are fun no matter if you really understand the whole concept or not.

Maddie was happy to share the doggy with Jo.

After gifts, Julie, Rachel and Amy talked Heidi into teaching them to knit. Heidi proved to be a good teacher and they all managed to knit the beginnings of a very short scarf. Rachel was getting the hang of it with just a little encouragement from Heidi. Hans had gone for a run and was now watching the game while Amy continued to practice knitting. A lull in the Christmas activites is the perfect opportunity for a nap and we now have the perfect couches for the above mentioned nap. Really, they are so CUTE!! Grandpa and Maddie Jo. I love the girls pigtails and applaud their mothers for getting those teeny tiny rubber bands into their hair. Second cousins Maddie and Sophie enjoying their gifts.

Christmas was SO fun!