Marley!

Proud Pop and Meemaw with brand new baby granddaughter Marley.

October 22

This would have been my dad's 93rd birthday.

As my readers know, Dad died in September this year, after suffering from Alzheimers for several years. (A nasty thief of a disease, stealing loved ones before they are gone.)

He was a true Christian in every sense of the word. Not boisterous, but steady. Loyal. Solid. Gentle. Loving, and kind.

In the last months of his life, he was seen by the staff at the care center where he lived, lying on his bed with his arms raised toward heaven, quietly praying and praising God.

They asked my brother if Dad was a pastor. No, but he certainly loved Jesus.

Alzheimers may steal a lot of things from a man, but it can't steal his soul.

"I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands," (Psalm 63;4).

A NEW BABY!

I'll post a photo later tomorrow, but here's the important news:

Marley Irene Mercy

...daughter of Josh and Shannon

...was born early Sunday, October 21, 2007, at 2:42 am--only 22 minutes after they arrived at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Weighing in at 8lbs 10oz and measuring 21" long, she has short black hair and fat pudgy cheeks punctuated by a precious little bow of a mouth.

While I held her she made the sweetest little squeeky noises. (awwwwwww) And she is beautiful!

Marley is our 13th grandchild; our 6th granddaughter.

Welcome to the world Miss Marley!

Amazing technology from Japan

Look closely and guess what they could be...
Are they pens with cameras?
Any wild guesses? No clue yet?
Tah-Dah! You've just seen something that will replace your PC in the near future. (What'll they think of next!?!)
In the revolution of miniature computers, scientists have made great developments with bluetooth technology.
This is the forthcoming computer you can carry in your pocket.
These "pen" instruments produce both the monitor as well as the keyboard on any flat surfaces from where you can carry out functions you would normally do on your desktop computer.
Looks like our computers are out of date... again!

(Thanks to our Wisconsin friend, John G., for sending this news item.)

Cupcake Day

Seven of my grandkids came over Monday. We made cupcakes. It was a riot.

The three-year-old twins Rhodes and Rhett were the ones to squeeze open the eggs. There's a first time for everything--just use your imagination...

Seventeen-year-old Tori was there to help. And daughter-in-law, Shannon, was there too after she returned from her doctor visit (grandchild #13 is due 18 October).

We had the kids all around my kitchen island on chairs and stools. Rhett, Monroe, Monet, Rhodes, Vaughn, Lincoln. They just took turns, going counter-clockwise around the island, with the mixing steps--each one getting to do a step. Measuring, stirring, etc., someone got to turn the oven on, someone read the instructions (Vaughn), someone poured and measured oil. Everyone got to stir. They each got to put two cupcake papers in the tin, and then each got to fill two cupcake papers. I did help here a bit, but it was just fun!

Then when the cupcakes were cooled off, the frosting began. We gave them each a square of paper towel and two cupcakes. then a knife. (these were just ones from the table settings to go with the fork and spoon--my mom called 'em butter knives--no serrated edges or sharp parts even--but it really raised eyebrows...they KNEW they were NEVER allowed to touch knives. But here was Meemaw giving them each a knife, so it must be okay. They were very quiet, no one offering to suggest knives might be off-limits.)

Each took a glob of frosting on their forbidden knife and swirled it on the cupcakes, one at a time. Oh, the concentration of these little ones! I helped each kid a little while the others watched, waiting patiently their turn to frost. Then came the sprinkles. Nobody got out of control. And their cupcakes were beautiful.

I took photos like crazy during the process. And especially the finished products.

Alas. My iPhone that i'd used to take the photos, crashed when i was trying to download the pictures. Long story. A post for another day.

Sadness.
Whines.
Tears.

Aargh.

A Little Anniversary to Celebrate

Today, October 5, 2007, is the anniversary of the first time Dave kissed me!

Forty-nine years ago today.

(Yeah, it was a good one!)

P.S. It is also my youngest brother's birthday. (Happy Birthday, Tom.)

Jonah-Vaughn

"I promise! I'll go to Ninevah! Just get me out of this big fish!"

The Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans was interrupted by Katrina, but is recovering slowly. So we took the kids there the other day.

We took loads of pictures so I thought I'd show off some of my grands again.

Monet, Vaughn, Monroe

Seventeen!

You are the kid who made us grandparents.
We are proud of you and your commitment to serving Jesus.
We can't wait to see what God does with your life.
Happy Birthday, Victoria Grace. You are beautiful inside and out.
We love you.