Catching Up...

Let's see...it's been a while since I blogged. I believe the last post I wrote concerned Madison learning how to swim. A lot has happened since then--some of it not so much fun!

About 3 days after finishing up with her swimming lessons, Madison developed "swimmer's ear". Not fun! Actually she spent part of the long Fourth of July weekend with the earache. Her mom got sick with some kind of "throat funk" and was sick part of the weekend, as well...It wasn't a fun time at Maddie's house. Tuesday, following the holiday, found both mother and daughter at the doctor's office! Both are still recovering...

Meanwhile, Caden and his family went on vacation during the long holiday weekend. They spent several days in northern Georgia near a lake. They were not alone, they vacationed with Christina's family, including many of Caden's cousins--most of whom are little boys. I'm sure he enjoyed himself immensely. I haven't seen them much since they returned.

It's been sort of quiet around our house during the past week, with half of the family sick, and the other half out-of-town. Fortunately, we still had "newlyweds", Brad and Jennifer, and granddog, "Newbie" to keep us us entertained some of the time. There's never a dull moment with those three around--especially Newbie!

Speaking of Newbie, Ed and I took care of her while her parents were on their honeymoon. She looked forward to coming to visit with us for a few hours each afternoon, but oh how she hated to go back home to her kennel! She would leave us a souvenier hole in our yard each day when she visited! So thoughtful of her, don't you think? Now, each time she gets a chance to get out of her kennel, guess where she comes??? To MiMi's house!

Ah those "grands"...ya' just gotta' love 'em!

Guess Who's Learned To Swim?!

While I was growing up I experienced several "episodes" concerning water. I can remember at least three different, scarey, incidents whenever I thought I was going to drown. As a result, I grew into an adult who has a fear of water.

Eventually, I conquered some of my fears concerning water, but not all. I learned how to swim a bit after we put in our swimming pool, but swimming is not something that comes natural to me, and I don't like to get my head under the water! My daughter, Brandy, is somewhat like me concerning water. She swims a bit, but hates to get her head wet as well.

Granddaughter, Madison, has no fear of water at all, and loves it. Madison's mama thought it would be a good idea to enroll her in swimming lessons before she developed the fear. I'm so glad she did!

Madison attended swimming lessons all last week, and she appears to be a "natural". She was diving off the diving board, and swimming across the pool by the last day of lessons. She loves swimming under the water! It was definately time and money "well-spent".

Madison will be enjoying her newly acquired swimming skills on their family vacation in a couple of weeks. Go, Maddie! The cycle has been broken...this MiMi is very proud!

I Think She Likes What She Sees...

My daughter snapped this candid shot of Madison on Saturday while she was admiring herself in the mirror...From the look on her face, I think she likes what she sees!

Madison had the honor of being the flower girl at her Uncle Brad's wedding. Since she'd already had some practice at being a flower girl, she did a wonderful job! She dropped those rose petals like a real "pro".

Madison had gotten sick with strep throat earlier in the week, and wasn't feeling her best, but she did a great job anyway! Now MiMi owes Maddie and Cade a trip to "Chuck E Cheese"!

Simple Pleasures...

When I saw this photograph of Caden on his mom's facebook page, I just had to borrow it!

That's the biggest grin I've ever seen on his little face--and it's there because he's getting to ride in the back of his E-pa's old pickup truck! Remember those days???

Don't worry...we don't go very fast or very far, and we don't ride on the highway.

It's nice to know that sometimes life's simplest pleasures still bring the biggest rewards--like a great big grin!

Guess What?! Caden Has Some News...

Caden and his parents spent most of yesterday afternoon at our house, along with Maddie and her family. We were eating rehearsal dinner left-overs, and sitting around watching video of our youngest son's wedding. It was a relaxing time, following the hectic wedding events of the past two days.

Everyone went home about mid-afternoon, but on Sunday evening Caden's family returned. As Caden was rambling around my kitchen, I noticed that he had on a new-looking t-shirt. I always enjoy reading the front of his shirts, so I called him over to let me see his shirt.

I nearly fell off the chair when I read the front of his shirt! I love surprises like this one!

Caden's mom has been sitting on this wonderful news for eight long weeks! She didn't want to distract from the wedding preparation and excitement, so she waited until after the wedding to make the announcement. I admire her for being so thoughtful of Brad and Jennifer.

So...sometime around New Year's Day, little Caden will have a big brother or sister--and this old MiMi can brush the dust off of her rocking chair! I am absolutely thrilled!!!

Excuse My Absence...We Have A Wedding In Progress

If you have been wondering where I am lately, I'm "knee deep" in wedding activities. Our youngest son is getting married on Saturday, June 25th. That's in two days--barely more than 48 hours away!

Both Madison and Caden are going to be in the wedding party, so I'm sure to have some tales to tell next week--and maybe a picture or two to share.

Hopefully, Madison will be able to wear shoes in this wedding! If you recall, she ended up going barefooted the last time because the shoes shrank when they were dyed! The wedding is taking place smack in the middle of Caden's nap time, so this may prove to be interesting...

In addition, Madison has been sick since Sunday. Yesterday, her mama gave in and took her to the doctor. It turned out that poor Madison has come down with strep throat! Yikes! No wonder she's been complaining...Hopefully, the antibiotics will kick in and she'll be better by Saturday!

Missed nap times, strep throat, aren't we off to a fantastic start? Wish us luck! I'll let you know how it all turns out!

Summertime Fun 2011 at OneTrueMedia.com

Here's a short clip of Madison, Cade, and Cade's daddy, Brett, enjoying some summertime fun! The temperature here reached 104 degrees today!

Interesting note: I have several "curious cats" roaming around the yard. More than one or two of my cats may have checked out the swimming pool in my daughter's yard...Thus, all of the patches and duct tape on the ring around the pool!

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