The 4:00 a.m. Feeding and "Now I Understand"

I know it's been quite a while since I last posted. I've been busy with a little girl I call "my sweet pea." Beth has gone back to work and I'll be having Elliotte 4 days a week. Last week and this week are a little different because she hasn't started her new job yet with regular hours. So my schedule has been a little crazy!

This past Saturday was Beth's 31st birthday. I still can't believe it's been 31 years since she was Elliotte's age!! Time sure flies. But my body is telling me it's been more like 40 years! When I get out of bed, my knees creak, my back hurts and my hands are stiff. And that's just on the walk to the bathroom :) But when I'm holding my sweet pea and she smiles, I'm taken back 31 years and the feelings and memories all come rushing back through my mind. At least I think it's my mind. I'll admit that Elliotte looks a lot like Ben but when she smiles, it's "punkin' doodles" as we used to call Beth. I think of lots of things I used to do with her when she was a baby. Most of it was on the floor. I'm afraid the things I do with Elliotte will have to be in my lap or on the couch. My knees don't like the floor and it's not good to make my knees angry! Anyway, Beth and Ben wanted a night out for her birthdday that didn't include a 4:00 a.m. feeding. And Beth needed a full night's sleep since she had to be at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. Sunday for work. Beth was afraid Ben might have a little trouble getting himself and Elliotte ready for church, so Elliotte had her first sleepover at Nonna and Pops house. I was very excited about this. I was also apprehensive at how Elliotte would respond to this. But she did very well. She went to bed at 9:45 p.m., after her 6 ounces of milk, and slept until 4:00 a.m. It was just like the old days. I heard her cry and John said, "she's awake." Thanks for the news report! I said, "you could change her diaper while I get her bottle ready." "That's o.k., you're much better at that than I am." Yeah, just like the old days! It was really like getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, except you have to change a diaper, feed a baby, burp a baby, try to get the baby to go back to sleep and rinse out the bottle. That took about 45 minutes. My trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night usually takes about 3 minutes and I'm back in bed going back to sleep. This time it was harder to go back to sleep even though I was exhausted and had to get back up in 2 1/2 hours to get ready for church. When mine were little, I remember getting to church and sitting in the back so we could get up if one of them was fussy. I don't exactly remember how we got there, though. The babies were dressed and so was I so I guess the baby fairy came to help me back then. I couldn't find the baby fairy yesterday. She must have retired of old age! BUT we were dressed and got to church on time, even though sweat was dripping down my back and face, in 40 degree weather! Now John did hold Elliotte while I got dressed and put my face on (that I ended up sweating off). Otherwise, we would be getting to church about now. :) I also cooked dinner last night for the family to celebrate Beth's birthday. I usually do a big dinner with homemade cake but since we had Elliotte, we had spaghetti, salad and homemade cupcakes. That's all I could manage to do. And by the time we ate (5:30 p.m.), I was ready for bed!! Of course, no one complained that it was not the usual birthday dinner. It was a free meal so that was fine. And Beth liked her cupcake tower. Good thing, since I messed up the first batch of icing and had to make a second at 11:00 p.m. Saturday night. I finished icing the

cupcakes at 11:45 p.m. then went to bed.

As far as sleep, I'm not sure I got much. They say the older you get, the less sleep you need. Now whoever did that survey is AN IDIOT! And I now I know why God gives young people babies. The old joke is right, you lay the baby down and forget where you put her. Did I put her in the playpen or the baby bed? Oh yeah, John's holding her......his contribution to taking care of Elliotte.

I love my granddaughter with all my heart and I love keeping her. But when they left last night, I really didn't mind seeing her go home with her parents. I've had friends tell me that you have fun when you're with them, but you don't mind seeing them go home. I now understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be a grandparent!!

Until next time.......

Sweet cheeks, ham hocks and a turkey waddle

Yes, I know it's been a while since I last posted anything. Of course, the last one was all important because it was about Elliotte's birth. Now that precious little thing is 6 weeks old (it's moved too fast!) and there's more of her to love! Sweet, fat little cheeks, ham hock thighs and cute dimples in her knees. She's looking around trying to figure out what all the fuss is going on around her. The other day I was leaning over her and talking to her when she smiled. Now, I was holding her and she did NOT pass gas at that moment so it was a REAL smile. I got so excited!! As I sat there staring at her, I realized she wasn't just smiling at me, she was laughing! There was this big obscure object in front of her face and all she could see was this mound of giggly flesh (i.e., my double chin), a big mouth and big nose. Couple that with a little "baby talk" and I would be rolling on the floor laughing my head off, too. She's not old enough to be rolling yet but I do think she was laughing at me thinking, "Who in the world is this person that keeps talking to me while this blob of giggly stuff moves back and forth?! I sure hope we're not related because I don't want to inherit that turkey waddle and big nose. Wow, I'm not sure I know what a turkey waddle is yet, but it's got to be bad!" We have this mental telepathy thing going so I know that's what she was thinking in that gorgeous little head of hers.

I have been told by all the grandparents I know how wonderful it is to have a grandchild. And I whole heartedly agree........there's nothing like it in the world! You get to have this precious baby without the sleepless nights, crying fits, blowout poopy diapers, projectile spitup or having to lose the "baby" weight. We get her for a few hours here and there and may experience a few of these things but don't have to live with it every day. Except maybe for the "baby" weight which I'm still trying to lose. It's just been 29 years.....I set a goal of 30 years to lose it (the weight, not my mind). I only have a few more months before 30 years. I'm now thinking I may have to revise my goal and make it 35 years!

Elliotte and I seem to understand each other so I look forward to the times I spend with her. They are so precious and way too fast. And I'm enjoying my time with Beth. Beth and I now connect on a different level.......motherhood. It's a wonderful bond we now have. And I know all she has to look forward to with Elliotte in the coming years......all the good things with a little payback for the bad (i.e.,"Just wait til you have kids. I hope I live long enough to see your child put you through this!!")

Until next time, have a blessed day (as my dad says). May God smile on you today and everyday.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

After writing my last blog (July 30) on waiting for Elliotte to be born and everyone being patient, a funny thing happened..........she came the next night! Now Elliotte, being in the womb and all, wasn't able to read my blog about patience and decided she'd had enough with swimming in the amniotic fluid in close quarters. The doctor told Beth, the day before, that she would probably not go into labor on her own (even though she was dilated 3 cm.), Elliotte would be around 10 pounds and would more than likely have to be induced. I'm sure Elliotte heard all this and decided she was not going to weigh 10 pounds at birth and definitely not be delivered in a drug induced state! She already has her mother's determination (which is a nice word for stubbornness). Elliotte decided to show everyone that she was in control and did not want an August birthday. I'm sure she was thinking the ruby birthstone for July is much prettier than the green one for August (sorry to all you August people). So, breaking Beth's water around 5:15 Friday, July 31, Elliotte sent everyone into a little tissie. Thinking we all had several hours before her arrival, I was making phone calls, getting snacks and reading material together, applying waterproof mascara and putting the dinner into the fridge. Finally we were literally going out the door when Ben called and said, "She's dilated to 7 and you better get here quick!" Now remember Beth's water broke around 5:15p.m. and they walked in the hospital at 6:15 p.m. and it was now about 6:50 p.m. Rushing as fast as we could, we got to Baptist by 7:10p.m. I rushed in and no one was at the desk on the labor floor. It was shift change, just like when Beth was born. I found a nurse leaving for the day and told her my daughter was in labor and I needed to find her. She was nice enough to take me to the right place where I said my daughter's name was Beth Robinson. Remember I was in a little tissie and just forgot for a moment. When I said, "I mean Beth Miller" I was taken directly to her labor/delivery room. Beth's epidural had just been put in, after 3 sticks with the needle first, and she was in obvious pain (this was about 7:20 p.m. now). I kissed, hugged, kissed her again, then did the same to Ben. Here I was in my daughter's labor/delivery room about the watch my first grandchild being born. What a privilege and blessing that was. Ben went out to the waiting room to talk to his dad and others that had gathered while I stayed with Beth. She was still having pain on her right side while the left side was deadened. As the minutes went by (notice I said minutes and not hours) Beth continued to progress, so much so that the nurse called in every available hand and the doctor. Ben was back in the room now and Beth was still feeling pain on the right side and wanting to push. As the doctor came in and rolled his stool over to Beth, the right side deadened (thank goodness because she is such a wimp with pain!) He told her to push and push and push, etc. After about 15-20 minutes of pushing, Elliotte Lynn Miller entered the world at 8:19 p.m. on July 31. She weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz., was 19 1/4 inches long, had dark hair and Beth's pretty skin color. Oh yeah, she has a set of lungs on her, too! We are all overjoyed at her arrival and that she is a healthy preemie, almost 4 weeks early!

Today, everyone is doing well. Elliotte is nursing well, after a few days of not quite getting the gist of it and she's a good sleeper. Beth is feeling wonderful after feeling so bad the last 2 months. Ben is the proud daddy and loves "his girls" with all his heart. Elliotte is peeing, pooping, wiggling, crying and she has quite the temper when she's ready to eat. This is were she opens her mouth and the face turns red/blue but no sound comes out for a few seconds and you want to yell "BREATHE!!". Then the high pitched scream comes out and you wonder how that piercing squeal could come from someone so tiny. I have had the honor to be with Elliotte everyday of her life so far. Today is my break to get things done at home but I am missing her so that it makes my heart hurt. I know when I see her in the next few days, she will have changed so much. How fast time flies when you are having the time of your life! John and I are thankful to God for Elliotte's safe arrival, a healthy baby and mother, a proud father/son in law and for our hearts full of love for this child. I will continue to pray everyday for Elliotte and her parents and know one day she will learn the story of her birth and be thankful to God for her life. And friends, please indulge me as I will be showing pictures of Elliotte to anyone who asks.......and even those who don't!! God bless you all.

Hurry Up and Wait Syndrome

Why is it the things we want the most seem to take forever to get? It's the "hurry up and wait" syndrome. If we really look back and think about it, time goes by faster than ever now. But I know Beth and Ben (and us) are in the hurry up and wait portion of Beth's pregnancy. Today, the doctor told Beth and Ben that Elliotte is about 7 1/2 lbs., Beth is dilated 3 cm. and probably won't go into labor on her own. Next week the doctor will set up a time for Beth to be induced during her 39th week, about 3 weeks from now, unless Elliotte decides she's ready beforehand. As much as Beth wants Elliotte to enter the world now, it's the hurry up and wait syndrome. I know Beth is exhausted, feels lousy, has to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes, her waddle walk is even more a waddle, can't sit and can't sleep. And we all keep telling her to enjoy this time because it won't be this quiet again! You want to hurry up and get through this last part of the pregnancy so you can be holding that precious baby in your arms. As much as I want to see my first grandchild, I want Beth and Ben to enjoy (or at least tolerate) these last few days/weeks because she will never have a first pregnancy again. And she and Ben will never be just Beth and Ben again. They will always be a couple, but now they will be going by other names. They will be Elliotte's mom and dad..........the Parentals! Even when children are grown and gone from home, you're still their parents. Your life takes on a different meaning. You now are not only responsible for yourself, you're responsible for another human being. Your life will change in just a few minutes, from a couple to a family. What an awesome responsibility!! And one God wants Beth and Ben to have. These last few days/weeks before Elliotte's birth will be the "hurry up and wait" kind. But I for one can tell you, the wait is worth it! And in the future, when you look back on these last 8-9 months, it will seem like they flew by, trust me. Life has a way of "hurrying up" even when we don't want it to. God is in control and everything will fall into place as it should be. Next time you're wanting things to "hurry up", remember life goes by in a flash. Enjoy every moment you are given and praise the Father for each one.

Beth and Ben Miller, The COUPLE. Stay tuned for a picture of Elliotte, with MOM and DAD, whenever she decides to make her appearence!

Girl x 2

Well, I'm sure most of you know by now that Clay and Leslie are having a girl. Needless to say, I am EXCITED! Now Elliotte will have a cousin to grow up with and become great friends and share secrets and all the things girls do. Her name is Leah Marie Robinson. Clay made it known early on that he was only having boys.........but God decided to bless him with a girl! Leslie said when the ultrasound showed it was a girl, the first thing he said was, "I knew it." Yeah, right. I think it took him a few hours for all this to register. But Leslie said when they got home the first thing Clay said was, "Leslie, we have to pay for a wedding now!" Leave it to Clay to be thinking how much this precious little being is going to cost him. The problem is, he really doesn't have any idea. I do hope and pray I live long enough to see this child married. I will be sitting in my "grandparent pew" smiling, watching Clay sweat as he brings Leah down the aisle. He will be just like John was with Beth. "This is the budget and we're sticking to it!" That budget went out the window after the first week of planning Beth's wedding. Clay will tell Leslie and Leah the same thing. My advice to them will be tell Clay only on a "need to know" basis. In the end, Leah will get the wedding of her dreams because her daddy will give her the world if she asks for it. Daddies and daughters have a very special bond. Elliotte and Leah will see their daddies as HEROS and that's the way it should be when they're growing up. My daddy is the best and he never laid a hand on me or my sister. He always made my mom do it! He's still my hero who can do no wrong. Elliotte and Leah will feel the same about their daddies, I'm sure. The first time Ben and Clay see their little girls in the hospital, they might as well give it all up because the daddies will never be the same! Those precious little babies will have their daddies wrapped around their fingers with their first cry. I wish I could explain to Beth, Ben, Clay and Leslie the feelings that will happen to them when they see their child for the first time but I'm not sure I could. It's just so magical and wonderful. And besides, they need to experience it for themselves because there's nothing like it.

They will also need to remember those first moments when their precious little one does something really bad! That's where I come in because I get to say, "I've waited a long time to say this, it's pay back time!" Then I get to laugh because I know it will happen again. And the thing I look the most forward to is SPOILING THEM ROTTEN, then sending them home! What a great feeling that will be. Isn't there a law written somewhere that the purpose of grandparents is to spoil their grandchildren rotten? If there's not, we grandparents need to draft one into law. I also think there is a law that says children can make their parents crazy as long as they provide a safe, padded room to put us in. At least that's what our children told us. I did ask for a room with a view and my padding to be blue. If you're going to be at the funny farm you might as well tell them how you want your cell decorated. I've dreamed of mine often. It has blue padded walls with little rose buds and a window where I can see the birds. Now my straight jacket has to be by Ralph Lauren because his stuff fits me nicely and I guess I'll have to have the tennis shoes with the velcro tabs since they won't let me have laces. Now I know you're thinking that I've raised my children, they're all grown and I haven't been put in the padded cell yet. Well, there is no time frame for children driving their parents crazy. Just in case I don't need my padded cell, it will be available for Beth, Ben, Clay or Leslie to use. I'm putting that in my will!

These little girls are going to be such blessings to John and me. All our grandparent friends have been telling us that there's nothing like it. And God is good because He is going to let us experience it for ourselves. And I'll still have the padded cell just in case things get crazy!!

Take care and may God rain blessings on you!

Lawnmowers and Fireworks

I am proud to announce that NASHVILLE LAWN EQUIPMENT (NLE) on Thompson Lane is now open for business!! It is run by Kyle and Clay Robinson (with help from John sometimes). There are a lot of lawnmowers to choose from. I never knew there were so many different kinds of lawnmowers, weed eaters, chain saws and the like. The main brands they carry are Hustler and Ferris lawnmowers, Shindaiwa and Kawasaki equipment. I'm not sure what the difference is but I do know that Hustler is yellow and Ferris is red! There is also a nice man in the service building that works on everything. The boys have even worked on a few mowers themselves. This has been a long labor of love to get this business open and running. Kyle put in a tremendous amount of time towards getting it open. Clay worked hard too in his spare time (he had another job at the time). And John did his usual "dad work" of whatever was needed. Now that NLE has opened, Clay has left his other job and is working full time with Kyle. John works as needed. The boys are fortunate to have a large group of friends that are in the lawn care business and are helping to get the word out about NLE. Of course, they can always use help in getting the word out. So if any of you reading this knows of someone looking for a lawnmower, weed eater, etc., tell them you know of a wonderful new place that can accomodate them! Below is Kyle helping a man with mower tires and Clay helping a man with a mower.

FYI: Nashville Lawn Equipment -

602 Thompson Lane (across from Weight Watchers) -

phone 891-1306 -

web address http://www.nashvillelawnequipment.com/

The day I was at NLE making these pictures, the man in the picture above with Kyle made a comment. He had been outside where Clay was, asking about replacement tires and Clay sent the man inside to talk to Kyle. The man came inside and commented to Kyle, "You look just like the guy outside that sent me in here!" Kyle commented, "Yeah, I get that alot." I started laughing and the man looked over at me and I said, "They're a matched set. I gave birth to them." Then the man said, "Are they just alike?" Again I was laughing and said, "Sometimes, sometimes not." I took that as my cue to leave since both boys were busy doing their jobs. I am so proud of Kyle and Clay and pray everyday that God will bless them in this new adventure.

Now to the Fireworks. Clay, Leslie and Leslie's dad, Bill Barron, are running a fireworks tent in Springfield. Mostly, Leslie and her dad are doing the selling. Clay is only there on some nights and weekends. The decision to do the fireworks tent was made BEFORE Leslie found out she was pregnant. But I have to tell you, that girl is a TROUPER!!! She is there everyday working in the heat and has not complained once that I know of. Unlike Clay who complains that it's too hot and he's already tired from his real job.

I didn't realize how much work goes into one of these tents. There is a lot of work to setting up and then taking down. And I didn't know there were so many different kinds of fireworks!!!

But when John and I went to visit, Leslie was rattling

off all these different names of fireworks to this man and little boy. I was very impressed. Leslie and her dad have equiped the tent with chairs, fans, a TV and DVD player. At least they can watch movies during the slow times. And Bill Barron has spent almost every night on a cot in the tent. There is also a small refrigerator with drinks and snacks for them to have. And behind the tent is the necessary "port a potty". Doesn't that sound like something you would want to do for 2 1/2 weeks being 18 weeks pregnant? Not me!! As I said before, Leslie is a trooper and Clay is very blessed that she is his wife.

Just in case you're looking for fireworks and you happen to be traveling through Springfield, their tent is off I-24 (towards Clarksville), get off at the Joelton/Springfield exit, turn right and go 8 miles. The tent is on your left just past the BP Gas Station. Clay will be working Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you have trouble finding the tent, just follow the voice that will be complaining about the heat and having to work on his long weekend off. You should have no trouble finding it!! Good luck, Leslie, Bill and Clay!!

God bless everyone and have a happy, safe 4th of July!!

THE MAN.........and the cold washcloth.

I dedicate this blog entry to my husband, John. He is THE MAN! What man would get up in the middle of the night just to hold a cold washcloth over his wife's face as she throws up?.....THE MAN! Of course, I had to scream his name several times before he actually woke up. But when he did, he stumbled into the bathroom, ran cold water on a cloth and held it to my face as I threw up. Then he walked me back to bed and put the cloth over my forehead. The reason he does this is because I did this for the kids when they were sick because my mom did it for me when I was sick. What is it about a cold washcloth over your face when you're vomiting your guts out that makes you feel better and is comforting? Anyway, after the third time throwing up and doubling over from abdominal pains, I said, "Take me to the ER." Now this conjures up bad pictures in John's and my minds of the recent past ER visits. Luckily, I was the only "customer" in the ER, in the early morning hours Sat. I answered all the questions, signed the papers and was put in a holding room in the ER. Who else would walk with me when I looked like death warmed over, holding me up and carrying my purse (which didn't match either mine or his "outfits.") .....THE MAN! John sat with me in this room and we reminisced about the other ER visits I've had in the past couple of years. Some quite humorous and some very serious. A nurse comes in to hook me up to an IV. In other words, JAB a needle in my vein , miss the first time, and do it again. I'm making faces at the nurse and she is giving me no sympathy as she continues to move the needle around in my vein. (Mental note to myself, ask Beth if she's nice when she's doing this to her patients.) John is sitting right there with me, reading the paper in an uncomfortable wooden chair, looking tired and waiting on the "hospitalist." (i.e., a doctor who only sees patients that are in the hospital, like Dr. Taylor Brownlee). I'm sure if there had been a washcloth around John would have run cold water on it and placed it on my head because .....he's THE MAN!

Let me give you a little background to this story. A few hours before I ended up in the ER, John had to attend a dinner without me. This wasn't just any dinner. It was the rehearsal dinner for Drennon Platt and Will McMurray at The University Club. What man would attend a rehearsal dinner without his wife unless he didn't know what he was doing or the person it was for meant a great deal to him? Not very many men would, but........THE MAN did! He even sat at a table where he didn't know a single person. Luckily, Beth and Ben's table had 1 empty seat and he moved there to finish out the dinner. A few hours later, we were in the ER. Back to the story, when I was moved to my room (on the 7th floor at St. Thomas) John went home, got some things for me and brought them back to the hospital. He stayed with me (helping me roll the IV stand back and forth the bathroom) until it was time for him to go home, take a shower and get to the wedding. What man, with his wife in the hospital, wouldn't use that as an excuse to get out of going to a wedding?......THE MAN! He went to Drennon's wedding, by himself and then to the reception, by himself. After he got home I asked him to call me and give a report of the evening because I was having to miss such a special occasion. Now, I love THE MAN but he's not into details, which is what I wanted. "How did everything look, how did Drennon look, how did Beth look, were the flowers pretty, how was the music?......these are a few of the details I wanted. THE MAN'S answers were the same, NICE! So much for details. Now when I asked him about the food, he could give me details of each piece he put in his mouth!! Thus the old saying, "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach!" At least at wedding receptions!

On Sunday a.m., I called John to wish him a happy father's day. He went to class, then church, then home to pick up the paper and bring it to me at the hospital. He stayed a few minutes, (helping me roll my IV stand back and forth to the bathroom) and then went to lunch at my sister's house to celebrate Father's Day. What man would go to lunch with his wife's family when the wife wasn't even there?.......THE MAN! (or anyone that wanted a free meal, including my kids!!) After I had a CT scan (twice) and they had taken half my blood volume out, I was told they couldn't find the exact cause for my abdominal pain and vomiting. With a CT scan you have to drink 2 water bottles full of water with "contrast"(weird tasting) in them. Then they put you through this round, open machine while pumping dye into your veins that makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over (until you realize if someone shined a black light on you you might actually glow green!!). I had this done twice in 2 days. If you see me out and I have that "glowing look", I am actually GLOWING from the radiation!!! Who would want to go to the hospital to pick up a person that has been radiated twice, lost half their blood volume, has had NO SLEEP, you could grease your car with her hair, smelled like hospital antiseptic, has black and blue marks on both arms and then bring her home with you?.......THE MAN! Because after all I've put him through the last few days, really the last few years, he still LOVES ME!!!! And I know he'll have that cold washcloth ready for my head the next time I get really sick...........who could ask for more!!!

Baby Shower Gifts and Things I Didn't Have

Lucy, Kristen, Claire, Rachel and Gale - Hostesses of Beth's friends baby shower

Janene, Nanny and Kim - Hostesses of the family baby shower

Little Elliotte isn't even here yet but she has had 2 parties so far to equip her with everything she'll need as a baby. She is fortunate to have a mom and dad with so many friends and family who want to show their love by the giving of gifts. There have been a wide range of gifts for Elliotte and her nursery. She is going to be the best dressed baby this side of the Mississippi!

Now, you usually expect to get some baby clothes, blankets, picture frames, books, etc. at these kind of showers. That's why you register at stores that carry baby stuff. This way if people don't know what to get for the baby, they can buy things on your registry and it takes stress out of finding a gift. Elliotte received some beautiful "keepsake" gifts at both showers. These are gifts that Elliotte will NEVER play with or even touch until she gets older and can appreciate the sentiment. Although, my mother reminds me of the time I took my sterling silver cup outside and proceeded to bang it on anything that would make noise, without her knowledge of course. I have my cup in my china cabinet now and it looks like someone took a hammer to it but you can still see my name engraved on it. At least I didn't leave it in the driveway and let the garbage man run over it like my sister did with her cup!! Here are a few of Elliotte's keepsake gifts.

handmade gown, handmade blanket & cap, monogrammed quilt

The pink handmade blanket and cap were made by Elliotte's great, great, great Aunt Sara. And believe me, at 86 she is a GREAT, funny lady!! I'm sure Elliotte will receive more beautiful "keepsake" gifts that she will someday put in her china cabinet or display in a shadowbox. Or leave outside for her daddy's truck to run over!

Now I want to talk about some new and different things for baby. 1. Pacifier Keeper, to keep the passie from getting lost or dirty until the next time. In my day it was hard enough to keep up with the pacifier, much less a pacifier keeper. If I can't find the pacifier, then I can't find the keeper it's in either! And forget about keeping it clean. As long as it hasn't been on the floor or in the dog's mouth for more than 5 seconds, wipe it off with your shirt and stick it in the baby's mouth. 2. Baby monitors with sound and a view of the baby. In my day, your ears and eyes were the monitor. If you wanted to make sure the baby was fine you just cracked the door a little and looked in. It also got you up off the couch or bed for some exercise to walk to the baby's room. If the baby saw you at the door and started crying, you called for the daddy. (who was usually sound asleep and heard NOTHING!) And what is with this 3. Wipe Warmer thing. Are we inventing stuff just to spend our money on? What's wrong with a wipe right out of the box? It may be a little on the cool side but they need to learn that's life! What's next, a baby bidet? 4. "Contour" pads for the changing table. I'll admit I have one on the changing table in my nursery. But my kids had a thin foam pad on their table which did the job. If I change Elliotte's diaper where I changed most of her mother's, it will be on the floor with the dog sniffing the diaper and her hiney. 5. Squirt baby food dispenser. You put the food in the squeeze handle of this spoon and squirt out a spoon full at the time. I don't really understand the concept here because the food ends up mostly on you or the baby instead of in the mouth. So what difference does it make if the food comes from a squirt dispenser or a regular spoon? 6. Jumperoo. This is a contraption that you put the baby in with all kinds things on it that makes sounds and lights up, plus they can jump around anywhere. We used to have jumpers that hooked on the top of the door frame. You put the baby in it and they jumped to their hearts content in one place. Unless you didn't screw it tight enough to the door frame, in which case, when the baby jumped, they landed on their behind and started crying (that's the sound that comes with the jumper!).

Well, I guess that's enough for this blog. Beth and Ben have a couple of more parties so I'm sure there will be more things to blog about! It's amazing how baby things have changed in 30 years. Some for the better, some I'm not so sure about. Until next time.........God bless!

Me, my girls and a dream suit

Last Sunday, Leslie and I drove to Destin to the condo for a few days of relaxation. Beth was already there having gone down with Drennon (her friend that's getting married very soon) for the Memorial holiday weekend. Drennon left on Sunday morning and we came in on Sunday night. The drive down was so great! I was able to talk and listen to my new daughter in law which was so wonderful. Needless to say, the trip seemed very short because we talked the entire way!! There is no doubt God's hand was in Clay and Leslie finding each other. She is so easy going, easy to talk to and never seems stressed about anything. Totally opposite of Clay! Leslie is a perfect fit for our family and it showed on this trip. It was so nice to be with "my girls." We sunned, ate, read, slept, sunned some more and ate some more. I would like to have some pictures to show you but Beth said, NO WAY! You see, we went without much makeup on or at times, any makeup on. I usually had just a little on because I would hate to scare someone into a heart attack! But when I was at the pool, I only wore sunscreen on my face. I did wear my BIG sunglasses and a large hat that mostly hid my face from view, which was a good thing for more reasons than one. Beth looked cute in her maternity bathing suit and Leslie looked great in her 2 piece. I did ask Leslie if she was really pregnant because I could see no signs of it in that 2 piece. If she wasn't my daughter in law, I think I would have to hate her! Too bad I couldn't find a bathing suit that would hide my entire body and still let me tan. I need to talk to the Spanx girl to see if it would be possible to make me a "sucker inner suit" that would give me a waist, hide my "thunder thighs", lift the lower and upper portion of my body, keep the arms from jiggling that I could still tan through. Hey, maybe I'll try to design one myself and make a billion dollars! I'm sure I would have a few takers. But I'm not sure they make industrial strength stretch fabric strong enough to hold all of me in. And would I be able to pull it up without help and still breathe? Of course, if it makes me look 50 lbs. lighter, I guess I could go without breathing for a while. Oh well, a girl can dream, can't she???
Anyway, the week was wonderful and I enjoyed being with Beth and Leslie. Girl time is something all us girls need every once in a while. Of course, Ben and Clay really missed their wives. Poor Clay (cry me a river!) was lost because he didn't have Leslie to make his lunches and fix his dinner. She even went to the grocery and bought him plenty of stuff to eat. The problem was he just didn't want to take the time to make his lunches or cook his dinner, even if it was in the microwave! I told Leslie she's already spoiled him too much. When Leslie talked with Clay one morning, he asked about the weather, which was a little overcast at the time. He wanted to know if we were coming home early because of the weather (can you say, "NO WAY JOSE!!"). It might take a few more trips to break him in. Beth has been on several trips without Ben since they married. He is a little more used to it now. But he doesn't like to be stuck with the 3 dogs for very long. After a few days (1 or 2) he's ready for Beth to come home and take care of them. If he thinks dogs are hard to care for, just wait until he has to keep Elliotte BY HIMSELF for the first time. Oh, I feel another blog coming from that experience! Before I forget, John did miss me too, but after almost 36 years of marriage he knows I need my time away to regain what little sanity I have left. I usually find my sanity when I'm on my girl trips, but by the time I get home, I've lost it again. Oh well, I guess that means I'll just have to take more trips with the girls. Do I have any takers??
God bless until next time.

Life Stages.....Do or Die!

We had a lovely party Saturday for Drennon Platt and Will McMurray who will be married in June. Drennon has been like part of our family for many years and we are thrilled she has found someone worthy of her. Will seems to be a wonderful, caring young man and we really like him. Drennon and Will seem a perfect match. They are in the blissful stage of love and are ready for the wedding to be over so they can get on with the rest of their lives. This is what I call Life Stage of Bliss and it can last for a year or more depending on the couple. Beth and Ben have passed that stage and Life Stage of Comfort. They are now in Life Stage of Expectant Parents, getting ready to have a baby and learning everything they can to help them in the process. Beth has read all the pregnancy books and being an RN gives her an advantage. And Ben has read "the book" for expectant fathers and being an EMT also has advantages. Beth is starting her 3rd trimester which, in my opinion, is the most exhausting until labor and delivery. Ben is being so thoughtful of Beth and making sure she's not doing anything she shouldn't and has everything she needs. He's read "the book" that tells him to be kind and loving to your pregnant wife or she could bite your head off in a second!! Hormones is the key word at the moment and it can make a pregnant woman do or say anything that is not normally in her nature. Ben has done well so far in handling Beth's mood swings, although I'm sure he has had moments where he would really like to say something he shouldn't! Most men do have those moments in dealing with HORMONES raging. They are coming into the next phase of this stage in which they will take the classes at the hospital to learn what to expect of the labor and delivery. Beth and Ben both could deliver a baby if they had to because of their training. But when it's YOU, all knowledge and rationality go out the window. I know for a fact Beth has told Ben if she asks for her mother during labor or delivery, that means he is to get me to the labor room pronto, no questions asked. Even though it could be awkward for Ben and myself to both be in the delivery room with Beth, if she asks for it, he better deliver!! :) Then again, Beth may make it just fine without me. Either way is fine with me. Ben will be given expert advice in the classes at the hospital so hopefully he will be prepared for what his wife could turn into during labor and delivery. Please God let the epidurial work, for Beth's sake as well as Ben's!!
Now back to the Life Stages...........Clay and Leslie are supposed to still be in the Life Stage of Bliss, but God decided it's time to leave that stage and pass the Life Stage of Comfort and go directly to Life Stage of Expectant Parents. Unfortunately for Clay (and Leslie), he has not read "the book" for expectant fathers yet because I just gave it to him yesterday. Now is the time for him to learn to SPEED READ if he wants to be alive when his child is born. I found out that Clay does not understand pregnancy hormones yet. In his normal kidding manner he made a comment to Leslie about her body the other day. This is the part of his DNA he gets from his Dad and Leslie is usually a very good sport about Clay's kidding. But when you're pregnant, the last thing you want to hear is a comment about your body that does not include the words beautiful, lovely or glowing in it. And to add insult to injury, Clay added the words "just kidding" to the end of his MISTAKE. I'm not exactly sure what Leslie said to him but I'm sure she got her message across. I told her if Clay says anything like that again, she should punch him in the face! That would get his attention. John has tried to explain a few things to Clay about how he should act and react while Leslie is pregnant. I'm not sure it's worked yet. So, I had a small talk with Clay when he came by the house today. I told him he better read the expectant father book I gave him sooner than later. And that he should be loving and kind to Leslie no matter what mood she's in. If Clay has not gotten the meaning of the words PREGNANCY HORMONES yet, he will and it could come in the form of a fist to the face, emotional crying or a night on the couch! I think Ben is going to "tutor" Clay in the fine art of keeping his mouth shut unless he has something to say with the words beautiful, lovely or glowing in it. Clay will learn, as well as Ben, that you don't mess with a pregnant woman. And for heaven sakes, don't ever tell her you feel her pain. Or you may actually experience it when she pulls your lip over your head or kicks you between the legs! I'm sure Kyle is standing back laughing his head off at what Clay and Ben are going through right now. But his day will come (hopefully) and Kyle will join the club of men who will have to read "the book" of what to expect when you are expecting. And Ben and Clay will be able to give first hand advice to Kyle.
Until next time, enjoy God's beautiful world and give Him praise.

Render Me Speechless!

This is a beautiful picture of mother-t0-be Beth and mother-to-be Leslie..........ok, you can close your mouth now! Yes, you read that correctly. Clay and Leslie are expecting our 2nd grandchild December 8!! I was given the go ahead tonight that I could announce the happy, surprising news. So here's the story of how we found out.
About 3 weeks ago, Clay was mowing our grass and came inside as usual to see what there was to eat. Clay said he and Leslie were going to come by that night. The first thing I asked was, "For what?" I usually ask him when he and Leslie are coming over for a visit and I get, "Come all the way over there? For what?" So this time I turned the tables on him. He said Leslie missed seeing us and wanted to stop by to catch up on things. I told him that would be wonderful and I'd have ice cream and chocolate sauce for them. Around 7 that night they came in, took their usual place on the couch and we started visiting. After a few minutes Clay got up and left the room, coming back with something in his hands. He hands it to me and I look at a nice picture frame with 3 picture openings. At first I see an ultrasound picture and I'm thinking they gave us the frame to put Elliotte's latest picture in. I say, "Isn't this nice!" Then I look at the 2nd opening, without my glasses on, and I see what I think is the word "Surprise." I put on my glasses to make sure I'm reading it correctly. It says, "Surprise, grandbaby #2 due to arrive December 8." I look back at the ultrasound picture and see the name Leslie Robinson. My mouth drops open. In the meantime, John has read what the frame says and is congratulating Clay and Leslie and everyone is hugging except for me. I'm still sitting in my chair with my mouth wide open unable to speak. I have been rendered speechless........a rarity! I finally gather my thoughts and ask Clay if he's joking about this. He smiles and says "No, it's as much as a surprise to us as it is to you." Now there is some background here that I won't go into because it's their business. But it really wasn't supposed to happen for a while. So when it finally hits me what's going on I'm hugging, laughing and congratulating. Leslie says she's feeling good so far and is excited once the shock wore off. I think Clay is still in shock especially when he thinks about how much this little being is going to cost him!! This was one thing that wasn't in his plans for now. God has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. When they got ready to leave that night, I asked Clay if he thought he was mature enough to be a dad. His answer was, "No, that's why I married Leslie. She's the responsible one." No truer words were spoken.
John and I are thrilled that we will be the grandparents of 2 little ones, 3 1/2 months apart!! Oh, I forgot to tell you that Clay and Leslie were scared to death to tell Beth and Ben. Since Beth and Ben had trouble getting pregnant, Clay and Leslie didn't want B&B thinking they were trying to steal the attention away from them. But, Beth and Ben are as thrilled as we are and are excited both babies will be so close in age. Kyle was the first one Clay told (isn't that surprising) so I was afraid he might feel a little down about all this baby business. But he is excited for Clay and Leslie. Kyle told me that it looks like he's a little behind now. To which I replied, "There is no hurry to catch up!!" So, if you see me out and I look like I'm off in space somewhere, I'm having "deja vu." I will be keeping 2 babies while their mommies are working. I'm having flashbacks where I'm seeing myself doing this sort of thing before. Some of the memories are a little cloudy but I clearly see 2 babies. Oh wait, now I see a toddler in the picture as well. Yes, I believe I'm starting to remember...........a 14 month old and 2 babies. Did I really live through that?? Why I can take care of 2 little grandchildren with one hand tied behind my back! Oh wait, I'm not 25 anymore...........Oh My Goodness!!! GOD IS GOOD! God bless you all.

Proms............Mom and All

I was watching Midday (Ch. 4) at noon when a lady from Opryland Hotel came on to tell about their weekend special coming up Mother's Day. They are having a "Mom Prom" for mothers and sons. Now this is mainly for families with children up to 12 years old. Can you see Kyle or Clay taking me to a "Mom Prom" at age 11 or 12? I could see John making them do it for my sake but being so embarrassed they would NEVER get out on the dance floor with me, much less acknowledge they were mine! Besides, would I want to put myself through trying to fit into a "prom" dress? I think not. Today's dresses show way too much skin. And I had/have A LOT more skin then/now than I did in high school which is NOT (to borrow from Martha Stewart) a "good thing." I didn't want to show my skin in high school and I certainly wouldn't do it now, accept for the fact it would totally embarrass my kids which sometimes is worth the risk! Can you see me in a backless, strapless, sequined number? I would have back fat, front fat, arm fat, belly fat spilling out all over the place. Instead of people saying, "doesn't she look sweet", they would be saying, "those poor boys, they should get their mom a full body Spanx for Mother's Day!" Opryland Hotel will also be adding to the experience by having corsages for you to buy for the mother and boutonnieres for the sons. Yeah, all I need is a wrist corsage to bring more attention to the arm fat! And forget about the dance floor............no way Jose!! I would not have gotten on the dance floor to "shake what the good Lord gave me" because it would take a minute or two for it to stop shaking after I stopped dancing. I can see now how it might have traumatized my boys. So much so, they might not have attended their prom, excuse me, their banquet because of the memories they might have. I couldn't put them through that. :-)


I do have to say though, that my prom experiences were great! Of course that was years and years ago. I was fortunate to attend 3 proms...................all with John. The first one was his senior year at Donelson. I was a sophomore at Two Rivers, the rival high school, and we had been dating a few months. I was so excited to be going to the prom as a sophomore dating a senior. I thought I had finally arrived, so I had to look fabulous! Never mind the fact that I had braces, was a sophomore from Two Rivers and John's friends didn't really like me in the first place. You see, John broke up with another girl (a SENIOR at Donelson) to date me. Yeah, his friends thought he was crazy, but I had his senior ring................in your face J. H.!! (Was that too harsh?) Anyway, my mother made my dress, which was very beautiful. It was a pale pink dress with an overlay of white eyelet, high neckline and short eyelet sleeves. My hair was long which I rolled on big rollers (think juice can size) and sat under the "helmet" dryer (mine was blue) to set what little curl I would get. Then I rolled my side curls with pink foam rollers. After it was combed out, I set my hair, especially my side curls, with enough "AquaNet" to take down multiple ozone layers! The more, the better. My side curls didn't move all night. I was sooo proud! I held my hair back with a pale pink ribbon. My prom dress was complimented by white wrist length gloves (very proper) and the daisy bouquet with pink ribbons that John gave me. Bouquets were the "IN" thing in the 70's for prom. Although you had to find a place to lay them down when you danced. John wore a black double-breasted tux, white shirt with black trimmed ruffles and black bowtie. I gave him a boutonniere of a white carnation tipped in black to match his tux shirt. Very cute!! The theme of the 1970 Donelson Prom was "Springtime in the South" which my dress was perfect for. The evening was fun and unforgetable. I remember when we got our pictures back. I thought my arms looked fat and the dress made my hips look big and I had the "metal mouth" look. Today, looking at that picture, I can't believe I was ever that young, that skinny, my hair was that shiny or my face that smooth. But I do remember feeling like Scarlett O'Hara coming straight from Tara, minus the curtain tassles! I'll never forget my first prom experience with my future husband. (Take that, all John's friends who said it would "never last!")



Well, fiddle tee dee, good people. I must go do laundry now. Or just maybe......................I'll think about that tomorrow. God bless!

Fondest Childhood Memory.............will I be one?

I was in Katy's Hallmark yesterday and saw a journal for grandparents to write to their grandchildren. It had questions about how you were brought up, your favorite things, just your life in general. Since we have little Elliotte on the way (and hopefully more in the future) it got me to thinking about how I would answer some of the questions. There was one question that really struck me. "What is your fondest memory of your childhood?" That got my mind racing. Now, I can't remember where I put my water bottle, but I do remember my childhood....................isn't that called Alzeheimer's??? I have lots of good memories of my childhood but one in particular stands out. There is one person that is always in my memories of growing up, my grandmother, Mema. I had 2 wonderful grandmothers. But I spent more time with Mema because we lived down the street from her for the first 9 years of my life. I think of Mema almost every day. I have the spoon she used to mix cookies, cakes, mashed potatoes and all things GOOD to eat. I use it when I'm cooking and every time it's in my hand I remember her. Her beautiful silver hair, the aprons she ALWAYS wore, the hankerchief she always had in the pocket of her apron because of her allergies, rolling out the dough for her biscuits and using a juice can to cut them with, helping her shape the butter cookie dough into cresent moons we called "Santa Claus Eyebrow" cookies, the old iron skillet she fried the best fried chicken in the world in. My days spent in the little rock house on Overhill Dr. in Donelson were some of the best days of my childhood. Sunday lunch after church was always the best. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes (and gravy), corn, green beans, okra, homegrown tomatoes in the summer, and of course, BISCUITS!! For dessert, cookies, pies, and my very favorite, prune cake. Now I know you're thinking, prunes yuck, but this little lady could take prunes and make the most moist, sweet, delicious cake that melted in your mouth. And at Christmas, it was a bonanza of cookies, every kind you could think of. Before we would take a bite of anything she would say, "I'm not sure any of this is fit to eat." And as usual it would be the best ever. But Mema wasn't only good at cooking, she also played the piano. Kim and I would sit on either side of her while she played and sang songs from the Depression Era. I even remember some of the titles, "How You Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm After They've Seen Parie'" and "Jadda Jadda Jing Jang Jing" (sp?) I learned my love for singing at Mema's knee. Kim and I would BEG her to play the piano "just a little longer." And she usually would. She taught us to play Old Maid, checkers and a card game called "Touring." That was always my favorite game to play. She would get tired of playing Touring, but "just one more time" would always make me happy. And her green thumb was the best on the street. Mema could grow anything! She always had the most beautiful geraniums and petunias I've ever seen, even today. And along the back of her house she had my favorite, lilies of the valley. They smelled so pretty everytime you walked by. I have lilies of the valley growing along the back of my house. Mine will NEVER be as beautiful as hers were, but everytime I look out my window in the spring and see them blooming, Mema is right there. There was a swing that moved several different places in her yard but ended up on the side porch and Kim and I would fight over who got to sit with Mema in the swing. I remember spending copious amounts of time in that swing, thinking of all sorts of things and trying to solve my problems of the day. It was the most relaxing place on earth where nothing bad could ever happen. As I write this today, I'm thinking that heaven must be a little like Mema's house, warm, inviting, loving, where only good things happen with all the people you love most. Will my grandchildren feel same about me as I do about Mema? Will they love to come to visit our house like I did Mema's? Things are totally different these days than back in the "days of innocence." But I hope we can have a warm, inviting place that our grandchildren will feel loved and want to visit OFTEN. I am definitely not the cook Mema was and never will be and I can't play piano, except for a few easy pieces, but I can sit on the floor (not sure about the getting up part!) and play whatever their little imaginations can come up with. I can read to them, swing with them, bake cookies with them and most of all LOVE them. I hope someday when my grandchildren are asked the question, "What was your fondest memory of your childhood? that being with me will be one of the things they remember most. I thank God every day for my family and for giving me a grandmother like Mema. I will now add to my prayers for God to help me be the kind of influence in my grandchildren's lives that Mema was in mine.

What is your fondest memory of your childhood? Think about it and thank The Father above for allowing you to experience it. Until next time, think of the blessings in your life. Love to all!

A First, An Old Friend?, "Looney Tunes" and A Blessed Event

My Bible reading yesterday inspired my blog today. "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." Psalm 139:13-14

It's easy to remember the day Beth was born for she was our first. John and I had been at my parents the night before having dinner. I wasn't feeling well because I had been to the doctor that day (Oct. 23) and he was putting me in the next day (Oct. 24) to be induced. I was having major back labor and feeling awful. But Mom made my favorite dinner of steak, baked potato and salad so I could have a good meal before the "big day." Unfortunately, I didn't feel like eating so as soon as John finished his steak we left. I got in the bed as soon as we got home because I just felt really bad and I needed to get some sleep before the next day. I started having some pains but wasn't sure it was "labor" pains. Now, we took all the classes and had all the info on having a baby. But, until you actually are in labor for the first time and someone verifies that fact, you're not sure. Ladies, you all know what I mean. You can be the most prepared for the blessed event but until you actually experience it firsthand, you are clueless!! As the pains got closer, I told John to get ready. I called my doctor and was told to head to the hospital, it was 10:15 p.m. My pains were about 5 minutes apart. We got to the hospital and I was put in the wheelchair and taken to Labor and Delivery. Once there, I was put in a room, given the LOVELY gown to put on and got in the bed. John had to wait in the waiting room until I was prepped. During all of this I was having pains fairly regularly. A nurse came in to get some info from me. I answered all her questions then she asked me one more.........."You don't remember me, do you?" Now, I'm in pain like I've never felt before and this nurse is expecting me to remember her from somewhere!!!! She did look familiar but I couldn't place her. She said, "You were in the popular group so you probably don't remember me." All I could think of was grabbing her and saying "Get me some pain medicine NOW!!!" But she continued on, "I was in your senior English class." "O.K., yes, your name is Gerry", I said. She responded, "You don't remember my last name?" Finally I'd had enough and said, "No, I'm sorry I don't because I'm in labor and it hurts!" She got the point after telling me her last name, and said she was finished with her shift and the night staff would be in to get me prepped for delivery. Thank you, Gerry. Now what happened next was not pleasant. I must have pissed off Gerry because the night nurse didn't come in. I kept waiting and waiting not knowing what to do since this was my first experience at this. I put the pillow over my mouth every time a pain would hit. Being a nice person I didn't want to disturb anyone else. After an eternity, my doctor came in to check on me. The next thing I knew, he was yelling for the nurse and letting her have it for not having me prepped. Gerry didn't tell this nurse I was actually there. She mentioned my name but the night nurse assumed Gerry was referring to the board showing I was to be induced in the morning. No one on the night staff knew I was in a room in labor!!! The nurse asked why I didn't call someone and I told her this was my first baby and I didn't know what in the heck was going on. The one great thing that came out of this was I was too far along to have the dreaded ENEMA!! I had heard horror stories about having them. Next came the epidural. I was dreading that long needle with everything in me but by the time the guy came in to give it to me, I was begging for relief! Once it took effect, I was feeling just fine. Off to the delivery room, I finally saw John for the first time. He was sitting at my head as the doctor was telling me to push. Next thing I knew, a baby was crying. I was so excited when he said, "It's a girl!" 7 lbs. 6 oz.; 19 1/2 inches long; born at 1:32 a.m. I looked at John but he wasn't sitting at my head any longer. I asked the nurse where he was. She said when the doctor said it was a girl, he got up and left the room looking a little green! We were all thrilled and the first thing I said to my mother was "We can buy dolls now!", which was a joke because Beth NEVER liked dolls! The next 2 days were a blur. Evidently I was having a reaction to something they were giving me. I was telling guests that I knew the girl in the bed next to me because we skated on my grandfather's pond together. I didn't know her from Adam!! Then someone asked me if my stitches hurt and I told them "You mean where I stuck the fork in my foot?" Everytime I looked at John after I said something, he was cracking up laughing. I knew something wasn't right. The nurse wouldn't leave me alone with Beth because she was afraid I would drop her on the floor. Everyone got a big laugh at my expense. It was finally determined that the pain meds were making me "looney tunes." I wouldn't let John leave me because I didn't know what I would say to the next person that walked in. On the third day, everything was back to normal. Yes, we got to stay in the hospital 3-4 days after having a baby. It was a luxury! Now to our precious Beth........ you always think your own baby is beautiful. BUT, Beth had to be pulled out with forceps and she had scratched her face with her long fingernails. My mother put it best. "She looks like one of the Coneheads from Sat. Night Live!" Her head was shaped like a cone, really, it was. She was scratched all over her face, so she wasn't the most beautiful baby you've ever seen. We've told her this, she has seen the pictures and understands. But she was ours, she was healthy and we loved her at first sight. We were thrilled and blessed. Even though John wanted a boy, she has ALWAYS had her dad wrapped around her finger since she was tiny. I look at Beth today and am overjoyed for the experience she and Ben will have with this first baby. I can repeat everything about my knowledge of childbirth to them, but until you experience it firsthand, you won't understand what a miracle it is. It is a blessing from God. He knows the path little Elliotte will take because He has "knit her together in her mother's womb." I for one, can't wait to see this beautiful creature God has created. And yes, she will be beautiful to me, no matter what she comes out looking like!

Until next time, look for your blessings and give praise to the Father. Love to all.


Beth, 2 days old. We both look like we've been through it!




Beth, 4 weeks old and beautiful!

Cows...........and the name MooMoo.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter. We went to my sister's for lunch after church. Everyone had a great time and the food was delicious! It's always good when the family can get together and everyone LOVES to eat (even my nephews who ate about 3 lbs. of bar-be-que together!). After the Easter festivities were over, John and I went to our farm in Hickman Co. Now, I'll admit I haven't been there in 3 or more years. There is a farm house on the property but it's not one of my favorite places to spend time........it SMELLS! It's usually used for the guys that like to hunt and fish so it's always had this musty, outdoorsy smell in the house. We've had the carpet replaced and other things fixed but it still smells yucky to me. I know that probably sounds like I'm being snobby and uppity about not wanting to stay there, which I guess I am! I can usually roll with the punches in life but this is one smelly punch I don't have to roll with. If I could tear down the house and start from scratch, that would be perfect. I have a million ideas of the kind of farm house I would build and it could be sooooo cute. But then it wouldn't be so outdoorsy and farmsy which is what John and the guys like. Anyway, I decided to make the trip out there because we have new occupants at the farm............COWS! I love cows and yes, I know they smell but they're outside so it's not so bad, (unless the wind is blowing in the direction of the BIG piles of stuff on the ground). Most of the cows are black with one brown cow.

There are 2 adorable babies and one VERY LARGE BULL! And I mean large in every way!! John started calling the cows to the barn for feeding time......"ouuu cows, ouuu cows." A couple of them started moving from the field towards the barn. I decided since the rest of them were not moving I'd try my hand at calling them. "Come on cows, time to eat," they looked up to see the strange voice calling them. And you know what, they all started running to the barn. I've decided if I need a job in the near future, I can be a "cow caller" when it's time for them to eat! While they were chowing down, I made some pictures. I used my sweet cow calling voice and asked them to look at my camera. Here's the results.......

See how photogenic these cows are!! Even one of the babies looked at me.........sort of. Well, I had a great time with the cows and look forward to more great times with them. Some of the mothers are ready to "drop calves" anytime now. More babies, how fun!

Now I want to talk about the grandmother names that have been submitted to me. First, I have to give Betty Townsend a "big shout out" for sending the name that gave me the biggest laugh. Leave it to her to come up with the name MooMoo, because of the dairy. In reality, it fits the best because I love cows and my back end could be mistaken for one! My loving little brother sent in "Granny, because you're old." I will get him back some day for that one. Leslie Simmons sent in the name "Naunee" which is a really pretty name. My sister in law, Janene, sent in "Momma T or GrandTerrie." Both of which are good. Beth is still pushing TeTe but Clay brought up a good point about that name. He said he would not be calling his grandmother TeTe at the age of 29. It's too embarassing........I agree! I had several other good names submitted, MeHe, MeMaw, ReRe and Nonnie. I thank everyone for their contribution to my grandmother name search!! Right now, I am thinking I would like to be called "Nonna" which is Italian for grandmother. I'm not Italian, but I don't think they would mind if I borrowed from their language. Of course, sweet Elliotte Lynn may decide to call me something completely different. And what ever she wants to call me, will be just fine with me, (unless it's TeTe in which case I will stear her in another direction). It's getting closer and I'm getting more excited! Again, thank you all for your response and until next time, have a blessed week!

A Girl............and an MSN Ed

I'm trying very hard to contain my excitement. Beth told me I couldn't blog until after she put her blog on. So now it's safe for me to tell everyone the news, which most of you already know. We are having a granddaughter!!! I tried to be very neutral about what I would like the baby to be. Of course, God knew exactly what the baby was and it didn't matter what I wanted. But secretly, I was hoping for a girl. It's so much more fun shopping for a girl. There are so many more clothes choices than for boys. Of course you have to look hard to find "appropriate" clothes even for a little girl now. Beth and I made a trip to Babies R Us yesterday to do a little scouting and purchasing. I mean, is there any other way to celebrate finding out what the baby is?? I have to admit I was a little shocked at some of the clothes choices for baby girls. I'm used to the precious smocked dresses, Feltman Bros. dresses and bubbles and sweet pastel oneies. It's going to take A LOT of self control to keep my opinions to myself. I just know that every once in a while an opinion is going to slip out, by mistake of course! This just means I'll have to dust off the sewing machine and try to remember how to make those tiny little clothes. I may have to get magnifying glasses for my magnifying glasses to see the tiny stitches that need to be handsewn. A friend of mine says it will all come back to me when I start sewing. Yeah right, like my mind remembers all that's involved with children's sewing. In a way that's good, because if I really did remember what all is involved in making those baby clothes, I would be at "Helen's" purchasing some beautifully made dress. Is"Helen's"even still in Green Hills?? Or I would call my cousin, LeEllen, and ask her to whip up a few little "handmade" dresses, which she could do with one hand behind her back. She is "one of those" people that can do anything and you really want to hate her but you can't because she is so sweet! I also have another disadvantage when it comes to children's sewing. I lost all my patterns when our house burned 17 years ago. I had traced them from the Watkins sewing classes my sister and I took when my kids were tiny. I used to make matching outfits for Beth and the boys. I have pictures to prove it!! They were so cute! Beth looks at the pictures and smiles. The boys look at the pictures and say "Why would you dress us in such dorky clothes?" And John would say "Why would you make the boys wear clothes that have lace on it? It looks so girly." To which I would respond "If I take the time and energy to make something for them to wear, IT WILL BE WORN! And besides they really did look so cute! See for yourself................... First attempt at smocking.

I used to love to applique.

Sailor suits. Got a little big with the ties!

Another smocked dress.
And back then, rainbows were cute. And

didn't mean what they mean today!

Now on to the other news......................Beth has finished all her coursework and projects for her Masters and received her final grade of an A. John and I had no doubt about her grades. She has his brains, thank the Lord. Sorry boys, you got mine. Anyway, she has received her Masters of Science in Nursing Education (MSN Ed). Hopefully she will get a teaching position at Belmont after the first of the year and still continue to work part time at Baptist Hospital.

Until next time, "rock on." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but we all said it back in the 70's because it was so groovy to say!! God bless!