Sunny Sunday Afternoon in Chicago

Baptism Eve

Grandma traveled from Indiana and met 4 of the Smiths in El Paso, IL.

All five of the kids swam. The water was COLD, so they frequently retreated to the warm shower!

After swimming, we had dinner at McDonald's next door to the hotel. Then we returned to the breakfast room to play Uno and Skippo. Great fun!

 Amber & the three Smith kids are sharing a room at the hotel with Grandma.  Tomorrow morning we'll meet up with Josh and family and go to church where Caden will be baptized.  What a special day!

Feeding Ducks

Feeding the ducks on a clear Kansas evening...Grandma wishes SHE was there!

Pictures from the Kitchen Table

We don't get to see our Kansas grandchildren often enough!

Grandparents' Day 2010

While we waited for the time to go to school, Grandpa played outfield while Carson practiced batting. 

After arriving at school, we found Caden's class.  He showed us some of the story he was reading and gave us poems he'd written.  Grandma Roth was there, too.

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Before we knew it, it was time for lunch.  Spaghetti, peaches, tossed salad, bread and margarine, and chocolate milk!

 

Recess was next.  Caden played tether ball and then ran down to the playground equipment.  When the bell rang, he and Grandpa walked ahead of the Grandmas to line up to go inside.

 

When we got back inside, the grandparents had to take a timed math test.  Grandma G did pretty well, huh, Caden?

Then he interviewed us using ten questions and writing down the answers.  We also saw some slide shows about the butterfly festival, gingerbread house making, and the visit to the apple orchard.

After all that, we went outside to watch gym class.  We were really proud at how fast Caden ran.  (The girls started out ahead of the boys.  Caden never stopped running the whole two laps!)

Then the kids got in groups of four and tossed a frisbee.

Before we knew it, gym was over and it was time for us to go back to Indiana! We had a great time.  Thanks, Caden, for inviting us.

Good Advice

Don't get into a habit of giving your children expensive gifts and clothes.  Your children only want  to feel safe and secure.  They want to spend time with you and to feel loved - that is the most precious gift available, and it can be given every day.  

For more great advice about building financial security, read this post: Simple Living in Your 30's .  I couldn't have said it better myself!

Happy Easter, Dear Grandchldren!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

I didn't get you any candy this year, but here's something fun to do!  Have your Mom or Dad  take you to this place.  Then see if you can arrange this play house JUST the way you'd like it!  Have fun!

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.
CHORUS
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

 

These are two of Grandma's favorite Easter songs!  I hope you know them, too!

More Spring Fun!

Saturday afternoon - picked up sticks and burned them....

First picnic of the season...grapes, cheese, crackers.

Then came Sunday,,

Sunday, rain completely obliterated Easter Egg hunt.  We went to Burger King & kids played in the playland.

We  had some indoor egg hunts when we got home.

Monday we went to Ohio to visit Great-Grandpa & Grandma Z.

The children enjoyed looking at old photographs with G. Grandpa & Grandma.  They treated us to McDonalds, a trip to their church with its indoor play area, and then home for ice-cream cones.

Some Saturday Morning Fun with Grandkids

New game...Pen the Pig!

Together time.  Arranging the dollhouse.

The "Broom Brigade" - Helping Grandpa clean up outside.

Crafting.  Safety pins and beads.

Happy Birthday, C!

A Birthday Riddle

Grandson 2, Look at you!

Six you are and growing.

Strong and happy, fast and smart--

WHO knows where you'll be going? 

(Clue:  Job 34:21)

Email us the answer when you know it!

Four Minutes of Your Time. PLEASE!

Whatever else you remember of me as mother and/or grandmother, know this song is the expression of my heart--AND the desire of my heart for each of you. Many, many times I have failed to demonstrate this passion. Forgive me.

Please make Him YOUR passion today.

It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Titus!

Leaving  your threes and starting your fours...

You're full of stories and music and more.

Ideas abound; enthusiasm, too.

We can't wait to see how God will use you!

What Are YOU Reading?

I wonder what our OTHER grandchildren are reading?  Send me your picture reading your favorite book!  Grandpa and Grandma are reading, too!

Simple and Sentimental Craft

Here's a craft idea for you, Moms!  It reminds me of a Christmas wreath one of our daughters made in third or fourth grade. I laminated it, cut out the center, and hang it proudly every Christmas.  Be sure to date these little hands!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Besides a telephone call with Happy Birthday sung to him by John and Ross, Grandpa received several things in the mail  (or hand-delivered, in the case of A & T's card).

The paint on C's painting seemed to sparkle!  It must be a special kind of paint.  Grandpa loves the color blue, by the way!

This card said it all!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!