Viola

My grandparents and I on my 1st birthday

Today is my grandma's birthday.   I woke up thinking about her.  Our birthdays are very close, and sometimes we would celebrate them together.

My grandmother died quite a few years ago, a month before I turned 13.  She has been with Jesus for awhile now, and the sadness of missing her has mellowed into sweet memories.  I still remember her smile, her voice.  Eating toast with strawberry jam.  Roast beef with mashed potatoes, carrots, and creamed corn after church on Sunday.  How she used to pinch my brother's cheek and grin and call him her "boyfriend."  The way my dad's loud sneezes would always startle her and make her jump.

It wasn't until later in the day that I realized something: today marks 100 years since my grandma was born.  One. Hundred. Years.  I wonder what the weather was like, what the birth was like. What life was like for their family. I wonder if her parents chose her name, Viola Pearl, after much discussion,,, or if the decision was simple, as they sometimes are.

I wish I had known her longer, into my adult years.  I wish she could have met my husband, my children.

But she will someday.  Maybe she's been privy to the events of my life from her everlasting home in heaven...or maybe we'll simply have a lot to catch up on once I get there.

Regardless, here's a Happy 100th Birthday to you, Grandma. Enjoy your celebration; I'm sure the parties up there are absolutely breathtaking!

Until we meet again,

at Grandma & Grandpa's

We just got back from spending a few days with my parents in Idaho. It would be impossible to tell you everything we did and experienced while we were there. Well, perhaps not impossible, but not necessarily interesting for you. In view of that, here are a few highlights...

...a ride with Grandpa on the "mule."

...a ride on Daddy's shoulders.

...walking hand in hand with Grandma.

...discovering a snake. Evidently a pretty scary one.

...my first experience shooting a gun. I didn't do half bad!

snapshots of our trip to Idaho

In explanation of my absence, I thought my loyal readers might enjoy a few photos from our recent visit to my parents' house in Idaho.

I continually find it impossible to get these three to look at the camera and smile, simultaneously!

Here I am at 18 weeks & 5 days pregnant.

My dad took Jeff and the two older boys for a ride on the "mule." Benjamin even got to steer for part of the ride. It was a definite highlight!

Ben and Kyle examining some deer tracks while on a hike.

Owen rode in style.

We had a great time, took lots of hikes, a trip to city beach in town, a visit to the best pizza joint on Earth, enjoyed fresh air, the scent of pine needles, saw plenty of wildlife, and ate wonderful food (they've even started buying raw milk!). But the best thing of all was the company. Thanks for the wonderful time, gracious hospitality, and unconditional love, Mom and Dad. You're terrific!

grandma lovin'

My parents came to visit for Labor Day weekend. They live about 8 hours away (if you're driving without children!) so we don't get to see each other as often as we would like. We do alright, though. And Jeff & I have been major slackers because we have not been up to visit them since well before Owen was born. In fact, it's been nearly a year, now that I think about it...oops. We'll have to screw up our courage sometime soon.

Anyway, all the boys have grown since the last time Grandma and Grandpa saw them, but especially Owen. He was still pretty much a bump on a log when they visited us last. Smiling, but still pretty much a bump. These days, he's rolling, getting himself up on all fours, and going after toys when the mood strikes him. He's getting active, we'd better look out!

My mom, especially, seizes just about every chance she has to hold & cuddle with Owen. They were so sweet together. And of course, Owen loved all that attention!