Happy New Year!

Christmas Palms

Christmas is right around the corner. The lights are going up, the shops are playing "Silver Bells" and the traffic has increased as people do their holiday shopping. I must say this year is going to be a wonderful year. As we move closer to the day we celebrate the birth of our Christ, I'm reminded of the Christmas memories I have of years past. One particular Christmas, I was just a little girl. We traveled all the way from my home town in Pocatello, Idaho to the balmy streets of Richmond, California. I loved the contrast. We left the drifting snow and freezing wind behind. We all got in our old station wagon and traveled over the mountains and down through the beautiful Redwoods. Finally, after what seemed like days to me, I would spot some of the first Palm trees on our journey. The sun was shining, and the weather looked more like Spring than Winter. I started my love affair with California on those annual Christmas treks. I love the country, I love the weather, but most of all, I love the Palm trees rising majestically toward the sky. Anticipation began to make this little girl fidget in the backseat of the car. I knew we were getting close to grandma's house. I wanted to get out and run. No icy pavement, no bulky car coat! Freedom! It was a mark of anxious anticipation, those palm trees so long ago.

Today the California palm tree is still my favorite. Although it seems it would be difficult to decorate one for Christmas, some have figured how to frost them with lights. How beautiful the palm with lights! Oh how I love California Christmas Palms!

Look what I found! A real Christmas Palm! Whooppee!

Thanksgiving Memories

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My mother was here with us after she and I travelled to Oregon to be with my sister for surgery. By the way, my sister is doing great. She had a thyroidectomy and all the tests have come back negative for cancer. Thank You Jesus!!!
Anyway, several of my friends have asked for this great recipe for cranberry salad. I thought I would share it with you here.

Cranberry Salad

1 package fresh cranberries
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 large package raspberry Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 can crushed pineapple (drained)
¾ cup diced celery
2 apples (grated)
½ cup pecans

Preparation time: 15 minutes. Servings: 12.

Grind or chop cranberries in blender or food processor. Work sugar into cranberries until completely dissolved. Dissolve Jello in boiling water and add to cranberries. Add pineapple, celery, apples and nuts. Chill for a few hours before serving.

I'm Glad I Have Friends

This poem is dedicated to all of you who have left comments on my blog.
I love you, my friends!

Everytime you write a note
Everytime you smile
I wonder what I've done to merrit
Youre friendship in my life.

You bring me so much joy
Every word is sweet to read
I thank the Lord for you, my friend
And for bringing you to me!

Mommy and Madison

Happy Days

I don't know when I've been so happy. Madison, my little granddaughter is everything I could hope for. You see, she is my precious daughter's baby. I think that is why I love her so much. She is an extention of my love for my own little girl.

Most of the time she reminds me of my daughter, but sometimes, in a wave of precious delerium, she is just Madison. Her smile is her own...her little faces are truly original. That is when I'm reminded that God in all his magnificance has created each one of us uniquely. Every time I get a chance to be with my little Madison, I am reminded that God is the creator of beautiful wonderful life! Thank you Jesus!

The Joy of Grandparenting

Blue Eyes

Blue eyes shine with innocence

and the day is brighter.

Blue eyes show her trust and I cry

becuse I know she will someday hurt.

Blue eyes look into my soul

and I know that this little girl is a gift...

Blue eyes keep shining.

Blue eyes keep loving, and someday

you'll look into the face of your baby

and see...Blue eyes.

Here's Looking At You!

My Children

Is this not captivating? I feel like I can look my little granddaughter in the eye and talk to her. I just had to share this with you. This is also her mommy and daddy. I think they make a beautiful family (I would'nt be prejudice).

SIS Cruise

We have a wonderful time on our SIS cruise. I had the pleasure of sharing a cabin with my beautiful Mother. I love this lady so much. The older I get the more I realize the value she is in my life. Her walk with God is such a great example for me. I have never met someone so full of faith. I love my Mom. Here is a picture of her on the cruise.

Madison is my Angel

I know you are probably rolling your eyes right now. Another Grandma blogging bla bla about her grandchild. Really, I didn't understand until I was one. Don't knock it until you've tried it. Can I get a witness from all you grandmas out there? It is truly the most wonderful experience (aside from receiving the Holy Ghost!) that I can think of. Here's another picture of our little angel. I got to go to Youth Congress to babysit. it was wonderful! I had Madison all to myself everyday! It was kodak moment after kodak moment!

To all my grandma friends out there...if you think you can top this one, send a pic of your angel to me...I'd love to compare. hee hee.

Thank God for Technology!

I cannot describe how I feel today. I feel blessed and yet depressed, I feel elated and yet deprived. What is this strange spectrum of feelings that possesses me? A little voice speaks through the humdrum of my thoughts, “You’re a Grandma now.” Oh, that makes sense. Menopause has left me hot and grouchy…hot flashes are coming and going like the blinker on my white Taurus, and my poor husband is never really sure I’m going to laugh at his jokes, or cry because…well, I don’t even know the because of it!. What I needed was a pick-me-up. Being a new Grandma was just what I needed to reward this ole’ gal.

It has been a few weeks since I left my precious granddaughter and resumed my normal routine, work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep. Life just seems to drag by. I live on the precious memories and the pictures of my little princess. I never dreamed I could love someone as much as I love my own children. I just never allowed the thought to germinate. I love my kids, probably to a fault if a parent can love them that much. On second thought, I don’t think you can love your kids too much…I have found one that I love as much…my little grandchild.

I’m missing her tonight. I’ve moved from “wish I could see her” to “I’m depressed.” She is growing up without me and that is a tragedy. Of course, she is only one month old, but hey, she is probably a whole pound heavier, she smiles now and shows more personality. I feel like the proverbial actress missing the curtain call! (And all the long distance Grandma’s said Amen!)

We have tried to make the transition away from our little grandbaby as painless as possible. Thanks to a very technological husband, my days are much more bearable. We bought my daughter a webcam. That way, we can “see” them when we talk. It is really amazing! The first time Marenda brought Madison to “see” Grammy and Grampy, she seemed so close I could almost reach out and touch her. Oh, what a wonderful thing to live in the era of technology! I’m so blessed.

Dedication Dress

Madison was dedicated in the dress her Mommy was dedicated in 25 years ago. She was also dedicated being held in the blanket her Daddy was dedicated in 27 years ago. What a beautiful heritage. Her parents were dedicated to God and now she is given the same gift. We are so proud of her and her parents!!!

More about Madison

I hope you are not getting tired of hearing about Madison...but I'm not tired of bragging yet. Here is a cute little picture of her just before going to church.

Madison's Dedication

Madison's Birth Day!

Click HERE for more pictures of Madison's BirthDay!

Baby Sullivan

I can't sleep. I'm up at 5:00 a.m. the day after. Let me tell you about it:

The sun was up early yesterday. It seemed anxious to shine on the western desert, warming our day for the welcome celebration of our first grandbaby. Somehow words are illusive when I try to express the anticipated, not so patient, waiting for her to come. Ten days early, she decided to prove many of us wrong and stay with her little head nestled against her mommy's heart!

Surgery was scheduled for our little breech baby, June 1st, 2007 at 7:30 a.m.

We met the sun with anticipated excitement, took pictures as the new-to-be Daddy and Mommy left to go to the hospital. The doctors told us to wait until later because they would not allow us to go in before surgery (which was NOT true, but that is another story! and I'm NOT bitter...no I'm not, no I'm not).

I couldn't contain myself. A naturally curly smile pasted itself on my face and I have not been able to control it since...you'll see.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. The family filled the waiting room which was a first for this little private hospital in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Great Grandma, and Grandpa were there, Aunts Uncles, Cousins and best friends crowded the small room. We chatted, laughed, (I smiled), watched the door and kept our phones close for any texting from the new Daddy who was with the new Mommy.

Suddenly, my son-in-law (Daddy to be) showed up at the door! "Want to see her?" What a silly question....he was now a Daddy and looked like he was about to jump on the roof and announce it to the world! We, being a polite family, kept him from ruining his reputation as an easy going, quiet man (are we talking about the same man here?)

We all bombarded the door. Thankfully we are a very polite family, so everyone stood back as I propelled myself across the floor, shoving cousins against the wall, stepping on Great Grandma and Grandpa's feet, and slamming others against the door jam. Never, never, never, stand between a grandmother's first view of her first grandbaby! It can be very dangerous. Ask my very polite family...they will tell the truth!

Seriously, I ran into the hall. There in the middle of the hallway was the most beautiful, most elegant, most terribly upset baby girl I have ever seen. She had her mouth wide open, her eyes clinched shut, and was mustering up the loudest most aggressive protest to this cold, noisy world with a million eyes peering down at her through the clear glass of her new "square" womb. What a rude entrance to a new world!

Honestly, she is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. How can this be? I had two of the most beautiful babies over twenty years ago...now this one takes the cake! She is gorgeous! Her little round head is perfect with a soft crop of dark brown hair. She doesn't cry much...now that the initial shock of entering this cold world is over. She has little hands, little feet (well, that is debatable), but they look little to me, and beautiful eyes that melt this grandma's heart!

Keep posted...there's more to come. As soon as the sleepy Grandpa wakes up, I'll post some pictures...he has the camra in the bedroom charging up for more pics today! Woohoo!

Madison Nevaeh Sullivan

First born of Steven & Marenda
June 1st @ 8:24am
8lbs - 20 1/2 inches

Pictures coming soon!

Grandbaby has come!

Dear friends, world, universe!

I didn't know it would feel this way.
I didn't have a clue!
I cried when I laid eyes on her
I tell you what is true.

She inspires me to write
She inspires me to sing,
She wriggled down inside my heart
The deepest part of me.

Upsprang joy and laughter
Upsprang care caressed
Upsprang the deepest love
For this little princess.

Yes, I'm singing loud
Yes I dance around!
Yes, I'm trying to express that
I'm a Grandma Now!!!

My Grandbaby is coming!

I'm leaving for Arizona on Monday. It looks like our little Madison is breech...so I may have a baby by Friday, June 1st. My daughter is okay with this. C-section has its advantages. We will have the baby ten days early...and no labor pains. Woohoo! I will keep posting and add pictures when the great day arrives.

I just can't believe that I'm finally going to be a grandma. What are your thoughts on what she should call me? I'm leaning toward Gamma. It would be fun to hear what your grandchildren call you.

Afternoon Tea

I had a wonderful afternoon with a little friend of mine. Her name is Hannah and we had tea at my house, just Hannah, her mama and me. It was wonderful! We enjoyed being together because she used to come to my church. Now her family have started a new church in Livermore and it is doing great...only I really miss her sometimes. So we spent the afternoon together and it was wonderful. Thanks Hannah for coming to tea, and bringing your mom along!

Creative Writing

I am the instructor of a very interesting class. Creative Writing. Yup, you guessed it! I'm teaching a creative writing class. You may ask, "how do you teach students to be creative?" I've asked myself that question probably a million times. I don't think I can. But I'm hoping that I can simply inspire my students and the "Creator" will flow through their brains and sudden inspiration will explode throughout the writing abyss of the soul. Sound scary? It really isn't once you've experienced the phenomonom of inspiration. I keep telling my students that the lives you touch with the written word far surpasses the glimpses of pulpit opportunity. Writing can cross the miles, it spans cultures and traditions. Writing opens oceans of thought to those you would never hope to come in contact with. Writing is the expression of the soul, the wonder in the imagination, the dream come alive on paper. Now that you're here, share some inspiration by leaving a comment. I'd love to read what you have to say.

Our Baby Girl

This may seem strange to you...if so, you are not a grandma! Ha! I always knew I would whip out my pictures of my grandchildren, when I finally had some. Well, now I am going to have one and I want you to see her picture. We call her Baby Love. She looks like she is going to have her Mama's nose...which in loving retrospect is just like her great great grandma on her mama's side. The legacy lives on! I'm amazed how God does this! Isn't it a miracle...the miracle of life. Thank you God for your magnificence!

As Time Goes By

Look beyond the window and watch the season pass
What once snow made a blanket white, spring brings a verdant grass.
Wish away the present rushing through this life,
And miss the joy of today,
As time goes by
As time goes by.

Look beyond the window and see how time has passed
Fondest memories recollect that life goes on so fast.
Don’t wish away the present and rush through precious life.
Don’t miss the joy of just today,
As time goes by
As time goes by.

For time will not be measured in success or eloquent tongue.
Time is measured in memories from sun to setting sun.
Make a point to measure time by happiness in your life,
And pour in every moment,
As time goes by
As time goes by.

Your time can now be measured.
Your legacy will live on.
Your laughter will ring through ages
The birds will sing your song.
Yes, you will make your mark on time’s relentless cry.
And prove what things are eternal.
As time goes by
As time goes by.

As Time Goes By
By:Gayla M. Baughman
2-21-03

Proud Grandparents to be!

Proud Parents to be

It's a Girl!

Not too long ago I found out the wonderful news that my daughter is having a baby. Yes, I'm so excited I could run through a troop and leap over a wall! Now, just this week, we found out that she is having a little girl!! Whooppee!! Chantilly lace, here we come! Oh. I guess I better settle down. I do have to consider that she has a mother and she may not want to dress her little girl in frills and lace. Well, at this point, I don't care. I can deal with that. Just let me make some bows and lacey things, and when I'm gone, burn them for all I care. Just let me expend my grandmotherly energy on this precious little bundle of miracles! Yahoo! I just had to tell someone and you're it!

Mama Eagle and the Empty Nest

I watched the red glow of tail lights turn the corner and disappear. The bright moon silhouetted my husband’s solitary form against the neighbor’s garage door. He looked lonely standing in the middle of the road watching our children move out of state. A part of life was changing for us. A part of life I had always dreaded. Now goodbye was a reality and I was waving to a truck that would take my daughter and her husband many miles away. Tears streaming down my cheeks I knew life was taking its natural course, but I was kicking all the way! I did not want them to go. Why couldn’t they stay here? Others have their children living in the same town, they have their grandchildren close and they all live happily ever after…or so it seems.

It has now been five years since that fateful day. I can’t say the pain in my heart is less, but I have resolved to survive with some dignity. The tears are gone and I’m strong because my children need me to be. They want to be with me as much as I want to be with them. I understand that now as the daughter of parents far away.

I can see now that God had a hand in the move. My children have grown in maturity and ministry. The church they work in is their heartbeat. They talk about the wonderful ministries they are involved in, the hours of work they spend for others…for ministry.
I wonder, would they have grown and been so happy in the kingdom of God here? I will never know the answer to that question, but I do have some answers to my own. They couldn’t stay here because they needed to be their own family. They needed to be independent to spread their wings. They needed to fly away from my nest so that they could prepare a nest of their own.

Now I have a grandbaby on the way. Yes, I’m so excited I could scream at the top of my lungs, run around in circles and bump into walls, but I am maturely abstaining from such a response. I just quietly move from day to day, counting each week and looking forward with wide-eyed excitement for the day I will be with my first-born as she delivers her first-born. This is a wonderful Season of my life, and I’m enjoying the trip.