A Perfect Weekend with My Daughter!

I have so much stirring up in my mind about the past weekend.  Steph came to town for Blogher 2013 and divided up her time between Chicago and my moms house.  We were able to spend Thursday eve., part of Friday, most of Saturday and Sunday morning together.  We tried to cover as much as possible.  We took her to her old house and downtown area.  We drove by where the hospital was, where we had our babies...it was so sad to see it torn down.  Steph wanted to run by her in-laws house to pick up something.  She had my Birthday present shipped to their house, in hopes that it would arrive while she was home.  She brought out this huge box and asked me if I wanted to open it now or later...well..of course I wanted to open it now...It was a big beautiful bright orange box and inside was the most beautiful orange/mint green coach purse.  I started bawling.  She always knows how to surprise me.  She didn't know that just a few weeks ago I had gone to a wedding and admired a ladies orange coach purse and really really wanted to own one some day.  I got my wish.  Steph being home for a few days was gift enough for me.  She insisted that we go pick up my Birthday cupcakes from Designer Desserts.  We got our favorites and a new one to try.  We stopped off at a new burger place in Valpo for lunch and had an amazing Gourmet burger and the best butternut squash soup ever.  She said she makes it and it tastes just like it.  After running around, we went back to my moms house to visit and relax.  I dreaded Sunday morning, having to give her one last hug that would have to last until we were together again.  My heart ached, watching her drive away.  Will it ever get easy saying good-bye.  Until next time...I have great memories of our whirlwind weekend and a very Happy early Birthday with my daughter...Stephanie....who I dearly love...

Perfect Sunday with the Grands

I took Abby & Jack home with me from church on Sunday while their mommy worked at the Porter County Fair where they had a booth set up to promote South Haven Christian School, where the kids go and she teaches.  When we got to my house, Jack was so excited because he learned his Bible verse in Sunday School, which was "Don't be afraid, for I am with you always".  So, I told him to tell Grampa his Bible verse, which he did.  We ate lunch then hopped in the pool until it was time to get ready to go check out the Fair and visit their mommy. We were on our way to the Fair and the excitement was felt.  Jack asked how far is the Fair...I told him about 15 minutes and he will see the tall Ferris wheel and know we are almost there.  When we arrived they clapped and I looked for the perfect, close parking spot.  God gave us favor cause I got one right in front of the entrance, about 10 cars down.  We didn't have to pay for our tickets because we got tickets provided.  That in itself is a blessing, since it's not cheap to just walk in the gates.  We first went into the building my daughter-in-law, Elsa was working, to say hi.  Then we proceeded down the hot black asphalt to check out my great niece, Bentley's animals she entered in the Fair.  If it were 5 degrees hotter, it would have been miserable.  We stay hydrated.  We walked into the cat judging and low and behold, Bentley was with her cat being judged.  She got a ribbon for having a lot of knowledge about her breed of cat.  She also entered a ferret, dog, sheep & goats, which she later won some more ribbons. 
The kids were anxious to check out the rides, so we headed towards the Ferris Wheel, where Grampa said he would ride with them.  Mimi does not do rides!  After getting wrist bands to ride on anything for 2 hours, which was the best for the buck, we were in line waiting to get on.  After they got off the Ferris wheel, Mike said Jack was afraid, so Mike told him to say his Bible verse, which Jack did.  And he said he did fine after that.  Good thinkin' Grampa!  So, it was a race to the next ride, one after another.  If they both didn't agree on a ride, we would split up and I would take one and Grampa would take the other...we never got lost or separated.  We had a system going and it worked.  Some rides they stayed on more than once.  Let me tell you, we got our moneys worth!  I took Jack on an airplane ride, which after riding he was afraid, then he told me he said his Bible verse and got back on it again.  He is a character!  I snapped as many pictures as I could.  It was a race to make as many rides before our wrist band would expire...then at 5 minutes past the time, they wanted to ride just one more...so...I took Jack and Mike took Abby on a last one of their favorites...I have pictures to share but they wouldn't load.  Check out my Facebook for pictures.  It was a Great Sunday at the Fair.

Happy 11th Birthday Carter!

Carter is my Second born Grandson.  He has an amazing personality and such intelligence.  He has taught me so much.  I remember when he was born we couldn't get over his size.  He was so big, he broke his collar bone being born.  He became his Brother Noah's best friend the minute he was born.  Carter has a very tender heart.  He loved and admired his Great "Poppal" and took it very hard when he passed away.  Carter loves sports and gives it his all at everything he does.  He loves to golf with his dad.   I was able to Skype with him and sing Happy Birthday...and that meant so much to me.  He always would request that I make his favorite "Torte" for his birthday cake..and we would put a candle in it.  This year wasn't the same because he lives so far away and I missed not making the famous "Torte".   I will make up for it the next time we visit.  His favorite meal at my house had to include mashed potatoes and gravy...he could really put them away.  I can't believe he turned 11 years old.  I see big things ahead for Carter.  I love this little man so much and I wish him the Happiest of Birthdays.  Happy 11th Birthday Carter Wilson Precourt....