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.

Little Cole Arrives

Monday, April 16th, little Cole arrived safe and sound.   We(Nana, Pap, Courtney, Hank and I) all watched (even Cooper) as Matt and the nurses bathed Cole for his intro into the Bigham/Crowley Clan.  We were so excited and happy.   His mother and dad were happy too and I felt warm wonderful feelings when Ashley and the baby were brought to her room and Matt and Cooper joined them for their first family group hug.   We all waited so the four of them could have time alone.  Little Cole is already fun to hold and watch.   I can hardly wait to see what his personality will be.   He is looking all around and making sounds.   Every day sees changes and one is reminded of how beautiful children are especially when they are your grandchildren.

What are friends for

A good friend of mine, Joyce, came to visit yesterday and reminded me that I had not written in my blog since January.   Joyce is an author and writer and we have been good friends since 1983.   I took writing from her once a week when I was in Houston and recently reread some of that work and must say I impressed myself.   Joyce uses prompts to help you think and gather your thoughts around the prompt.  One of the prompts we discussed during her visit was a time that changed your life and then what values were a part of that time.   We discussed creativity and courage and for the life of me I can't remember the third one.  However that is what friends are for.   They remind you of times shared and to stay true to yourself.  I think I decided that the changes in my life took "courage".

We are awaiting the arrival of little Cole in about 2 weeks. Cooper went to big brother class last week and Ashley and Matt are doing a great job of making him feel a part of the whole process.  Cooper has such a great little personality and we can hardley wait to meet Cole and see what he is like.  I hope that Cooper and Cole will be great friends.