Sunday, March 17, 2024

Believe it or not.... another birthday (Actually TWO)!


Here we are, only in March and it seems that we have had one birthday after another!  It was Ellie's birthday next.  Fun fact.... Ellie and Doug share a birthday!  Ellie turned 15 this year and Doug turned 42!  How is that even possible?  I was with Ellie a couple days before the "actual" day and I got to see Doug on his actual birthday! 


Ellie has been collecting these specific stuffed animals for a long time.  Here is the Grandma explanation of what they are- there is some YouTube creator that has a show that Ellie watches and somehow these are part of that show???? Anyway, I think this one is named Fred the Plant.  She was happy with it.   Ellie is not very happy being 15.  It means that she will be taking Drivers Ed this summer, and she is a bit anxious about it.  I'm sure when the reality of being able to come and go on her own hits her, she will warm up to the idea of driving.  Her other presents represented Ellie's unique personality and interests including crocheting and painting, and theater.  There was a specific paint brush cleaner that she has had on her "wish lists" for several years that was always out of stock.  Somehow, I managed to snag it and she was especially glad to have it.  I also gifted her some special "character shoes" that are used for play production. It is much harder to figure out what to get kids, once they are teens!

I have especially enjoyed driving Ellie to dance this year since it gives me time alone with her every week.  She has taken a real interest in stage theater, especially musicals.  Currently she has a role in the play "Honk" which will be performed at the end of April.  I heard all about the possible summer production of  "Mean Girls" that Ellie and her friends are all planning to audition for.  Ellie has worked hard this year on her home school material and plans to be done with school in April.  Quite a good accomplishment for her freshman year of high school.  One thing is for certain, she is going to miss Lia when she leaves for college next fall. I am so thankful that I get to spend time with her.  She is an amazing young kid that I'm sure will surprise us all in the years ahead!

I didn't remember to snap a picture of Doug on his birthday, but I did get this photo of the gift bag I found.  It was one of those times that you just can't pass up a perfect gift bag!


It looked like a fishing vest, covered with fishing lures!  It was perfect to hold the book I ordered for him, which was some kind of instructional book about tying flies for fishing.  At any rate, he was delighted with it!  On the weekend following his birthday, I took Doug, Susie, Grace and Jimmy out for a celebration birthday breakfast. Again, I totally forgot to snap any pictures of the event!  (This scrapping grandma is really slipping up!) Afterwards, Susie and Doug trimmed the tree in my front yard.
This nonfruit bearing crabapple tree has really grown in the last few years.  Some of the branches were so low and hanging so far over the driveway that it was a hazard!  Not only did they trim so many branches, they also cut them up and bagged them.  To top it all off, they even took them home to dispose of them! (I have to pay for my yard waste and theirs is free).  It is a wonderful thing to have someone like Susie who knows how to do this!  The tree looks beautiful now, and assuming that we don't have any late winter snow, should soon be in full bloom!

I watched Grace and Jimmy inside while Susie and Doug handled the tree trimming.  We had a week of rain, so it was much too wet for us to be outside.  Afterwards, we had a quick visit.  Jimmy begs to come to my house.  He really hasn't had much time here, so there are lots of things to explore.  As usual, Grace went immediately to my scrap room and found paper, tape, fancy scissors, and markers to make an art project. 

So, here we are in the middle of March.  This year has really gone by quickly.  Easter is so early this year, so I am anticipating a much colder than normal celebration for our family.  I look forward to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter every year.  But it is hard to feel very "spring like" when it is still March!  

Four years ago our world came to a halt with all the Covid restrictions.  During those days and days of isolation and quarantine, the uncertainties loomed over us.  How long would this last?  How could we keep from getting this terrible sickness?  How could we keep Ken safe from this when he was already so sick?  Would we run out of supplies?  Yes, it was a scary time.  I remember sitting in my scrapbook room, trying to imagine the future.  It seemed an impossible task when surrounded by all the unknowns.  What I have come to realize this year, is every day is actually exactly like those early days back in March of 2020.  In reality, we don't know what tomorrow will bring.  We can not say if any one of our family or friends will fall ill.  We don't know with certainty what the future holds.  But we can know exactly who holds our future.  It is such a comfort to know that Jesus is my provider and my refuge and my strength!  In my daily Bible reading yesterday that seemed to be the theme!  I always find it interesting when the verses I read fit perfectly with what is happening in my day.  As I considered those verses last night, I realized how appropriate they are for today.  Everyone who went through those weeks and months in 2020, feels that stomach clenching fear, thinking about those memories.  But the very good news then and now is that God's got this!  So, I will end with these verses from Psalm 46:1-3,7....

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Jesus, thank you for birthdays and time to celebrate together.  Holy Spirit, remind us during those times of worry and fretting that You are always with us.  Give us courage and boldness to remain calm when tings are shaking around us.  Thank you for providing helpers around us when we need them.  Amen







 

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Grade School Music/Art Programs are the Best!

Grace had her school music program at the end of February and I was so thankful to be able to be there.  Shortly after Christmas, Grace told me that she had gotten a speaking part in the program and would need to learn her lines!  For a first grader, this is a very big deal!  She was also practicing the music, which thanks to her Chrome Book, she had at home.  She told me that she was the Narrator part and opened the show.  Until I actually saw the program, I had no idea what that actually was.  I was one surprised Grandma during that program!

There were eight classes of kids - four first grade classes and four second grade classes.  The gym was packed with parents, grandparents and various sisters and brothers. It was "Standing Room Only" as the late comers had to stand against the wall!  There was some "technical difficulties" and all of those kids (I estimate around 200 kids) were standing on those risers, looking out at the sea of faces, getting more and more anxious and nervous for the program to start.  After about ten minutes, they had the kids sit down on the risers.  After another ten minutes they were finally able to begin the show.   And then Grace walked to the microphone in the center of the stage and started the show.  Not only did she start the show saying all of her lines perfectly, but she stayed at the microphone for the entire opening number.  This brave little girl sang,  danced,  did all the hand motions.  And she did them well!  


I for one, didn't have any idea that she was going to be doing this!  I think all of us were a bit surprised to see her solo presentation. The rest of the program was very cute and all of the kids did a wonderful job.  I know exactly how much work goes into a big show like this, thanks to Gwen's years as a music teacher!  

Susie's mom and dad Steve and Sherry were also there, so Grace had a big cheering section!  Keeping a wild two and half year old entertained for an extra 20 minutes during the technical difficulties was the hardest part!  Jimmy did enjoy the singing once it started!

After the performance, the Art Fair was in the hallway.  Grace was especially anxious to show us her art work that was on display.  She knew exactly where they were hanging, which was a very good thing since it was wall to wall people in those hallways!  

I can't help but reflect on how grown up and truly wonderful this precious little girl is!  Before each of my grandchildren were born, I prayed for them and received a glimpse of what Jesus might have in store for them.  Out of those prayers, I created a "name frame" for each of them.  Grace's was in my mind as I drove home.  

For the first time I saw just how these words might come to life in Grace's lifetime.  She does love music and sings all the songs she learned in Vacation Bible School, as well as all the other songs she knows.  This music presentation just flowed out of her.  The smile on her face was certainly an expression of joy as she preformed.  I can't wait to see how Jesus brings all these words into and through Grace in the years ahead.  

 Jesus, thank you for children that remind us to smile and laugh.  Holy Spirit, continue to grow Grace into a Jesus worshipper who will reach the world with her songs.  Thank you for joy that overtakes sadness.  Give all of us the willingness to do hard things.  Help us to have courage and boldness like these little children.  Thank you Jesus for family!  Amen

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Another fun party day...

It was finally time for Anna's birthday party with her friends.  Let me tell you, the time is gone where kids just have a party in the backyard!  Seriously, this was an incredible party and I was pleased to know they do these events even for adults!  There is a wonderful bakery near us called Blessed Little Kitchen that just added a "party room".  Mary Holzkopf, the owner, welcomed Anna and her friends into a cookie decorating experience like none other.  Every girl got cookies to decorate and several piping bags of delicious icing.  Mary (a mom to many kids), talked to the kids about being "cookie artists".   It made for a great experience for the girls since nobody was afraid of making a mistake.  They could choose the colors used at each step and there were step by step instructions.  Anna had picked a "Stich" theme and was so pleased to see a Stich cookie to decorate.  

Lia and Ellie were there for part of the cookie fun, but then left with their boyfriends to go to a play.  Birthdays are always a fun cousin time and Grace had a great time
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There were kids at this party from Kindergarten age up.  Everyone was able to create their own special cookies to take home.



After Lia and Ellie left the party, Gwen got called in to finish Lia's cookies.  Ellie wanted to finish her own at home!
The party concluded with everybody singing to Anna and then cupcakes all around!  It was a sugar heavy party, but you could hear a pin drop as they concentrated on the decorating.  It is pretty fun to find a  new way to celebrate a kids party.

Blessed Little Kitchen provided such a welcoming environment for a kids party.  Mary reminded the kids that everyone has their own gifts and talents and everyone could create in their own way.  I love that this bakery supports their local food panty and this family blesses my church with baked goods at their coffee bar almost every Sunday.  Lately. you are hard pressed to find a Christian establishment that isn't afraid to show their faith.  Mary has Bibles and other Christian material available in the Bakery not for purchase but just to take!  All of the baked goods are really "home" made and taste amazing.  This is a business that is good to get behind.  

That is one of the hardest things for this grandma -  finding places that you can support (or on the reverse side, boycott).  I am incredibly thankful for businesses that are not afraid to be who they are.   This is a kind of witness that takes a true gift of faith.  Especially when your business is your families livelihood.  What a lesson for all of us.   I have been praying that in 2024 I would be able to more openly express the things that are the foundation of my life.  Recently at my church we are encouraged to take a "self evaluation" called a  Faith Check Guide.  It is a tool to help you continue to grow and find areas of your Christian walk that might need a little encouragement.  I have found this helpful and something that has helped me figure how to not feel so "stuck" or lost at times.  I encourage you to take the time to at least look at this guide.  It is eye opening for sure.  

Jesus, thank you for the joy and wonder kids and the celebrations that fill our hearts with love.  Pour out your continued blessing on Blessed Little Kitchen and Mary and her family.  Holy Spirit, give us all creative ideas and ways to express our faith to the world.  Fill us with the desire to know you better Jesus, and to be willing to examine our own faith walk.  Most of all, thank you for great tasting cookies! Amen

Thursday, February 22, 2024

A few days of fun remembering being a "parent"!

Gwen and Tim took Lia to San Diego for her Senior Trip.  All of these events just make it so much clearer that Lia, in fact, will soon be 18 and leaving for college!  I got the chance to stay with Ellie, Zeke and Anna while they were away.  Of course, this also includes my "granddogs" Chandler and Sunny!  It was only 5 days, but included plenty of activities. You forget what its like as a parent taxi service after you haven't done that for a while!

The first day was kind of quiet.  We were gearing up for a few very busy days to come, so the kids took it a bit easy on Grandma.   We had lunch at Culvers, which is always a fan favorite.  The weather was incredibly warm for February, which was a wonderful surprise.    Anna and I took Sunny for a long walk down to the lake.  It was a bit muddy but Sunny was glad for the outdoor time and I sure appreciated the warm walk.  Anna is an expert at walking Sunny and he has become really good on the leash.  

Zeke asked to have a friend over on Friday night, which was fine with me!  The boys played video games while Anna and I played a bunch of board games.  I really didn't see much of Ellie.  As a typical teen, she spends a lot of time in her room!  

 On Friday, we knew that we would have the beginnings of a busy few days, but Zeke and Anna really wanted to see the movie "Migration".  I didn't know anything about this movie, but it turned out to be really cute.  Ellie had no interest in this movie, so she stayed home.  
It was interesting that we saw this movie about birds, while Gwen, Tim and Lia were actually seeing the real things at the San Diego Zoo!  
While the movie was fun, I know that they had a much better time seeing the animals in person!  I enjoyed the part of the movie that takes place in Central Park, New York City!  Since I now have actually seen those places, it was fun to have those memories flash up on the screen.  

Friday continued with bringing Ellie to serve at a Girl Scout Cookie Booth with her troop.  While it had been warm during the day, the temperature dropped when the sun went down.  It was a chilly time for her for sure.  Anna, Zeke and I went to Zeke's basketball practice.  It is so interesting to see 7th and 8th grade boys together.  Some are still very small and young looking while others look like grown adults!  His team sure includes some of both, with Zeke falling comfortably in the middle of the pack.  


That is Zeke taking a shot at the basket.  I didn't get many good pictures. It was a long practice that ended at 9:30pm!  This grandma was tired just watching these kids run up and down for a solid hour.  By the time we got home and settled, it was after 10:30!  The kids weren't tired at all.  Sigh.

We had an early start to our day on Saturday.  Ellie had to be at a cookie booth at 8:30am and Zeke had two basketball games - one at 9:00am and one at noon.  Ellie had a second cookie booth in the afternoon, but thankfully her Troop Leader transported her to that one (thanks Lianne)!  

Anna and I watched Zeke's first game, which sadly, his team lost the very close game by two points.  I took the kids for a quick lunch before Zeke's second game.  After that game, we picked up Ellie from her second cookie booth.  There was a very cold wind and the temperatures were only in the 30's so she was really glad to get into the warm car.  She said her toes were numb!  But they sold 249 boxes of cookies at these cookie booths, so it was well worth the effort!

Sunday we had church, as usual.  Zeke was serving in production that morning, so we had to be at church by 8:00am.  Most people are pretty used to seeing me as the "substitute" Gwen/Tim.   I am so thankful for this amazing church, that has been MY church for the last two years.  Being there with the kids is so wonderful.  After church, we geared up to watch the Super Bowl!  Zeke was surprised to know that I actually understand football and even knew what some of the penalties were.  He was extremely excited for this game, but his favorite team didn't win.  I haven't watched a Super Bowl in countless years, but it was worth it to see Zeke's excitement about the event.

Monday morning the kids wanted to go out for breakfast.  I love doing this!  Ken loved going out to breakfast and I miss this.   Whenever I get the chance, I love to do breakfast out.  


We went to a family restaurant that is pretty close to their house.  There used to be a nice park across the road from this place, but it is currently under construction!  It looks like it will be much bigger and include a spray park!  I for one, miss the quiet small park right on the lake.   

Zeke made plans to meet a friend at a park to practice his basketball shots.  Anna wanted to go to a playground.  Thankfully, there was a nice playground right next to the basketball court.  Anna had a good time and especially liked playing with the "digger"!  This was a new park for the kids, and I am sure we will be back there.

I spent some time sitting in the Sunroom.  While the sun was shining, it was still a bit nippy.  Sunny and Chandler were really missing their "people".  After a few days, they are ready for them to be home.  Gwen spends a lot of time in this room and the dogs took their place in Gwen's favorite chair!  I couldn't get them to move!  

Later on Monday, there was dance!  I picked up all of the Girl Scout cookies that Ellie needed to deliver, while bringing Anna and her friend to their dance classes.  I unloaded the cookies from my car and helped Ellie separate them for delivery.  Gwen, Tim and Lia got home in the wee hours of the morning from their trip.  It was a full five days!

As I was driving home on Tuesday morning, I was recounting all of the driving that happened in those few days.  I remember, so well, doing the same thing when Gwen and Doug were in those years.  While there was just one of me over this weekend, it is so nice that Gwen has two other drivers to take some of these trips!   I have forgotten just how busy parenting is.  And these kids are each only in one activity.  I can't imagine trying to juggle two or three different things with two or more kids.  

It is really good to be put into someone else's shoes.  Even if you once took care of kids 24/7 a few (think a whole lot) of years ago, things are different now.  Some things are so much better.  Everyone has a cell phone.  You can always get a hold of a child, they can always get a hold  of you.  In Gwen's house you don't even have to go downstairs to get the kids up!  You can just ask Alexa to "drop in".  At Doug's house,  I never have to worry about Jimmy when he is (supposed to be) napping!  Thanks to an amazing app on my phone that lets me SEE Jimmy in his crib.  I didn't even have an audio monitor when my kids were little. This time with the kids has reminded me, just how much work children are!  I am incredibly proud of Gwen and Tim and Doug and Susie for the amazing job they are doing with their children.  All four of them work full time jobs that are stressful and demanding.  Yet they have made family life a priority.  All of my grandchildren expect to sit down at the dinner table and eat together.  In both houses, there is a lot of love and care for each other.  There is also room for being sorry and receiving forgiveness.  Every generation seeks to do better than their parents.  It is a wonderful thing to experience the joy of knowing that your kids have succeeded in that!  Truly, there is nothing better than spending time with family.  You can always rest tomorrow!

Jesus, thank you so much for smiles and laughs and fun with children.  Holy Spirit, help us to let go of old ways and expectations for things to always stay the same.  Jesus, keep us looking ahead and not back.  Give us courage to try new things and wisdom to see the good in the changes around us.  Surround children with your protection and fill them with your love.  Amen




 

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Rolling along in Birthday Party fun!

 Grace decided to have a Roller Skating party this year.  She has a pair of skates and had even gotten an entire unit in Gym class at school in roller skating.  So this was a great year for this.  


Her party was at Funway, a local very fun place that includes skating, arcade, bowling and so much more (when the weather is nice).  My kids loved this place when they were young and now the Grandkids are loving it as well.  Even Jimmy got in the skating action!
There was a very long time to skate followed by time in the party room!  Pizza and drinks were followed by cake!  Every kid got a card for the video arcade so there were many happy kids. It was a loud, crazy time - but one very happy Grace.  Lia and Ellie had a Spotlight show (Anna elected to do Grace's party and missed the Spotlight performance).  As the kids are getting older it is harder and harder to get them all together for these events.  

Anytime my kids are together I try to snap a picture.  It doesn't happen that often and it is worth having the photographic evidence that they actually do sometimes get together.  

Several of the kids asked me why I didn't roller skate!  That is worth an entire blog!  At close to 70 years old, I certainly wouldn't risk breaking something!  It occurred to me that I was roller skating even before I rode a bicycle.  I had a pair of metal, strap on skates that actually used a skate key!  I am sure that some people reading this blog would have no idea what I was talking about.  I found the following picture on the internet...

These look exactly like my first skates.  Since I was child number five, these were not new but rather hand-me-downs from one of my older siblings.  They were adjustable with your shoe size and I remember that when I started skating my feet were actually smaller than the smallest size.  My dad had rigged up another strap around my toes to old my shoes on the skates.  From the time I was four until I was twelve, I spent much time on those skates!  In the winter (in Minnesota) I would skate in our basement!   I was thinking about this long-lost skill.  I haven't been bike riding years either!  

Getting older is not for the faint of heart.  While I might have been ABLE to skate, I also might have fallen.  And when I did fall, I could have been seriously hurt.  So, it was much smarter to admit that I SHOULD NOT skate.  It's not easy - but it is smarter.  I have noticed that many things are getting a bit more difficult.  I can't get up and down off the floor quite as easily now with Jimmy, as I did when Lia was two.  A lot has changed in those 15 or so years.  It is good that God designed families with young parents who could keep up with the kids!   While I'm not quite ready to sit in a rocking chair and watch all the action from afar, I do welcome the occasional time to put my feet up and relax.  

Every one of these events reminds me how grateful I am that my health is very good.  It has been a bad winter around here with many families going from one sickness to the next.  Here, at the middle of February,  I can report that I have somehow managed to avoid all the sickness.  While winter is not over yet, I believe that the worst has past.  I am looking forward to warmer, sunny weather and more time spent outside.  

 One of the best parts of this birthday party was talking to some of Grace's friends from school.  I was telling them that I always skated when I was their age!  I could tell by the looks on their faces, they were surprised that an old grandma like me knew how to skate.  My rather long-winded account of the skating party comes with a reminder to be kind to us folks that are getting older!  While we don't need to be treated like REALLY old people, it is good to have some understanding of our (new to us) limitations. And always listen to our stories.  We love to tell you about the olden days.  Sometimes there are valuable lessons contained in those stories and they are worth hearing!

Jesus, thank you for children and their excitement and joy.  Holy Spirit, you give wisdom to us even when it is difficult.  Give us courage and boldness to continue to do hard things - when it is the right thing to do.  Thank you Jesus for helping us preserve memories and pass on stories and lessons from the past.  Give us all hearts that are open to hear wisdom from others.   Amen

Friday, February 16, 2024

January/February Birthday Celebrations

Our family has two birthdays that seem to rapidly follow Christmas.  Before we turn around, it is Anna's birthday at the end of January.  And then just two days later, Grace has a birthday!  This makes for a few busy weeks with parties and presents and fun happening.  This year Anna turned ten.  I just don't know how that happened!  Suddenly she is "double digits" and on her way to being a teenager.  It also didn't seem possible that Grace was turning seven!  Yet, here we are!  

Anna loves all things "Squishmallow" and had requested this Stich Squishmallow specifically.  So, Grandma obliged!  She is such a creative, artistic and kind girl.  The best part of spending time with her is watching her practice her dances for the Spring Recital.  It is amazing how much confidence she is gaining as she works hard to learn, perfect and perform difficult dances.  She loves playing games and one of her current favorites is Guess Who.  She always manages to win, no matter how hard I try.  

Grace's birthday was next.  I just love spending a few special moments with each child, apart from their actual party.  I always feel as if special memories are being made during these celebrations.


Grace is such an amazing first grader.  She loves reading and I found a really interesting book series about campers in National Parks.  This is right up her alley as she has visited a large number of parks already in her 7 years!  She has such a sweet personality and has made so many friends in school.  This is her second year as a Daisy Scout and she has earned lots of patches for her vest.  Grace is such a good big sister to Jimmy.  Jimmy misses Grace so much when she is at school.  He can't wait to go to the bus stop to pick her up.  

Around the birthday's I always think about how much these girls have changed!  These are a couple of my favorite pictures of Anna and Grace....

This is me with Anna when she was only a few days old.  I love this picture of us!
And this was Grace and me when she was just a few weeks old!  This one I have a magnet on my fridge so I look at it every day!

More than anything else, I have realized the importance of spending time with these precious grandchildren.  In the last few months I have gotten busier with other things and I needed this reminder of just how important it is to really be present for my adult children and their children!  It is one of life's greatest blessings to be included in the growing up years of our grandchildren.  Knowing all about their day to day activities and being able to pray specifically for them is a powerful responsibility.  Thanks to electronic communication, even if you don't live nearby, you can still keep up with them.  Every day is another chance to help them learn and grow in Jesus.  There is really nothing that is more important.  

I recently had the privilege of serving in the nursery at church.  There were two sweet babies that I got to play with and cuddle.  One of them settled down in my lap in the glider and promptly went to sleep.  They just seem to know when a "grandma" is holding them!  What a wonderful way to show the love of Jesus to  the babies, but also to their parents.  If you get a chance to help out a young mom and dad with their baby or toddler, take the time to do it!  You will be blessed in the helping!  

Jesus, thank you for allowing me to be a part of my grandchildren's lives.  Holy Spirit, remind us to find meaningful ways to help those around us.  Give us courage and boldness to reach out and volunteer.  Remind us to pray for all the children - in our neighborhoods, our towns and the world.  Thank you for the joy and love of children.  Amen



Sunday, January 28, 2024

Another (Disney) Icy post!

 I was very excited that Susie and Doug asked me to attend Disney on Ice with the kids again this year.  It was Jimmy's first experience and it was a good one!  Sadly, Susie's mom was not feeling well, so she had to miss this.  Thanks to the wonder of modern technology, we were able to facetime her in for her to at least see some of the fun. 


I was really wondering how Jimmy would do in this very different setting.  At 2 1/2, he has a relatively short attention span.  But the wonder that is Disney, captured his attention for the entire show.  Grace and Jimmy each got a lighted, revolving wand for Christmas as part of this gift experience.  Anyone who has been to one of these shows knows that these things cost a fortune if you purchase them at the show.  So it was a smart move to buy these in advance!

It was the perfect show for Jimmy.  There was Raya and the last Dragon.  Cars, complete with McQueen and Mater,  Mickey and Minnie were there, of course, plus Donald, Daisy and Goofy! For a kid who watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, this was wonderful.  And then.....Toy Story!  Jimmy practically jumped from the seat when Buzz Lightyear came out! 
All Jimmy talks about is Buzz.  He flies all of his toys around the house screaming "To Infinity and Beyond!"   Yes, there was one happy boy when Buzz skated on.  He was a bit scared of the robot scene but very amazed when the big orange balls fell from the ceiling.  

The second half had Frozen, which was certainly good for Grace also.  She had come to the show dressed in her Anna costume and had been waiting patiently for Anna and Elsa.  Jimmy was so excited to see Olaf!

Jimmy also loves Moana.  Especially - Maui!  So when the stage became a Polynesian backdrop, we knew that Maui would appear soon.  And then, there he was!

Jimmy actually got a bit scared during the volcano scenes!  It doesn't bother him on TV but on this giant screen, with "flames" skating all over the ice, it was a bit intense.  He was very glad when that was over and Moana and Maui "floated" off.  

There was so much more in this program!  All the Disney princess' made an appearance.  There was a long Aladdin scene with a truly amazing "flying Carpet" that skated in impossible looking ways.  Encanto included skating to "We Don't Talk about Bruno" which Grace really loved.  All in all, it was a fabulous show.  

I loved the show, but most of all, loved seeing it with Grace and Jimmy.  Seeing their excitement and watching them experience these characters in new ways, brings them to life for me also!  In spite of the bitter cold weather, it was a heart warming way to spend an afternoon.  

During this "deep freeze" we have had in January, the tubing to my ice maker froze up!  I suddenly realized that I didn't have an over supply of ice cubes in my freezer!  I know that I have been complaining about the icy weather, but I love ice in my water bottle!  It doesn't make much sense, but I like my water cold - even in the winter!  Thankfully Doug came and shut off the line so that it wouldn't burst and flood my kitchen.  And I was faced with the problem of no ice.  I long ago threw out the ice cube trays and was not going to run to the store in freezing weather.  I looked around my cupboards and saw the silicon cupcake liners that I purchased to replace the disposable paper ones.  I put six liners in a flat plastic container and suddenly, I have six perfect little "cupcakes" of ice that fit perfectly in my water bottle!  On the plus side, they stay frozen for a very long time!  I haven't missed my ice maker at all.  As they say, "Necessity is the mother of invention!"  

So here we are, nearing the end of January.  While it has been cold and icy and snowy, we have now transitioned to rain and fog.  The temperatures have warmed to the high thirties and there has still been piles of snow on the ground. Truly it has been a mixed bag of weather this year.  But looking back, even in the icy cold, there have been so many heart warming events.  Even my small "mishap" with my ice maker, has a surprise good outcome, with small cakes of ice that last longer.  I guess what I have been feeling is about finding the very good that can come out of a not so good event.  I think it is a good reminder to me (really everyone), to look for the positive instead of only seeing the negative.  This reminds me of a "Mister Rogers" statement that I heard a very long time ago.  He said that when there was a bad or scary situation, his mother told him to always look for the helpers.  So, in the midst of a very bad weather month, Doug came and took care of the snow/ice for me.  Also a neighbor paid to have my driveway plowed after a heavy snow.  Doug also saved me from possible water damage by shutting off the water.  I am thankful for workers who plowed and salted streets so I could get to these events.  There were lots of helpers in the parking lot of this Disney on Ice show, directing traffic and helping us find parking.  I am very thankful for them.  Yes, so many others who continue to work, no matter what the weather is like.  The police, the fire fighters, the doctors, nurses and all who keep hospitals running.  The bus drivers, all the workers at the airports, the store clerks, the truck drivers who deliver all of the things we rely on,  yes, I am thankful for them also. 

As January comes to a close, we have two very important events coming in our family!  Anna will turn 10 on Tuesday and Grace will turn 7 on Thursday.  Big days for them for sure!  I am ending this month feeling so blessed.  So thankful and so warm.  While it might still be typical January weather for Chicago, it feels pleasant and happy for this grandma!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that even in hard times, we can find the good.  Holy Spirit, turn our eyes to see all the helpers when it feels like things are going wrong.  Give us wisdom to BE the helpers.  Jesus, thank you for gifting us with creative minds that can imagine so much.  Inspire us all to look outside of the box when faced with difficult situations.  Thank you for loving us and providing exactly what we need.  Amen