We have our dozen!!

A lot of thinking occurs as one drives along the highways - today was no exception. John announced that with the birth of Stevin and Katrina's baby, we'll have arrived at our 12th child!!
I guess I better explain: many years ago, when we discussed how many children we should have, we kidded each other and stated that we would love to have about a dozen. (As you know, we didn't get that far, my body gave up after five.)
So - 5 of our own plus 3 daughters-in-law plus 3 grand-kids plus the next yet-to-born-due-very-soon equals 12!!

Riches

Emily asked me where the picture of "the sleepover bed" was - well here it is! I got a photo of it before I folded everything away. Now, to my eyes, it isn't anything too special. But for 2 little girls having a sleepover together at Opa and Oma's, and sleeping in the same room as Opa and Oma, it was very special!
I love this picture of Maria - but then all of her pictures are cute. This was taken when we stopped in when John delivered a couple of trailers in Dartmouth. The time spent was short - but very sweet!

And I couldn't resist taking a picture of Opa's riches. I found this bowl, with the change in it, in our bedroom the other day. The girls had found it and included it in their playing while they were here on Saturday. Said Naomi: "Opa's really, really rich! Look at all the money!"

Oh, Naomi, to your young eyes all that change looks like a lot, but Opa's real riches are his precious children and grandchildren!

gardener beware!

I am discovering that gardening has its perils for me. Over the weekend, I worked up a fever and went to the doctor Monday - to find out that I have cellulitis in my right big toe. The staph bacteria exists everywhere, and I guess I must have had bare feet at some time last week while out in the garden.
Last year I had something get me, too, with severe rash and itching, which eventually cleared up on its own.
And the year before! I thought it was poison ivy, but maybe there was something else.....
And I often get itchy hands when working in the spring garden.
Cellulitis can only be cleared up by antibiotics, though, so I am now taking a strong dose of it.
John said that I should stop gardening - is it possible? I think I'll be wearing clean socks and shoes every day I go out, instead. And gloves.

sleep-over!

We not only returned home on Sunday from Stevin and Katrina's with the tractor on the trailer, but we brought Naomi and Petra along, too. Someone's wish for a sleep-over was coming true!

We arrived home just in time to make supper (a winner with chicken nuggets, corn and mashed potatoes), and of course, all the toys had to come out before we could even think about sleeping!

But when it was finally time for bed, they were ready - after a good long story about Curious George - x 2!! We also had to decide who was going to sleep on which side of the bed that was made on the floor in Opa and Oma's room. Naomi decided that she needed to sleep on that pillow because this pillow wouldn't look good with her on it!!
It was 9 o'clock when the light finally went out, and another 1/2 hour before 2 little girls were finally asleep.
Yes, this Opa and Oma were tired, too!










The next day was a busy one: dollar pancakes for breakfast,toys, sandbox, Opa leaving in the big truck, more toys, drawing and writing, visiting Great-Grandma, the best grilled cheese sandwich time with jello for dessert, quiet time and nap time, singing and listening times, and when it was time to go home - well, Petra was quite ready to return with her Mom, but Naomi wanted to stay another night!

We had fun, and next time we'll ......!