Happiness Is Being a Grandparent

I remember when my mother came to visit us to help after Mary was born.  She told me that when she got home, my Daddy picked her up at the airport in her car which was proudly displaying a bumper sticker that read, "Happiness is being a Grandma!"

That sentiment is so true!  

I am so happy to be Grandma to these two cuties! 

A Few More Jackson Photos

Jackson and I have a mutual admiration society!

I just love that cute face and toothy smile! 

Getting a haircut for his 'day in court'.

Mom's little helper....at home 

And helping at Carriage House Motors!

We are so thankful for our little miracle!

Jackson Sarow Reynolds

I fell in love when I first met him last September. We had been warned that the months of foster care leading to possible adoption might be a roller coaster ride.  Normally I am a first class worrier but I have always felt very peaceful that this was going to work out perfectly.  A tender mercy to me from a loving Heavenly Father.

On July 18th he legally became a member of the family in a courthouse in Charles Town, West Virginia.  I admit that I shed a few tears of happiness.  Both Grandmas were there to rejoice with the happy parents.

Here he is with his parents, lawyer, and the case worker who was with Mary and Mark every step of the way. 

Sarow is Mark's middle name and his mother's maiden name. 

Celebrating the 4th!

We started our day with a short hike in the Boise foothills to 'elephant rock'. 

Grandma and Isabella made it to the top of the rock, which is not as easy as it might look because it was slippery.

 A bit further up the trail and we got a great view of the city of Boise.

 Now to cool off, we explored the Cottonwood Creek trail 

 Guess who REALLY loved the creek!

 She is a water child, just like her Daddy was.

 I am quite confident that she would have gotten all the way in, if we had let her. 

Then it was back home for dinner preparations. Isabella helped Grandpa decorate a 4th of July cake.

Some of the berries actually made it onto the cake!

They were pretty proud of their creation.

Bella helped me to set the table.  I never figured out why Grandpa got 2 glasses but she was insistent.

 A typical American 4th of July meal with hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw and my mother's potato salad.  Yummy! 

Now for some fun on the driveway....

 Bubbles were a big hit! 

We also got to enjoy the neighbor's fireworks.

 And some chalk art....

 Grandma was given very specific instructions to what she should write - Violet, Dash, Mr. Incredible, Elastagirl, Helen, and Jack-jack.  Yes she has become obsessed with the Incredibles 2.  I need to watch it. She wants me to be Elastagirl and she is Violet.  I'm not sure exactly what I am supposed to do except that she calls me and I'm to say, "I'm in."

 Ended this perfect day with fireworks at Ann Morrison park. 

 Magical for this little girl!

Father's Day 2019

I've read so many eloquent tributes to fathers over the last few days, some almost poetic in their beauty. Also I've been going through lots of photos of me and my parents. As I look at these old black and white photos of us, the same thought comes to me over and over again. My parents made me feel LOVED!  That is the best tribute I can give to my Daddy.  He always made me feel loved. And I can give that same tribute to George, the father of my children.  He always made them feel loved. Simple thought and simple words but really isn't it LOVE that makes all the difference!

Rome 1961

Garmisch, Germany 1996

Geneva Switzerland 1996

Matt the Sailor Man

Matt has had quite the adventure as he joined a friend sailing from the north of Spain, down the coast of Portugal, around Gibraltar and up the coast all the way to Barcelona.

Ahh, the stories he has shared of dolphins, jellyfish, pilot whales, terrible storms and other high adventures.  I'm glad he had this fantastic experience and so glad he has lived to tell about it.  Tomorrow they go to Mallorca for a few days of R & R after the excitement of getting to Barcelona.  I think he wants more of a jet setter few days in the calm, blue water rather than a Pirates of the Caribbean mighty storm!

Weekend in Oregon

I am on the board of a really wonderful organization called Kenya Keys.   I love being involved with a group that is truly changing lives in a very poor part of Kenya.  100% of  donations go directly to help kids who have qualified to attend secondary school but don't have the $375 in fees that are necessary.  I love that you can develop a relationship with the student you sponsor through letters.

End of commercial! I flew to Oregon to attend an important board meeting. I am so happy that I get to serve with such a fun, dynamic group who are totally dedicated to the mission to educate and empower students. 

 I was also reminded of the stunning beauty of Oregon in the spring. 

Scott and I enjoyed a pizza at our favorite quick pizza place - Pieology 

I had a burger at Burgerville - an Oregon institution - with Martha and Larry.

And I was the surprise guest at the monthly dinner group.

Sometimes I feel sad that we haven't always lived in the same place so that we have firm roots in one location but most of the time I think that it has been a blessing to live in different places so that we have friends all over the world!