Finally

Finally, the joy has set in. Finally, I can look at my baby girl and not worry about her recovery. Finally, I can hold my grandson with great love and joy because my dear, sweet daughter has returned to good health. She is an amazing mother to her precious newborn. I am doubly blessed!

Most favorite time of the year1

I love the holidays! Sure they can be a little stressful if you let them, but i have developed a mindfulness and awareness of TODAY. Sure, I'll plan things on my off days and there may be some anxiety/frustration as I try to figure out what to get these grown-up boys of mine. But, I'm not sweating it. I am immeasurably grateful of the gift of TODAY. I have an amazing God who loves me right here, right now, TODAY; in spite of all my flaws, I don't have to do anything to receive his love. Just accept it, Grace through Faith. Period. Truly amazing!

I'd like to read Pope Francis's most recent publication, "Evangelii Gaudium"--The Joy of the Gospels." The very brief synopsis in the paper today really speaks to my heart as to where my church needs to be focused. I don't have a problem with rules and structure. There is a lot of beauty in following the traditions of our ancestors as they lead us toward Christ. I have really tired over the years of my adulthood as "the rules" seem to be the main focus leaving spirituality behind. If we as a church were more spirit-filled, maybe we could really reconnect with our protestant brothers and sisters and accompish so much more for the Kingdom of God.

Beautiful

It is so beautiful to see Caroline and Greg and Noah become a family. There's going to be so many tears and such exhaustion and those things will be completely inconsequential because of the tremendous love they have right now! 

He is a perfect little baby and one if these days it's going to hit me that I'm a grandma, not just that they have a baby!

The baby is coming

Shouldn't be long now. 39.1 weeks. So far so good

First grandbaby shower

Yesterday Rachel, Cal and Caitlin had a baby shower for Caroline at the D'addabo's house. I counted 19 people there (including Caroline, not including Noah!) It was a beautiful day and everyone had such a good time. Everyone was so generous with their gifts. Noah is a blessed little baby!

Last College Visits

We are on our way home from a four day tour of colleges. We left Sunday afternoon for Chattanooga. Steve, Garrett and I did a self-tour of campus Mon. morning then went to a Brock's Scholars meeting. The campus was nice-not too big, a mix of old buildings and new construction. I was more impressed than I thought I'd be.

We left there Mon. afternoon and went to Boone, NC by way of E-town on the winding mountain roads in the dark. Tuesday started early at Appalachian State. The honors program and admission people had a nicely planned out morning followed by lunch. Students were separated from parents after the dorm tour which was probably nice for them. It was a gorgeous fall day with early fall color changes in the mountains. Heavenly. Garrett really liked everything he saw.

Today we toured UT Knoxville. That is a big campus. I had forgotten how much was there when I toured with Ryan. It's even bigger with lots of new construction. Once again, a good school with lots to offer.

After these tours plus the open house at CBU last Saturday, Garrett is ready to get down to the nitty gritty of applying. Top picks are CBU and App State followed by UTC then UTK. He's decided not to tour Arkansas which is ok with me!

Exorcise/Exercise

What is wrong with me? I have time and opportunity but zero desire to get off my butt and go to the Y. I am here now and am procrastinating going in and spending a measly 30 min. on the treadmill. I blame the hormones. I blame working full time. I blame the devil. But blaming isn't going to get me back into shape. Grrrr. I need to exorcise this demon off my back!

I haven't given up on the C25k program though I have kept myself in week 6 for the last 2 months. 8 week program-ha! I'm eking out 1 "run" a week, most often on the treadmill to maintain some exercise credibility. I have done some isometric exercises nearly everyday, so I haven't completely given up trying. I need the weather to cool off because this running thing is way better when it's not 90+degrees.

Happy trails!

Gulf Shores

Finally! A get-away trip with Steve, Tim & Steph. 3 days of no plans! Let the relaxing begin!

A Beautiful Day

My baby is having a baby! What an exciting week! We helped Caroline and Greg move into there first home on Saturday then found out on Sunday that they are due Jan. 16, 2014. Blessings all around!
 I'll wait to publish this until after they've shared their good news!

Oh, Baby!

Best news ever! Two weeks ago Caroline and Greg told us that they were expecting a baby in January! The momma/neonurse in me worries for my baby girl--want her to have a wonderful, uneventful pregnancy. I pray for her and the 3 of them everyday--Father, please keep them safe and healthy.

What will I be called? Grandma? Sounds kind of old. After all MY grandma was "Grandma" How about Grams, Grammy, Nana? Caroline is pushing for Nelle/Nellie and she has her brothers behind her. What about Lolly? That was what Grandpa Stanley Romer was called by his friends. It would go well with Steve's "Pops."I
 In the end it doesn't really matter. What does is a perfectly normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, labor and delivery.