Come Sail Away

I have always loved sailing. Well, I guess I should say I have always loved the idea of sailing. And I guess what I'm actually saying, is that I have always loved the clothes that sailors wear. Is there anything cuter than little children in sailor suits. I think not.

My sea loving heritage goes way back. This is my favorite picture of my dad as a child wearing his sailor suit. Isn't he cute?

My grandpa was actually in the navy. He looks so dapper in his uniform. I still have that uniform, by the way, along with his crisp white summer one. Andrew modeled it for a program at an assisted living facility when he was in high school. He is tall and thin like Pampaw was. Pampaw played the french horn in the Navy band.

Here I am sporting a sailor collar in a photo with my brother, Ted. I was probably 5. I even had a prom dress with a sailor collar. It was white eyelet, so it didn't really look like I was ready for tacking into the wind, but I liked it. I also liked those letter jackets with the big square collar in back. Since our high school mascot was the Pirates, it seemed especially appropriate. Back then, letter jackets were only awarded for sports. I did not receive such an award.

It only followed, that when our first baby was born, he would wear a little sailor suit.

And soon, we were a whole sailin' family. I think I may have mentioned it before, but I know, my hair.

And then there were four little sailors.

Easter, 1988. Yes, I was a sailor suits and saddle shoes kind of mama. Don't judge. :)

And Easter, 1989. Most of these festive outfits can still be found in the depths of my closets. Shocking, I know.

Five kids, two sailors. The beauty of hand-me-downs.

Little Adam even had a boat. And a sailor bear to join him. Look at his little curls.

All smiles for the church directory photo, although I remember being 'grumpy Mom' getting everyone ready for the picture. And I'm sure it wasn't the only time. Just keepin' it real here. Sailor Jennifer's dress matched her American Girl doll, Samantha, and even came with a little gold whistle a la Captain von Trapp. (I do know where the whistle is, but I never managed the marching children.)

All this leads up to the fact that I will actually be a sailor this week. Well, I will be a passenger, on this beautiful ship, visiting some beautiful destinations, with some beautiful people, including Sandi Patty and some of her special friends and guests.

But the most beautiful part is that I will be traveling with these beautiful women on a trip we've been talking about for years. And I don't have a single sailor suit in my suitcase.

Love is in the Air

Happy Valentine's Day! I thought I would share a few thoughts on love on this frosty Friday.

Yes, it's snowing again. I can't say that I love snow, but it is pretty as it falls. It's just so, well... cold.  It is colder here than it is at the winter Olympics, which I have loved watching this week. From my warm spot on the couch. :)

As I told my little group in Children's Church last week, it is because of God's great love for us that we learn to love one another. And there can never be too much love in the world.

A young love blast from the past. I'm all smiles with the first flowers from my love on Valentine's Day 1980. (And in the background, the Raggedy Ann that Haleigh can't love.)

Puppy love. That's the photo that first made me fall in love with my Gumbo. And everybody loves Gumbo.

How cute is that Nick Goepper? An Indiana boy from right down the road in Lawrenceburg, and an Olympic bronze medalist, he is looking for love on the Internet. Any single young women out there? Send him a message #iwanttodatenick. He would love to meet you!

And finally, I would like to share some love with the talented Shannon, who put together a new blog design for me. I love it! She shared this little creation on her own blog today to remind us that we are loved.

I hope you feel the love today, and every day.
Love never faileth.
Beloved, love one another.

Pennies on the Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday, it's February, it's another cold day, and it's time for the Hodgepodge. Thanks to Joyce for hosting the party. It may be cold outside, but there's lots of warmth among friends here at the Hodgepodge. Click on the button below for a taste of the warm hospitality.

Here are my answers to Joyce's questions:

1.What makes love last?

Mutual respect, trust, forgiveness, loyalty, laughter, gratitude, prayer. And more prayer. I learned that there are many books written on this topic, and I found a quote, by John Gottman that states, "Loyalty is about nurturing gratitude for what you have." I agree.
I wrote posts in celebration of our 29th and 30th wedding anniversaries with a few more thoughts about what makes love last. A sense of humor. :)

2. The Beatles made their US debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite Beatles tune?

I remember learning to sing "She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah..", and "I want to hold your hand…" when I was 4 or 5, and I liked the Beatles, but I wouldn't say that I was ever a big fan. (Not a screaming and fainting kind of fan anyway.) I did know they were a big deal. We sang some of their classic songs in high school show choir (our group was called Silhouettes and Shadows), and I like 'Penny Lane', 'Ob-La-Di, Ob, La, Da', and 'With a Little Help From My Friends' because of singing them back then. I also remember a performance when one of the guys in the group was singing 'Michelle' and tried to sing the French without actually knowing the words. The rest of us had to fight to keep from cracking up. 

3. Valentine's Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you?

I'm happy to celebrate Valentine's Day. Or not. Dinner out is always fun. Cards are nice, if there's time, and you find a good one. It's nice to be remembered, and surprises are always fun. I hope my loved ones know I love them whether I send a Valentine or not. Because I do. 

4. Steak or burger...you have to choose. Now that that's settled, how do you like it? 

Steak.

 And burgers.

I won't choose.
Grilled, medium rare, from our freezer. With my people.

5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying, 'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power.'  Do you agree? Why or why not?

Abe Lincoln was a wise man. I do agree, because I believe that power (fame, fortune) presents a person with challenges that can be difficult to balance. It surely is a test of character.

Speaking of characters (how's that for transition?), I thought I would include an Abe Lincoln related photo (surprise surprise). This was taken during the summer of our southern Indiana history tour before David's 4th grade year. We visited the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana, and then enjoyed the play, 'Young Abe Lincoln' at the Lincoln Amphitheater. This 'Abe' visited with the crowd before the show. I like how no one in the picture seems quite ready for it. :) (And don't you think those shirts I stenciled would be Pinterest-worthy?)

What I remember most about the show was that after the cast took their bows, they invited the crowd to feel free to come down and visit with the actors before leaving. Jennifer (first grade) ran straight down to the stage to greet the young woman who played Abe's sister Sarah. Jennifer was always ready to meet a new friend!

6. Honest Abe's image is featured on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I'm wondering...what do you do with your pennies (or your country's equivalent)?  It's been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been introduced proposing just that, but neither were approved. What say you?

When I was in high school, my Uncle Bill gave me a large antique glass jug, similar to this one, to fill with pennies.

Mine is probably 2 feet tall, and, of course, he started me with a few pennies (maybe $10 worth), that barely covered the bottom. The jug still sits in my room at my parents' house, and I think my dad still goes upstairs and deposits pennies in it from time to time. it's probably over halfway full, and I've had it for over 35 years. Maybe one of these days we should count the pennies and buy a new car! Or at lease a new set of tires. Lol.
I kind of like those little pennies with Honest Abe's image. I say keep them!

7.  Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?

I always like the pop culture questions in Trivial Pursuit or other such games. I think there are valuable lessons to be learned from the study of almost anything.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Birthday today to my friend Ann. She shares a birthday with Abe (which has always been cool), and we have shared fun and life since our days in nursery school.

We danced together, sang together, went to camp together, took vacations together, shopped together, went to college together, and still have fun together when life allows.

Happy Birthday, old friend! (Fifty years of friendship earns us the 'old' word, like it or not.)

Go for the Gold!

The world is watching the Olympics this week. We are cheering for our favorites, and witnessing athletes from around the world experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. (Does anyone else remember the Wide World of Sports?)

I imagine most of us have special memories of watching the Olympics over the years. We are able to witness exceptional athletes, learn about countries and cultures different from our own, and feel the pride as our flag rises over the podium.

My first memory of the Olympics was watching Peggy Fleming win the gold medal in figure skating in 1968. I was 8 years old, and I was home from school because I was sick. I was rarely sick enough to miss school, but for the days of Olympic skating, I watched from my spot in bed in my parents' room, sipping on chicken noodle soup and 7 Up/OJ cocktails. I was entranced by Peggy, wearing the lime green costume her mom had made, skating to Olympic gold.

It was the first Olympics broadcast in color, and of course, there weren't the viewing options at that time that we have today. I think the skating was on during the day, as it happened, and that's why it was a treat for me to be home (even sick) from school to watch it. She was beautiful, and inspired little girl skaters everywhere.

(source)

Speaking of the Olympics, I found a few photos from September 1988 when Ruthann organized a 'Kid Olympics' for our little ones in celebration of the Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Of course, while I was uploading pictures, Ruthann already wrote about it on her Caring Bridge site, and did so much more eloquently than I will. Be sure to click over and check it out.

The kids all lined up for the national anthem, which Josh played on his trumpet. I noticed (and was surprised and impressed) in this photo, that even the dads came to witness this event. Good job dads!

Flags over hearts, and attentive little faces listening to the Star Spangled Banner.

Elizabeth helps 18-month-old Caroline with her flag.

And let the games begin! We didn't have actually olympic events, but some makeshift kid-friendly activities. Here, Jennifer gets a little help from Emily, while Jessica waits her turn.

Willa and Andrew hit the bucket. (A bit like getting the stone in the house, right?)

After the competition, there were refreshments, and time for the athletes to rest. Here, Kyle, Caroline, and David relax on the bench.

Medals and flags for all!

Of course, if this happened today, I would have 267 photos to share instead of just a measly 7. I must have been preoccupied trying to keep track of my own 5, 4, 2, and 1 year olds (where was Jonathan, anyway?) and helping with the games for the group. I prefer to think that I was present, and enjoying one of life's little precious moments. It was a simpler time, and I didn't have to worry about tweeting, instagramming, or updating my status as each day unfolded. :) I'm just thankful to have the photos I do have, and to be able to locate them. Ha!
God bless each of these (now grown-up) children,
God bless the Olympic athletes, and
God bless America!

Big 10

In honor of grandson Matthew's 10th birthday (how is that possible?), I have a top ten list.

Here are the top ten things I love about Matthew:

#10. He's always happy.

#9. He's a football fan.

#8. He's a little Boilermaker.

#7. He cheers for the Saints.

#6. He gets up after being knocked down.

#5. He's a great big brother.

#4. He reads the map for me.

#3. He's smart.

#2. He's a good sport.

 And the #1 thing I love about Matthew? He calls me Granny.

Happy 10th Birthday, Matthew!

Granny loves you!

FIVE on Friday

It's been a busy week, but it's Friday! It has warmed up to just above freezing, and we are expecting some rain over the weekend before the next big snowstorm hits us next week. It has been a winter! Good thing I have some warm destinations scheduled in the not-too-distant future!

So here are FIVE things:

{one}
I enjoyed a game of You're Bluffing with the boys last weekend. Otherwise known as Kuhhandel. Jonathan learned the game when he was a counselor at church camp with Pastor Dave. After the boys were asleep, the counselors would break out this game and stay up late buying cows and hoping for donkeys. He thought it was the best game ever. Trouble is, it is out of print, so when I tried to buy it for him it was a bit tricky. I did finally find it, the German version, called Kuhhandel. Fortunately, since the cards have numbers, and not words, it's all good.
Of course, I always have to have the horses at all costs. Not always the best strategy. I was reasonably well positioned this time, with sheep and horses, but after the boys had finished making all their steals and deals, I ended up second. Unlike some others in the family, I'm fine with that. :) It's a game, we play it for fun.

{two}
We are making progress on our little bathroom remodel. Old vanity out, new floor in. After 30 years, it was time, I think. Not a total reno, but it will freshen things up. I am working on painting today, and the new vanity will be installed on Monday. Yay! I hope to do a before/after post when it's all finished. I love the new floor!

{three}
I went to Bryan and Jennifer's on Monday night in time for supper. I watch Noah on Tuesdays, and I thought it would be a little smarter to drive up Monday in the daylight instead of at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday when it was 15 below zero. And it was.
Bryan was preparing his version of pulled pork nachos inspired by the dish we enjoy at Big Woods Brewery in Nashville. Pulled pork, corn, black beans, onions, peppers, barbecue sauce, and cheese on a tortilla,

YUM!

{four}
I was happy to spend some #grannytime with this little smiley one on Tuesday,

and these two cuties on Wednesday. We enjoyed watching a movie together on the computer.

{five}
It's Super Bowl weekend! It's always fun to watch the big game, and the fun commercials. Does anyone else feel like the this year's commercials have been previewed so much that there won't be anything new to see on Sunday? I guess it just adds up to more exposure for the advertisers, but it means that no one actually has to watch the commercials on game day since we can just replay them online. Of course, I'm more interested in the game than the commercials anyway.
My team isn't playing in the Super Bowl this year (so sad), but my quarterback has been making the rounds in New York City, so that's fun.
Here he is surprising Hoda Kotb on the Today Show. She is a true Saints fan and a Drew fan, and she was so excited. And yes, I took a picture of the tv.

Later, he appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. Dave asked him about the kids, the Saints, and the Boilers. When Dave brought up the Boilers' most recent season, and the bucket game, Drew reminded him that we owned the bucket during Drew's Boiler years. Yes we did.

He showed this photo of his boys going at it at training camp earlier this year. Future Boilers?

Have a SUPER weekend!

Linking up today with 5 on Friday.