January 30/31 Overnight with Erin

Friday/Saturday:  After two very snowy weather weeks, FINALLY this Friday worked out for me to drive over and pick Erin up for a sleepover. Yes! There hasn't been any recent accumulation of snow in the last few days, and roads are finally treated to where they are no longer icy. I was so glad to pick Erin up today after school. I think she was quite surprised to see me!

In preparation for Erin's sleepover, I got out a few things we haven't played with in a very LONG time. I have two kind of fancy LEGO models that I keep high up on the toy room shelves, so they don't get all taken apart and the pieces mixed up with all of the other LEGOs that I have around here. However, I often forget completely about these sets--and then no one plays with them! Erin was very glad to see them off the shelf and available for her to enjoy them.

One set is a lighthouse (shock!) with an ice cream shop attached to it (complete with ice cream cones, milk shakes, etc). There is a little washroom/bathroom at the back of the ice cream shop, and there is a little bedroom above the shop. This model is part of the "Friends" sets. The other model is of a cute little treehouse. Erin loves treehouses. We had such a fun time pretending and making up stories with the little figures and sets. Erin is very good at pretending.

We also did a bunch of art stuff--Erin has kind of a 3-ring circus of activity going all the time--I could barely keep track of what we were doing next--but we did just fine.

Doesn't Erin have the sweetest little face?

Friday night we had a "movie" time, but the movie I chose wasn't exactly right I guess. "The Little Princess" moved a bit too slowly, and after about 20 minutes, Erin asked if we could just watch it some other time. Yes, of course. I told her to pick out something else, so she picked out "Despicable Me 2" and we watched a lot of it, skipping ahead of the parts she didn't like, and all the while eating popcorn and enjoying some leftover Christmas chocolates. Yum.

Saturday morning, I combed out Erin's hair--well, I tried to get the tangles out, but some of them were NOT going to go anywhere at all. But I took this picture when we were finished--doesn't Erin have pretty hair?

We played all morning with various toys, all the while with Erin talking and singing--we played the piano for awhile too. Erin was scheduled to go to her friend Emmaline's b-day party by 1:30, but then Kelly called and told us the party was actually earlier; so we gathered up Erin's stuff, got ourselves dressed, and left for Culver's by about 11:30. 

Erin enjoyed a very delicious Oreo milk shake (she was very kind and shared some with me) and had a cheeseburger (with cheese curls) child's meal. 

I love eating with Erin because she really enjoys eating! Me too!

Oh! We also did a LOT of bird watching while Erin was here. We didn't take exhaustive pictures, but this was when the blue jays came back and forth, in-between 2-3 very active and playful squirrels. Erin had a blast watching all of the scurrying around outside. I'm so glad I have all the feeders and such beautiful little creatures to enjoy watching.

Erin and I also read two books at bedtime Friday night. One was about a little lame lamb who felt left out of everything with the flock he lived with. He had to remain behind when the others went to better pasture, but that night, he got to keep baby Jesus warm after He was born--so he learned to be thankful even if he had a bad leg. The other book was about the healing of the Roman soldier's little boy in Capernaum. Erin knew a lot about both of these stories--it was really fun to listen to her as she interacted with the stories.

Bedtime was challenging--but I was not surprised. Thankfully, Erin finally got tired enough to fall asleep at about 11pm--but nothing was unpleasant about it, and I did not get grumpy this time. Thank you, Lord.

January 28 Hibernation Update

Wednesday:  It was actually warmer at the South Pole last week than it was here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We had another "round" of several days in a row of more snow--just 2-3" at a time; but I bet we have 15" on the ground outside my little house. The drifts are much higher, and the plowing piles are reaching almost to the rooftops.

School was cancelled once again yesterday, as it was last Tuesday and also last Friday. I was supposed to have dear Erin overnight Friday, but I didn't venture out at all that day; in fact, the only time I have driven in the last almost two weeks was to church Sunday morning, and then last Thursday over to Family Fare (over on Northland) to get a few food items that I was completely out of (eggs, milk, etc.). 

I did go to Monday Night Bible study this week because it wasn't cancelled like it was last week--plus, snow was predicted to begin late evening Monday night and get quite heavy all day Tuesday (the forecast was correct). It was nice to once again be in my small group and enjoy the company of friends.

Tomorrow, I am going to attempt to grocery shop over at Meijer's. An elderly lady (Bev) from my Sunday school class at Calvary called this afternoon and requested a ride, both to Aldie's and to Meijer's tomorrow. I hope the roads have been cleared. I told her I would pick her up and we would get it done!

I took two pictures yesterday after I had shoveled my driveway:

We have had mostly single digit temperatures for most of the last 10 days. This Friday it is supposed to plunge down to -8 to start the day. Oh joy. I'm not at all a fan of severe cold. I dress in multiple layers just so that I can stand it, and even keeping my thermostat to 72 degrees doesn't really warm me very much. But now I'm just complaining. Pioneer Polly I am NOT.

January 23: An unplanned and lonely hibernation

Friday:  When I went to church Sunday (five days ago), I had no idea that I would hardly leave the house again all week--except to shovel snow. I have shoveled a LOT of snow these few days! And it isn't just the snow we are struggling with here in W. Michigan, but the COLDest weather we have seen around here for quite a few years. Today's high temperature is 1. ONE degree. I believe it went down to 8 below zero last night, and it is expected to be a few degrees MORE below zero tonight.

I am extremely hesitant to drive when it is this cold and snowy. The road treatments are less than optimal! And people drive like they have lost their minds. I am pretty sure I never accelerated beyond 40 mph on the drive to church Sunday, and cars were flying by going the usual 60 mph. It was icy out there! I approached a red light, at some distance, and had a very difficult time stopping before sliding right through the intersection. That was quite enough drama for me, thank you. 

I did get rather desperate yesterday because I was out of milk, eggs, cabbage (!!) and a few other necessities; so I went as far as Family Fare over on Northland (about 2 miles) and stopped at the bank on the way. I was super glad to get back home safely.

Here is what really tells how hesitant I am to drive: I have NOT driven anywhere I wanted to drive to photograph the beautiful snow by Lake Michigan, or even rivers and creeks nearby! It's just too cold, and I guess it must be my age that tells me to stay warm, dry, safe, etc. I've seen photos others have taken this week--gorgeous pictures--and have wished with all my heart that it was me out there snapping beautiful pictures. Sigh.

The birds have been very active at my feeders--which necessitates me going OUTSIDE to refill the feeders every few days. I love watching the birds!

Look how crazy the feeders look all piled with snow!

This was my front yard yesterday after I was finished shoveling. My back and shoulders have not been happy about all of the lifting, but what can I do?

It snowed nonstop all day yesterday. I think we added another 3-4" out here. This is my front porch at about 5:30 last night. I've kept most of it shoveled.

This is a shot of the front this morning ... we are buried in white stuff. It's a good thing I can appreciate the beauty of winter, because otherwise I would find this isolation a little bit unbearable.

I remember back in October one afternoon while I was talking with Jesse out in his yard, that he mentioned/predicted something about this upcoming winter being brutally harsh and frigid. I asked him what he based that predilection upon--he pointed to the acorns that were strewn all over his lawn. Jesse said the number of acorns were so in excess of normal that it pointed to a severe winter. !!

Speaking of Jesse, he drove over to see me Tuesday afternoon and brightened my day a whole lot. We visited upwards of two hours. I'd had to cancel my usual Tuesday with the grandchildren because schools were closed and the roads were terrible. Plus, I was supposed to have Erin overnight tonight but I can't even imagine driving the distance to and from their house to collect her and then return her tomorrow. I am feeling badly about it, because I kind of gave her my word. She has been waiting awhile for "her turn" and tonight was that night. Hopefully, she will forgive her old grandma and we can do it another weekend very soon.

January 16 A little sparrow

Friday:  I woke up this morning with a small but distinct agenda--I was to cut up a large broccoli into very small pieces, do the same with a large head of cauliflower, add to that 1C of chopped red onion, 1/2 pound of chopped bacon, 1/2 C of chopped pecans and a half cup of golden raisins before making the very delicious dressing that I would stir into this huge salad--because tonight there was supposed to be a "gathering" of our Calvary class that included a potluck dinner. I was just about finished cutting up all of the vegetables when I received a text from the class social leader informing me that the social had been cancelled due to the winter advisory we were under. 

My first thought: "What on earth am I going to do with this huge salad and no one to serve it to?" I still haven't answered that question at 7pm tonight. I have a mind to put it into small disposable containers and see if any of my neighbors want to enjoy this very delicious salad. I haven't decided. 

I finished making the salad, added the dressing, and it is now chilling overnight in my refrigerator. I admit I felt rather downhearted for the first hour after receiving notice of the cancellation; but then I realized how selfish this was of me and turned instead to giving thanks that I didn't have to drive in bad weather tonight. It has been snowing all day. It is very beautiful when it is new snow!

Midway through my day, I noticed many beautiful birds visiting my feeders. I had the usual blue jays (four of them!) and a few woodpeckers too. I decided to snap a few pictures of this cute little white throated sparrow who spent a long time at my window feeder:

I got very close to the feeder to snap these pictures with my phone, and this little guy was completely undisturbed by my presence. I love it when that happens.

January 13 A few pictures

Tuesday:  I had a few very nice hours with the kiddos today after school. Nothing really exceptional to report, except Aidan was especially polite and kind today -- I note this only because at times, he can be a little bit hard on me with his "demands." Today, he requested very nicely the things he desired and I complied enthusiastically. 

Our young Mr. Callaghan was his usual outrageous self ... but so cute, it's difficult to reprimand him!

Mr. Cal --what universe do you hail from?!?!?

I snapped a quick picture of Brendan before he could protest ... and I neglected to get even a single picture of Erin today. Pooh.

I sure love you kiddos!
 

January 9 A day with Erin

Friday:  Erin is ALMOST better, but her cough is hanging on and she is still a little bit under the weather. Rather than risk her going to school today, her folks felt it best that she take one more day to recover; so I went over to their house to watch over her while her folks were working.

We did some reading together--I brought three good books with me--the large kind with beautiful illustrations. We read one about Queen Esther, another one about a little lamb (a true story!), and another book that was actually a rather elaborate pop-up book about the birth of Jesus.

In-between reading books, we played some number games on my phone or watched short "reels" of animals and babies that were very funny. We also spent about 30 minutes cuddling and resting together. I don't think either of us actually fell asleep, but it sure was peaceful just sitting on the couch together and being quiet.

This little snowman (above) was made by Cal. Erin told me he made it all by himself! I think it came in a kit of some kind--but isn't it cute? Erin and I also found a lonely little reindeer finger puppet sitting inside a box on the floor of their kitchen, and we played with him for awhile when Erin was eating her grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. We named the finger puppet "DONNER" because ... he did not have a red nose, so he could not be RUDOLPH. 

This is Erin eating an ice cube, one of many she consumed while I was there today. I think it was soothing on her lips and throat; but it would take a whole lot more than a sore throat and chapped lips for ME to suck on an ice cube in this cold weather! Erin has a natural warmth to her body (like her mom), so she isn't often cold.

After Brendan came home from school, he demonstrated his brand new popcorn maker and popped up a batch for everyone to enjoy. Isn't it cool? I love these pictures of you, Brendan!

Aidan and Cal came home from school at their usual time. Aidan went over to a friend's house (just a few houses down from theirs), and Cal took his "screen time" turn. I didn't see much of either of the boys today!

I think Erin is finally on the mend. She did really well today. I am glad I was able to spend the day with her. She is a very engaging person--not at all difficult to connect with--she is super conversational! 

I am very thankful to be a grandma today!

January 8 An hour with Jesse

Thursday: I've been in the habit of stopping by Jesse's late every Thursday afternoon to say "Hi" to Kaity (since she doesn't come over to my house anymore), and to visit with Jesse (because it's practically the only time I see him!). I visited briefly with Kaity--she was in the middle of an intense "game" with friends (out there in cyberspace somewhere).

Jesse had a lot to show me out in his garage. He has finally begun to rebuild his Volkswagen Scirocco (1984) that Scott found for him pretty cheap close to five years ago now. It's been sitting out in his garage collecting ... just about everything (!!) since then. He has managed to unbury it from the debris and has friends (a few other Volkswagen enthusiasts) who are able and interested in this rebuild. 

If it is possible to know less than nothing about cars, engines, mechanics, etc. I would fit that category. It's not that I'm not interested--it's just that it is completely out of my brain waves--like it doesn't even register. BUT ... my Jesse has always (since very, very young) been quite astute in putting stuff together and taking them apart. When he was a tiny kid, he was better at taking things apart than reassembling them; but nothing tragic happened as a result. I was always fascinated at his ability to SEE beyond one dimension. Dylan's kids and I have talked about this faulty part of my brain a LOT. They have told me I have a FLAT BRAIN. Okay then.

I snapped a few pictures of him describing car/engine parts to me when I was over--the three pictures are similar. The reason I post them is that it is so rare that I get any pictures of my adult sons whatsoever, that I treasure each one!

Would you believe (???) that every single object that is scattered on the table and floor--Jesse can identify and tell me details about? I'm not kidding!!! I had to keep talking to myself (in my head) not to panic (seriously) looking at all of these foreign objects--it's rather unsettling to me. I recoil from chaos--and it's not that this is so chaotic, but it puts me in the realm of the UNKNOWN which always throws me a bit (actually a LOT). So this was good for me--I need to grow my brain!

This 1984 Scirocco is 42 years old this year ... a true antique. Jesse is rebuilding it because he loves cars and working with his hands, and fixing things, and restoring stuff. I love this about Jesse so much.

I'll post more pictures as progress is made ...

January 8 with Erin

Thursday:  Usually, I do my grocery shopping on Thursday mornings--last week I did it on Wednesday because my friend, Bev, needed a ride to the grocery store and Wednesdays are the day SHE goes grocery shopping ... Anyway, I was completing my grocery list when I received a message from Kelly telling me that Erin was home sick from school and she had two clients this morning, had taken Erin to work with her--but was it possible for me to spend time with her instead? Yes!

I picked Erin up at about 10:30 from Kelly and drove her back to her house, where she got comfortably situated. Then we read about half of their new Snoopy book (which was gifted to Aidan by me for Christmas) titled something about Snoopy being a beagle scout--super fun book to read.

On the inside cover of the book are listed many other titles I can purchase (Erin snapped this picture, so that I could have it and order more books). All of these kiddos are really good readers. Erin was a tiny bit behind last year, but she has caught up quite nicely.

Erin has been "down" with this illness for almost an entire week now--so sad! It started with a sore throat, fevers, a lot of coughing, drippy nose and sneezes. She has been exhausted.

I sure enjoyed cuddling up with this little sweetheart for a little while this morning. Kelly came home from work at about 12:30, and I went to Meijer's about two hours later than normal--but I was still able to buy a roasted chicken (yum) and enjoy it once I got home. Roasted chicken is my highlight of the week! I know that sounds pitiful, but it's really really good!

January 6 Back to School

Tuesday: Actually, school resumed yesterday, January 5--but this is the first Tuesday of the new year, so it was back to a "usual" Tuesday schedule for me with the kids.

Prior to going over to Dylan and Kelly's, I was surprised to find out that my friend, Julie, had not left yet for six weeks in Florida. She messaged me and asked me to meet her for lunch. YES! Jen was able to join us too, and it was exactly what I needed. Good fellowship and friendship ... and fried chicken too! These two women continue to challenge me, and together we encourage each other in our walk with the Lord. It's truly a blessing to me.

We had such a good time at lunch that I didn't arrive over at the house until nearly 1:20 in the afternoon. Dylan was home because Erin is still sick and could not go to school. Poor little one--she has been sick since Thursday evening--with a low fever, sore throat, the sniffels, and sneezes too. She was resting in the basement while watching a "show", so I just went right at my cleaning project hoping to get everything on my list accomplished before the kids got home from school.

Brendan came in at about 3:20 and headed downstairs to take his screen time. Erin came upstairs and rested on the family room couch. I was just about finished cleaning by that time, so I visited a little bit with Erin and made sure she was drinking fresh water and was warm enough. 

While I was washing up the kitchen, I was completely entertained by a very aggressive squirrel on their outside deck.

The squirrel wrestled for a very long time with this garment of some sort that was tied around one of the deck posts. When I showed the pictures to Brendan, he said it was one of the folding chair storage bags--as far as he could tell.

But this very enterprising squirrel was successful at getting whatever this object is untangled from the post, grasped it in its mouth, and took off running! Maybe the squirrel is insulating his little nest for an extra cold winter. It HAS been super cold lately!

Aidan and Cal finally came off the bus at about 4:15. We did our usual after school snack of cinnamon toast, and then everyone got their video time accomplished. Aidan wanted to play a game with me, so he brought up this cross-country train game--"Ticket to Ride" and tried to teach it to me.

Erin just watched us play for awhile. Look at her beautiful little face ...

I was not catching on to this game AT ALL--I find the rules very random and a bit confusing--but thankfully Kelly arrived home with a roasted chicken and other groceries, so we had to clear off the counter space to make room for dinner. I was actually very relieved! I wasn't feeling the greatest--fatigue, probably from recent stress in the family--it's okay, and I'm trying to learn how to leave my anxiety with the Lord; because, after all, He cares about all of us more than I ever could care.

This Friday, I hope to have another sleepover--if Erin is well and has gone to school on Friday, it will be her turn; otherwise, it will be Cal. If it is Cal, he is another whole ball of wax to deal with--so I hope I have enough notice to prepare my heart to spend good, quality time with this rascal ... and he IS a rascal.

January 2/3 Aidan's sleepover

Friday/Saturday:  I picked Aidan up from his house today at 3:30 for a sleepover. I'm never quite sure what exactly an extended time with Aidan will end up looking like--he is a very intelligent young person and oftentimes I feel ill-equipped to interact with him. However, he is still a young child; and since I am not entirely bereft of brains and I love this child, I asked the Lord to help me make this time a special one for both of us. The Lord did answer my hearts desire, and we had a nice time together. I am very thankful for this one-on-one time that is so important in relationship building ... with anyone, not just grandchildren.

Pictured below is a set of number transformers that can be assembled as either one huge transformer, or two medium-sized transformers. Aidan likes to put them together as two separate ones. He has no trouble whatsoever figuring how these connect. When I first ordered and received this toy several years ago, I spent quite a long time trying to put it together, and then finally gave up in frustration. I'm pretty sure that Emma put it together one time. I'm positive that Brendan did, years ago. These grandchildren of mine have what I call 3-D brains. Mine is rather flat I'm afraid. Tasks that require assembly are quite often out of my range to solve.

I have no shortage of art supplies at my house: markers, colored pencils, charcoal, rulers, stencils--you name it. I also have tons of paper airplane books that are really fun to play with. Aidan is a real expert paper airplane folder. I'm not bad at it myself actually. The real plus to this activity (for me at least) is the love I have of folding a paper airplane that actually FLIES. I don't care how COOL a paper airplane looks if it doesn't fly well. Aidan gets this. We have all kinds of ways of modifying a bad-flying airplane using paper clips, tape, staples, flap adjustment, etc. and have a lot of fun trying it all out. We actually did this for hours on both Friday and Saturday.

Meal time can be challenging with Aidan because he tends to be a little bit picky about his eating. I'm being gentle here with my words--in truth, Aidan has a very limited diet for many reasons. He loves breads of all kinds; so I decided to try my homemade French toast recipe on him and see if he would enjoy it. He did! I was super thrilled, but tried not to show it. He actually ate TWO pieces, loaded with syrup and butter.

It was movie time at 7pm and Aidan chose "Home Alone 2", which he really loves. It is a funny movie, but since I've seen it about 100x, it wasn't exactly my choice. No problem. At least this movie doesn't have witchcraft or devilry in it, which I am dead set against watching.

Aidan went to bed soon after the movie was over, and was no problem whatsoever at bedtime. I made sure he was asleep before I went to bed--but both of us got a good rest until about 8:00 the next morning. Thank you, Lord!

We started right back in with our paper airplanes, and flew them all over the house.

Aidan is a very busy and enterprising child. He always has ideas of what he wants to do, and he is quite motivated to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to do. 

Here is Aidan making an "INK BOOK" from my wooden stamps and ink pads. He put such effort into this! It was a lot of fun getting out all of my stamps and ink pads and watching him go at it.

We also read through our bin of homemade books that have been left behind at my house. That was fun! At about 10am, Aidan had two more pieces of French toast! YES!

Later in the morning, I decided to do a little clean-up because there was so much stuff out--and Aidan requested to watch a little "Tom and Jerry" while I was doing that. I got the dishes washed and most of the art stuff put away ... and then it was time to take Aidan out for lunch at Culver's, one of his favorite places to eat.

I didn't even know that Culver's has grilled cheese sandwiches on their menu! Aidan ate almost his entire sandwich, fries, and a vanilla shake. I had no idea it would take him more than an hour to eat all of this, but I was glad he was eating, so it was worth it!

I'm very thankful for this sleepover with Aidan. Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayers for strength, wisdom, extra love, and Your peace throughout.