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.

Tribute to Daddy

Daddy

You are such a dear to me
I’ve never been without you.
You were there at my first step
Cheering me on with laughter.

You are the one who taught me
To hold my first guitar.
You placed my fingers on the strings,
Oh how the music came alive!
You’re the one who answered me
When I asked about the birds and bees
And smiled rather coyly
When Mama said,
“She asked you.”

You showed me how to climb that mountain
Called the Ross Park slide
And took me to the theme park there
To let me ride the rides.
I never felt deprived
Or poorer than other folks,
When pastoring a small church
In southern Idaho.
A pastor’s kid I cherished
Because of your great attitude,
Your love and devotion to the ministry
Made me want to live like you.

Now years have passed and time has stolen
Your beautiful dark brown hair,
But white sure does become you
Your as handsome to me as ever.

My thoughts are fond as I now ponder
Growing older I can see
The blessing of a Godly father
Lasts through eternity.


Lovingly written by
Gayla M. Baughman
on her celebration of her father’s 50th Father’s Day.
June 13, 2005

Tribute to Mom

Disconnected!

I’ve been having a lot of trouble with my internet server at home. I can’t use my wireless on my computer…..I have to go over and unplug the router from the wall before my cable will detect a signal and let me connect through the land line……I’m just not connecting! It is very frustrating.

Have you ever felt disconnected?

Have you walked into a room full of people and felt alone? You didn’t know anyone. You scan the crowd for one friend but alas….not one face looks familiar? It is a miserable feeling to feel like an outsider.

Sometimes we just need one contact or one connection to make us feel a part. Don’t you hate these parties where you are forced to sit at a table with strangers? I’m very outgoing, but I hate them too….I make friends with strangers on my turf…know what I mean?
If one person reaches out to you it makes all the difference in the world! Suddenly you see one familiar face! That familiar face immediately becomes your valued friend….why? Because compared to all the other people in the room, this is the only person you know (even a little). But that little is a lot when compared to the others.

The friendship connection begins with just a small common denominator. Perhaps it was a common home town, or you both were the oldest child. Perhaps it was someone you both knew back when…..perhaps you both have teen-age children. Whatever the denominator, you are now connected!

Don’t wait for someone else to be the initiator. Look for that common denominator at the next party you go to. Be the connection that someone else needs to feel a part of the excitement of the evening. You never know when you have made a life long friend just by taking one moment and making a connection.