The Making Of A Gingerbread House...

Where has the time flown? It's been forever and a day since I was able to post over here.
As Christmas kept approaching, I noticed that I kept moving slower and slower...then it hit me--the flu--just seven days before Christmas!

Unfortunately, about that same time, the flu hit poor Madison, too. She and I spent the final week before Christmas, sick as we could be! However, we were able to rally-- just in time to enjoy Christmas--even though neither of us was "our best" on Christmas.


About two weeks before Christmas--and before the flu hit us--Madison's class at "Wee Ones" made Gingerbread Houses! Madison's mama stayed at school on that day, and helped with this project. From the looks of the photos, it was great fun for all!

For Madison, having that plate of decorations sitting in front of her was "Heaven"! Brandy said that Madison ate about as many decorations as she put on her house! When she arrived home, she even had some of that sticky white frosting in the sides of her hair!!!

Of course, Madison and her mama brought the finished house over for me to see. I just loved it! I still remember when my own children made these! Madison didn't want me to take her photo with her Gingerbread House--and so she claimed "that her face was tired". LOL That little stinker...

Precious memories, for sure. Time is marching on by--much too quickly!

Maddie Says...

I wanted to document a couple of things that our little Maddie has said recently, because you know, "Kids say the darnedest things!"

First of all, the other day when I was trying to take a picture of Madison with the gingerbread house that she had made, she quickly told me "My face is tired."

A couple of days later, when her mom tried to get her to sit on Santa's lap, Madison replied, "I'm not sitting on his lap, his beard is dirty!" Oh my goodness--I guess a poor excuse is better than none, right?

A couple of days ago, Madison was touching the ornaments on their Christmas tree, when mom caught her, and asked her what she was doing. Maddie replied, "I'm playing with the "instruments!" (her word for ornaments).

We're sure going to miss these moments one of these days...

I hope you enjoy that photo of Madison in this post...it's rare to get one these days. She's posing with Minnie Mouse who happens to be holding "Buddy", the elf on the shelf. Every night "Buddy" travels to the North Pole to talk with Santa, then returns home, and rests in a different spot--in order to observe Madison's behavior the next day. "Buddy's" been creative with his observation spots this year--from Minnie Mouse's arm to the middle of the nativity set. Yesterday he was spotted on to of the curtain rod! He was also in Clint's camouflaged Christmas stocking one morning! That "Buddy"--he's a sly one!

Caden's First Two Years Of Life... at OneTrueMedia.com

Our little grandson, Caden, was born two years ago today. He's been such a joyful addition to our family.

This montage is a tribute and celebration of Caden's first two years of life.

Happy Birthday, little man! We love you very much.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Someone Celebrated A Birthday Today...

Yes, someone celebrated a birthday today...and his name is Caden! He will be two years old tomorrow. Family and friends gathered today for..."A Handy Manny Birthday Party"!

Caden was dressed in his #2 Handy Manny birthday shirt, his Handy Manny socks, and he even had a little yellow birthday hard hat, but I couldn't get him to wear it for me while I took his picture.

This was one of the few times that Caden actually broke out in a smile--when he opened this "Talking Salty" train. I think he loved it!

"MiMi" and "E-pa" gave him this giant Tonka dump truck--which he decided that he needed to ride in.

And his cousin, Landon, was happy to give him a push! Weeeee.....One funny moment was when Caden opened a gift of rain boots and a rain coat, and asked "Where's the toy?"

In the end, it took all three, Mama, Daddy, and Caden, to blow out that birthday candle! Happy birthday, little man!

By the end of the party, Caden was so tired that he layed down to play. He really liked this Thomas the Train set, too. Handy Manny and Thomas were definately the favorites at this little boy's birthday party.

I've finished Cade's video montage, and I'll post it tomorrow--in honor of his actual day of birth!

The Lighted Christmas Parade...

One of our annual Christmas traditions has always been to attend at least one Christmas Parade. We quickly discovered that we prefer the "magic" of an evening lighted parade.

For the second year in a row, we attended the Jesup Christmas Parade. In spite of temperatures dipping below freezing lately, the weather warmed up on Saturday, and it was actually quite pleasant.

Although we didn't actually plan it ahead of time, all of our family ended up at the parade. We managed to find each other, and the grand kids got to enjoy viewing the parade together, while we enjoyed watching the grandchildren watching the parade!

I took a few photographs, but they didn't turn out very good. It looks like it's raining or snowing in this one, but it wasn't doing either! I thought the photo has a magical look though.

This float always signifies the end of the parade. It's the same every year--with Santa and his reindeer on top. I found it interesting that Mrs. Claus was riding on a separate float! What's up with that?

We always enjoy our Christmas outings, and this year was no exception. I'm hoping to take in the light display at Guido Gardens one evening, and perhaps one other daytime Christmas Parade--in addition to attending a birthday party for a special little boy on Saturday! Busy times, but good times!

Someone's About To Turn Two...

I can't believe it's almost been two years since this little guy made his entrance into this world! I was hosting a Christmas lunch for my husband's co-workers at the hospital when the call came that he would be arriving that afternoon.

I left the food in the care of my husband, hopped in the car, and headed to the hospital to wait for the birth. Within a couple of hours, our little baby boy, Caden, had arrived!

I'm hard at work, making a little video montage for Caden. I can't believe how he's grown and changed over the past 24 months! So many memories...I'll share it with you when I get it finished!

Once again, pardon my blogging absence, as I prepare for a birthday--in addition to preparing for Christmas. It's a busy time!

Everything Old Is New Again...

The other evening our favorite curly haired little girl, Madison, and her family came over for a visit. It was at the end of another busy day of school and dance for Madison.

On this particular evening, she came over to watch an old Christmas classic tale with us. A show that we've viewed many times over the years with her mother, and our other children while they were growing up.

This year, the show was remastered in "HD", but everything else was the same. Sam the Snowman, the misfit toys, the elf who wanted to be a dentist, and of course, the reindeer with the shiny red nose! Have you figured out which show we watched?

If you guessed "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" you guessed correctly, and guess what? I still remember all of the songs by heart!

Turkeys...

I'm sorry that I have been MIA for a few days. I just found it impossible to keep up two blogs and take care of all of the Thanksgiving activities...I guess I'm getting old.

I couldn't let Thanksgiving pass without sharing these adorable turkeys that Madison and her mother made a few days ago.

Brandy always says she's not "crafty", but I don't agree. She used parts of a magnolia tree, and pine cones to make these adorable turkeys--an idea that she came up with on her own.

I wasn't home the day that the girls made their turkeys. When I returned home, I asked Madison what she had been doing. Madison told me that she'd been making turkeys with her mama. Then she said "But I don't know why we've been making turkeys!" Ha Ha Leave it to a child!

Another funny thing happened concerning Thanksgiving and the turkey. On Thanksgiving Day, Madison came into the kitchen just about the time my husband was going to carve the turkey. Keep in mind that she had been watching the commercial for Swanson's chicken broth on television--you know, the one where the turkey leaves the shopping cart and runs away from the "no name broth"...

Well, Madison took one look at that smoking turkey on the table, and asked "What is that?" When her mama told her it was the turkey, she looked disturbed. It took some coaxing to convince her that the turkey was NOT going to "get" her! Shame on those Swanson people and their commercial! Come to think of it, it was kind of spooky seeing that dead, raw turkey running around the grocery store!

Disney Princesses On Ice...

I'm a little late in posting these pics from Disney on Ice, but better late than never, right?
I learned one thing that evening, it's very difficult to photograph moving ice skaters, in the dark, with spotlights shining on them! What a challenge! I can't begin to tell you how many out-of-focus, pictures of their backs that I ended up with--but I did get a few half decent shots--and I took over one hundred!

My husband took this shot of the three of us girls waiting for the show to begin. Madison wasn't ready...as you can see! I was sitting there enjoying the coolness of the arena! I'm hot-natured, so the coolness was wonderful...

Of course, the show began with Mickey and Minnie as the hosts. They are Madison's favorites!

This is a shot of some of "Aladin". There were some neat stunts and props--including a magic carpet ride, and a very large magic lamp!


I love these silly little dwarfs. They were so cute!



The evil old witch...trying to get Snow White to take a bite of that HUGE apple!

Beauty and the beast...skating around on the ice. I'd hate to have to skate in that costume!

Cinderella and her wonderful prince--at the end of a skating routine.

A scene after the grand finale, just before the curtain closed. So many beautiful costumes to see!

Below is a photograph that I took of Madison, while she watched the show. You can tell from her expression that she thought the show was "awesome"! I thought it was pretty awesome, too!

I really loved the show. I think that there is still some "little girl" inside of me, because I still love those princesses, too! I loved watching all of them come to life on ice, and of course, I loved the happy endings, too!

Six Word Saturday...November 20

My six words for today are:

Gone to see Disney On Ice!

When we discovered that the Disney Princesses were going to be featured on Disney on Ice this year, we knew it would be a good year to go. Granddaughter, Madison, loves all of the Disney Princesses!

It's been over twenty-five years since I've been to an ice show, so I'm kind of excited to be going. My husband and I are going as "tag alongs" with Madison and her parents! Pictures to follow shortly!

Thanks to Cate for hosting this fun meme each Saturday!

Books, Books, and More Books...

I love books.
I didn't have many books when I was growing up, but I've made up for it during my adulthood. I made sure that my children always had plenty of books to read.
When I worked at school, I made sure that the students had plenty of books to read.
Now that I have grandchildren, I have built a nice library of children's books for them to read as well.

My daughter, Brandy, has always loved to read. It wasn't uncommon for her to read well over one-hundred books during summer break from school.

One year she even read over two-hundred!

Madison seems to already share our love of books.
She's loved books since she was old enough to sit up.
Now that she's going to preschool, we have an opportunity to purchase scholastic books. I love it!
I feel like I'm at school again.




The first month of school, scholastic had a great sale on books.
Madison's mama and I had a great time shopping for new books.
Madison is having a great time enjoying the new additions to her library!




Brandy says that one of Madison's new favorites is "Go Dog, Go.
Ah, the memories that book conjures up.
I've listened to many, many students read that book.
Before I know it, I'll be listening to Madison read it, too.
Then I'll feel like I'm at school once again!

Cupcakes...

Saturday was my husband's birthday, and we were having a family cookout to celebrate. I always bake him a German Chocolate cake, because that's his favorite cake. Unfortunately, nobody else in the family really likes German Chocolate cake. So my daughter Brandy, and her daughter, Madison, volunteered to make some cupcakes for a second dessert.

About lunchtime on Saturday, Madison came sashaying through the front door and declared, "We've been making cupcakes!" I took one look at her--with blue frosting all around her mouth, and white frosting in her hair, and said "You don't say!" I soooo wish that I had a picture of the way she looked--but she's gotten rather camera shy lately.

Anyway, she had come over to borrow some sprinkles for their cupcakes--which she put on by herself. Later, we arranged the cupcakes into the shape of "61". Creative, huh? The cupcakes with no sprinkles were at my request--I don't like sprinkles! It's so hard to please a crowd :)

Great job on those cupcakes, girls! They were delicious!

Little Mr. Smarty Pants...

Caden came for a little visit last night. I think he had a pretty good time. Madison came over so he'd have a playmate, and together, the two of them pretty much destroyed the living room. Well, that's what grandchildren do, right?

After about two hours of intense play, I decided it was time to lower the lights and settle down a bit--maybe watch something on television. I picked up some of the toys, then walked over and flipped the light switch off.

Caden immediately began saying "No see! No see!" Finally, I realized he was fussing about the lights being lowered. I went over and turned on a different set of spotlights to brighten things up a bit, but they weren't as bright as the overhead fluorescent lights.

A few minutes later, I noticed lights and ceiling fans coming on! Caden had climbed up on the toy box, which happens to be located underneath the light switches. He didn't know which switch to flip, so he was trying them all! He wasn't happy until the lights were back on like before! I didn't even realize that he knew where the light switch was! Little Mr. Smarty Pants, indeed--and he still has a month to go before he turns two!

In The Kitchen With Maddie...

Madison takes it by "spells", but at the moment, she's been enjoying helping her mama in the kitchen.

The other day, Brandy and Madison were making chili together.

Brandy was trying out a new crock pot recipe, so before lunch the two of them put the ingredients for the chili into a crock pot.

After getting the chili mixed up and cooking, Brandy later put a pizza in the oven for lunch-- without Madison's help.

When Madison came into the kitchen to eat lunch, she exclaimed "Look, it made pizza!"

Madison thought the ingredients that she put into the crock pot had miraculously turned in to pizza!

Now that would've been some recipe, wouldn't it?

What's Cade Been Up To?

My favorite "little man" is growing bigger and smarter every day.

He's not a big eater.

You could almost fit the amount that he eats at mealtime inside of a thimble.

His favorite foods at my house are: french fries, cereal, and candy corn...

However, he seems healthy and happy, and that's what counts.

His vocabulary is growing, too.

He is now putting at least four words together to make a sentence

and he will add his own thoughts whenever you ask him a one-word question.

The the other night I asked him if he had cows at his house.

He quickly replied, "Yes, and a donkey!"

I find this extraordinary for a little person who is not yet two years old!

Of course, I am his "MiMi" and I could be a bit biased...but I don't think so :)

Six Word Saturday...November 6

My six words for today are: I believe this ballerina is tired!

Tuesdays are busy days for granddaughter, Madison.

She has preshool from 9-12, then dance class from 4-5.

Sometimes she just has to stop and take a "finger-sucking" break.

I'm pretty sure I see an orthodontist in Madison's future...

She comes from a long line of thumb and finger suckers!

Thanks to Cate for hostig this fun meme!

How Many Cats Do You See?

Recently, I was looking through my photographs, when I spotted this one from Trick-or-Treat night.

While looking at this photograph, I noticed several cats located in various locations throughout the yard.

There is a reason for this phenomenon...it was near feeding time whenever this photograph was taken!

Cats are creatures of habit, and they begin gathering around our yard at the same time each day.

You could say that our "little witch", Madison, had more than her share of cats around her on that day!

By the way...there are five cats in the picture--four real ones, and a fake one. See if you can find all of them!

My Lil' Stinker...

A cute "Lil Stinker" came to our house on Trick-or-Treat night.

His name was Caden, and he was dressed up as a skunk!

I laughed so much when I saw him!

I've never seen anything as cute as Caden dressed up in that skunk suit--

and Cade waddled like a pregnant skunk whenever he walked!

It was hilarious!

If you are wondering why Caden is standing in a chair...

It is because that's the only way we could keep our active little boy still.

Our "Lil' Stinker" is always on the go...

Madison Enjoys Her First School Fall Festival...

Things have been changing rapidly for Madison this year, since she began going to "Wee Ones". She is always learning something or going through a new experience--it's been wonderful for her.

The church that "Wee Ones" is affiliated with holds a Fall Festival each year for the little ones in their school. The Fall Festival was held last Thursday morning, and parents were urged to come and take their kids around to the booths. I went as a "tag along" to take pictures and watch Madison experience her first Fall Festival.

At first, I was hesitant to "tag along", but once I got there, I saw some other grandparents, too. A lot of the grandparents transport the little ones to and from school for their parents anyway. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that some parents had actually taken time off from work to go to the festival with their children. Yay for them!

The Fall Festival was very nice, and Madison enjoyed herself very much. There were several fun games for the children to participate in, as well as cupcake decorating and face painting. Madison's favorite activity was the "bouncy house". She actually learned how to climb the wall and slide down the bouncy slide...something she wouldn't have attempted a couple of months ago.

After the children visited each of the booths, and played in the Bouncy House for a while, they were fed a lunch of sandwiches, chips, cupcakes, brownies, and orange koolaid. The adults were invited to join their children for lunch if they wanted to.

It was great fun watching Madison experience her first Fall Festival. As I've mentioned before, it's always fun experiencing something (again) through a child's eyes...I hope this won't be the last Fall Festival for this MiMi...

Six Word Saturday..Trick-or-Treat

My six words for today..."These two are sweet as candy!"

Thanks to Cate at http://www.showmyface.com for hosting SWS each week!

An Evening At The Fair~part 2...

In case you didn't read part one of this story, in my previous post, my husband and I decided to tag along with our grandchildren and their families to the fair last week. This was granddaughter, Madison's second trip to the fair--and she loved it! It was her cousin Cade's first trip.




Madison began her adventure by riding the carousel, along with her cousin, Cade. Madison loves the carousel, and usually rides it whenever the opportunity presents itself. Cade wasn't so sure about the thing, but at least he didn't cry!




After the carousel ride, Madison accompanied Cade to the "Pick Up a Boat" booth. She liked picking up the boats, too, but not nearly as much as Cade did. Madison chose a pink guitar for her prize, while Cade chose a blue one!

Here is a photo of our two future musicians, enjoying their newly won prizes. I'm not quite sure what Cade was trying to do with his guitar!

Madison loved riding ALL of the rides that she went on! She wasn't afraid of any of them. She and her mother rode almost everything that she was tall enough to ride on. Although they got on this bee ride, they didn't actually get to ride it because it "lost power" after everyone got on it.

This was the first ride that Madison saw and actually asked to ride on--probably because it reminded her of "Dumbo" at Disneyworld. You can see her happy smile in the photograph!

I really enjoyed being a "tag along" to the fair. There is nothing better than experiencing something again through the eyes of a child. Don't you agree? Getting to eat that fresh candied apple wasn't half-bad either!

I'm linking up with a couple of bloghops today, in an effort to meet new blogging friends. Just click on their buttons at the top of this post if you'd like to make some new friends, too.

Thanks for stopping by...and have a great weekend everyone!