Changes & Doors!

Life is about changes. I'm finally beginning to accept that!

This last few weeks I've had some pretty big changes take place in my work-life. Scary stuff.

However, I have this crazy peace about it all. I absolutely know that God is good and faithful. I know that He will provide everything that I need -- it may not be everything that I WANT [darn it! ;o) ].

Not sure what door (change) God is leading me to but I do know that He is leading me and I'm ready to go!

Look back and thank God.

Look forward and trust God.

Look around and serve God.

Look within and find God!

God closes doors no man can open and

God opens doors no man can close.

Wedding Anniversary

Ricky called me a few weeks ago and asked if I could help him pull off a surprise for Evie on their anniversary.

His plan was to surprise her with dinner at Newport Beach. His idea was that he and Ev would be walking down the beach and there in a distance would be a table set with candles waiting for them.

My task was setting up the table, candles, food, etc. I enlisted the help of Lo. We had a great time planning and pulling off the surprise.

We headed down to Newport right after school on Friday -- car loaded with table, chairs, linens, dinnerware, goblets, candles, etc. I had planned on cooking dinner and taking with but I ran out of time. I figured since the Old Spaghetti Factory is two block from the beach that would be the solution.

Evie was surprised, Ricky was happy that Evie was surprised. Lauren got to see how nice it is to do something very simple and make someone VERY happy.

After Lo served dinner, we scooted down the boardwalk and went to Charlie's Chili for a Caesar Salad. When we returned to clear the table, the kids said they had all kinds of people stop by and wish them well.

Lo, dinner server extraordinaire.

Sunset -- so pretty.

I really, really need that new camera!

Happy Anniversary!

Grandparents Day

Cassidy had Grandparents Day at her school last Friday!

Sarah called me while I was on my way to school to warn me that Cassidy was in a mood. We arrived at the school at the same time -- I got a big 'ol. . . BAMMMMMMMMIEEEEEEEE and a hug and a kiss. I'm not sure what Sarah was talking about -- a mood, huh?!?!? not my sweet Cassidy!

Sarah sat with me for about 15 minutes until it was time for the Grandparents to go into the room. It was so nice to chat with her without kids or telephones. Those few minutes were awesome. My daughter is a pretty incredible young woman.

Once inside the classroom, we sang songs, read books, played games and did two craft projects.

I must say that Cassidy definitely likes to talk and she is not shy! She was so sweet -- always making sure Bammie was included in everything. I got to sing the Shaky Egg, do the Dinosaur March and I even got a pumpkin sticker. I think Cass wanted to be sure that I got the full Pre School experience.

After our craft project, the kids had a snack. Miss Robyn thought that it would be a good time for the Grandparents to head towards the door. I kind of thought Cass would be a little whiny when it was time for me to go. UH, big negative. When I told her it was time for me to leave -- she said, "Thanks for coming Bammie, I'll see you later". She gave me a kiss and sent me on my merry way. I love that girl.

So proud of her craft project.

Cassidy's picture frame.

Cassidy & Ella

Lazy Days of Summer

Here are some photos of our last BBQ at Rick & Ev's -- kind of more of the same type of photos I've posted before. But. . . I just can't get enough of my kids and grandkids.

Kevin & Gav

Sweet Braydon!

Kevin & the Girls!

Sarah & her main squeeze.

Braydon & Cassidy

A few photos of Braydon & Cassidy at Lo's soccer game. 

At half time (or whatever they call it in Soccer). 

 Ricky took the kids onto the field. 

Braydon & Cass having so much fun (and hopefully getting tired!)

Ricky was having as much fun as the kids!

 

Cassidy wants to be like Lolo!

Sunday Funday!

What a great Sunday we had! (This was supposed to be posted on 9/22 -- oops!)

We had been planning a family BBQ at Rick & Ev's for the last couple of weeks - the guest of honor was my brother, Kevin.   Kevin has not seen the kids for some time as his life was a little crazy.   He's working hard to get things going in the right direction and wanted to see the kids. 

As with most things in our family that are planned, everything got switched up at the last minute.  Unfortunately, Zach was sick and Sarah had to work.   

We missed them but had a GREAT time!  Zach met me half way with Cassidy and then we headed over to pick up Kevin.  Cassidy met Kevin about a month ago and is absolutely in L.O.V.E. with him.    All she talks about his her Uncle Evan (Kevin).

We spent the afternoon swimming, catching up, playing turbo scrabble and eating!  Ricky is a master BBQ'er!  He can whip up an awesome meal.   Tri Tip, Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Jalapeno poppers, Mushrooms/Onions --  Yummy.   

Braydon.  So handsome!   

I think he's come up with a new name for me. 

Mimi!  So, I am now called Grammie, Bammie and Mimi.  

I am blessed!

Kevin throwing Cassidy to the clouds

Ricky & Lo

"Bammie, NO MORE PICTURES!"

Kevin & Lo.   Lo had only met Kevin one other time. 

By the end of the afternoon, it was like she had known him her whole life. 

So sweet! 

The sequence below of Braydon & Cassidy cracks me up.  I couldn't for the life of me 

get them to both look at the camera at the same time.   

OK. . . I know I'm the Grammie, Bammie, Mimi. . . which does make me a tad partial. 

But my grandbabies are so darn cute, I can hardly stand it!

Pool Fun!

Impromptu BBQ at Ricky & Ev's over Labor Day weekend (I know I'm late -- better late than never, right?).  No photos of Zach - he was in Pennsylvania at his last race. 

Life is grand when you've got all of your treasures in one spot! 

Ricky

That smile . . . it melts my heart!

I love Braydon's face in this photo (click to enlarge). 

 

Could he be any cuter?  This is one of my favorite photos.

Lookin' at his hands underwater.  Too cute!

How cute is Ev?  

Sarah and Gavin. 

 

My girl, Lo.  Saying, "Grammie, enough with the camera, OK?"

Kissin' cousins.

Ricky & Ev

Be blessed, my friends!