Giggles & Grins

Today Tony, Amy and Natalie came up to visit. Natalie started to laugh a couple of weeks ago, but so far we hadn't had the joy of hearing her. Today I managed to catch her on camera.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Isn't it great that we have a day to celebrate love?  Whether its friendship or romantic, its good to have time to think about those who are important in our lives.  Friendship is an important aspect of romantic love, and the basis to relationships.  When I think of my favorite Valentines this year, my first thoughts are of Warren and our family.  This week on Facebook it was put out there to post a picture of you and your sweetheart on your profile, and tell how long you had been together.  Warren and I met when I was in high school, he had graduated the spring before. We developed a friendship, and started dating a few months later.  That was back in the dark ages of 1979.  We've been a couple for 30 years, and married for 27.  I can't imagine my life without him.

 

This past June, Craig and Lindsay celebrated their love at their wedding.  My favorite photo from the wedding, and the one that is sitting here next to my computer, is of them walking down the isle, hand in hand, after their ceremony.  You can see their happiness and joy from a mile away!  Happy 1st Valentine's Day as a married couple, Craig & Lindsay!

In July of 2007 Tony & Amy were married and ready to begin Happily Ever After.  It doesn't seem like they can have been married for 2 1/2 years already.  Time has flown by.

The newest love in our lives is the addition to Tony & Amy's family, Natalie.  Here is a picture of their family when she was only a couple weeks old.

 

Ain't Love Grand!

My mom & dad have been on my mind a lot recently.  They are both gone now, but I will always remember how much they loved each other.  They had many hard times in their life, but we always knew they loved each other. 

A few memories of them: 

Dad always gave Mom a kiss before he left for the bus run.

They always went out for supper on their anniversary.  They didn't go on dates very often, but that was a tradition they didn't break.  

A Valentine tradition they looked forward to was the Valentine Banquet at their church each year.  I'm sure it reminded them of their days dating at Grace.  

Dad gave Mom a corsage on Mother's Day that she wore to church, keeping it in the fridge for the week, and she would wear it again the following week.  

Dad's eyes would light up, and he would have a huge grin on his face, as he told stories about their days at Grace (college).  Mom would sit quietly and smile.  Precious memories for them, I'm sure.

Miss you guys!  Thank you for the loving example of marriage and commitment.   Love & hugs.

To all you sweethearts out there, Happy Valentine's Day!  Be sure to tell those you care about that they are special to you. 

12 weeks old

Natalie is 12 weeks old today.  Its hard to believe she is that old already, but on the other hand, we can't imagine our family without her.  Last Friday, Feb. 5, Amy & Natalie came up to visit.  Natalie had been up earlier than usual that morning, so was ready for a nap before long.  They found out early on if they swaddle her tightly, she sleeps really well, even at night.  If she isn't bundled up, she is restless and takes very short naps.

It was great to have them visit for the day.  We love spending time with them.  We are blessed to have them live near enough to watch Natalie grow up.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the day.  She loves mobiles, and is just starting to reach for things. 

Amy called last week and said that Natalie had laughed for the first time.  Amy was playing with their dog, Buddy, and Natalie laughed at him.  She did one other time last week while in her swing, watching her fish mobile.  We weren't able to hear her laugh on Friday, but it won't be long.  Here Amy is giving her zerberts on her cheek.  She's not too sure about them yet, but did give us a huge smile.  She is a happy little girl - lots of smiles for everyone.  However, she is also learning to make her wants and needs known.  She is now able to communicate her unhappiness not only when she is tired, hungry, or needs a new diaper, but when she has had enough of being held and wants to lay down to kick and play, or when she is bored with that and ready to cuddle.

I couldn't resist a couple of pictures when she was in her car seat and ready to go home.  She was so cute in her little beanie.

 

 

Cabinets are in!

Monday, Feb. 1, cabinet installation began.  Warren and Stan Lentzner, who built the cabinets, got the upper cabinets on the north and east walls done the first day. 

 

Tuesday they started on the south wall.  The base cabinets are all file drawers except the one on the end, which is for waste baskets.

 

  

Wednesday they built the desk area.  There are two drawer units, one on each end of a U shape.  The rest of the desk area will be open underneath, and we will have a counter top over it.    Here they are building the frame work for the counter.

 

  

the Formica counter top sample.  We ordered it today, and it should be here in about 4 weeks.  

We still have a lot to do, handles to put on the drawers, baseboard, window trim and crown molding.  We still need to paint the closet and room doors. Year end book work time isn't the best time to be doing this, but I'm working on books from time to time in the basement while work is going on upstairs.  It'll get done!