Story Circle

This past weekend I had a wonderful gift from my good friend Joyce Boatright.   She came in from the Woodlands and took me to a Story Circle workshop on exploring happiness.  15 Women attended the workshop led by a very creative facilitator Jeanne Guy (www.jeanneguy.com).   We spent the day pondering through thought, word, and writing what is happiness.  What really makes me happy are my grandchildren and family.  However it's pretty clear that happiness is something we create for ourselves.  Staying in touch with good friends, being willing to explore new experiences, being honest with yourself and writing are ways I find that happiness.  Story Circle Network is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women share the stories of their lives. Check them out at www.storycircle.org

Well Actually...

Cooper comes up with the funny sayings.  Today I asked him where one of his cars were and he said, Well Actually, it is in the other room.   Of course he had no idea where it was but by saying well actually he was giving himself time to think up an answer.
Well actually, I am enjoying Cooper and Cole and watching them bond more and more each day is really fun.  Cooper likes to pull Cole around in his jump seat.  Cole loves it.   He laughs and laughs now whenever Cooper comes up to him.  I can't wait to see what they both will come up with when Cole is 3 years old and Cooper is 6.   Of course by then they will probably be texting us.

Saturday morning visitors

What fun.  The Crowley boys come to visit.  Of course we have to watch cartoons.  I am becoming great friends with Little Bear who they love to watch.   This morning Cooper told me he wanted to be a doctor and that Cole would be batman.   We suspect that Cooper would like to be a doctor because he would have access to the snack room at the doctor's office.  He never misses a chance for a snack.   It is a wonderful feeling to hold your grandchildren and have little chats.   Of course this only lasts so long and I hear them calling mommie or daddy and they are off to another adventure.

Photo Book

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Bonding on the beach

We just got back from a great week in Galveston.   The kids went from the beach, to the pool, to the lazy river.   Then back at the house we played games and did arts and craft activities.  It was great for all the cousins to make sand castles and share toys.  It was a peaceful week with some great sunsets, lots of laughter amid a few squabbles and tears.  I am so glad to be able to be a part of all this.

Living the Dream

It's an amazing feeling sitting by the side of the road and waiting for the neighborhood 4th of July Parade.   Here comes the high school marching band.   Then the fire truck and constable's van come blaring down the road.   Every group in the neighborhood comes marching behind them and then comes your grandchildren riding their decorated bikes or being pushed by Mom and Dad.  You applaud and yell words of encouragement.  Then all the marchers and watchers have watermelon and stand around visiting.

Who would have thought that I would some day be having a normal family day with my son and family.  As I look around at the Bighams, Ripeys and Crowleys, our family, having lunch together after the parade I smile and say Thank You.

The Things Cooper Says

Last night Cooper came up to me and asked me to open my mouth.  When I did he said "very interesting, you have a gold tooth".    Where he comes up with these questions is beyond me.  Matt used to come up with some good ones too when he was little.   One day he came into the bedroom and said Mom I need help.   I think I have a "radio-active" hand.    It was the first time his arm had fallen asleep.  I used to be very good at copying these sayings and am going to try to be better about capturing the things Coop says.