a trip to Bimidji

Last week, while a volcano erupted in Iceland and an earthquake rattled China, I took a trip to a peaceful place, far way, in Minnesota ---spent time with, and helped out our oldest son's sweet family, and met the newest addition, little Saige (2 weeks old).

The weather was perfect as we visited Bemidji State Park. What a pioneer woman Courtney is, going for a hike two weeks after giving birth.

          It was fun to see Colby interact with little sister --

and to see him give sweet kisses, along with a few pokes in the face, and stealing her tiny pink binkie.

       to see Colby enjoying time with Dad (on the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji).

                             or taking care of their little princess

                         or just doing guy things -- like 4-wheelin'

       Colby enjoys spending time with Mom too--

      But most of the time Mom is busy with baby sister.

 So Colby got to spend lots of time playing with Grammy, going for wagon rides, and collecting rocks to throw out of the wagon--

It was so nice for this Grammy to see this face first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

and to give sweet Saige lots and lots of cuddles and kisses --

(P.S. -- Saige with the quilt I made her)

That was my wonderful week. 

celebration of 36 years together!

From this (taken on one of our first dates) ....

and, in the blink of an eye, to this!

As I reflect on 36 years of marriage (as of April 9), I feel thankful for being with someone who

• has always put God and family first
• has worked hard to provide a good living so I could be a "stay-at-home" mom
• is a man of honor and integrity
• has always been willing to pick up a broom or vacuum cleaner, wash dishes, bathe little ones, and finally , with baby #8, been willing to change a poopy diaper
•  can fix just about anything, including my sewing machine (extra brownie points!)
•  loves silly me!

Bunnies in Bemidji!

While our little Texas bunnies were hopping around in the backyard last weekend, my thoughts were also on the grandchildren who are far away, but close to my heart.

I stole these precious photos of dear little Colby and his sweet newborn sister Saige from Courtney's blog.

Bunnies in my yard!

The day before Easter was warm and sunny -- perfect for our annual Easter egg hunt.

The wait is quickly over!

She's here! ! Mark called me early yesterday morning to say they were at the hospital, in labor.  Saige Elizabeth was born at noon, weighing in at 9lbs.11oz., on March 30. What a way to end the month. We're all so happy and excited to meet our newest little grandchild. And isn't she a cutie? Courtney pointed out to me the coincidence that our 10th grandchild is born in 2010. 

just waiting...

There's always something to look forward to.  We're all waiting for grandchild #10 to be born, just any day now.  We thought maybe she would make her debut this Saturday, on Grandpa's 64th birthday.  Here's Grandpa celebrating with the grandchildren  who live 15 minutes away. They're excited to have the newest arrival join the girls' team, which will outnumber the boys (6 to 4).

Grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins, in Texas, Colorado, and Utah are anxiously waiting to welcome little Saige, who will be Mark and Courtney's first girl (2nd child). Her quilt is almost done. I'm finishing sewing on the binding. Can hardly wait to give it to her in person when I fly to Minnesota in two weeks.

Aiden's quilt

Aiden(age 5)  wants me to make him a quilt. He's been wanting me to make him one for a long time. Somehow, I never made him a baby guilt. When he was born, I was busy making a twin sized quilt for his older brother. I thought he'd never notice or even care that he didn't get a quilt. (Boys aren't supposed to notice stuff like that.)
 But when he saw me working on a quilt for one of his cousins, he got real excited and asked, "Are you making that for me?" I promised him I'd make one especially for him.  Everytime I see him, he reminds me about his "blanket".
So when Aiden was here the other weekend, I told him, we'd get online so he could pick out his fabrics. As the weekend progressed, I totally forgot. As his family was packing up to go home again, Aiden said, "Remember Grammy, we've got to pick out the quilt material". I told his mom and dad they couldn't leave yet.  We ran to the computer and here's the material Aiden picked out for his quilt: