Personal Post Monday!

When we were in California recently I had time to sneak in a Gramma Day with our precious Miss Makai.  Papa wanted to tag along, and Makai wanted him along - so it became a Gramma/Papa day!  We took her to Paint a Dream to do some painting -

Here she is having fun painting her creation -she always has a ready smile -

Sometimes it takes awhile to get all the "creativity" done, so Papa decided to get a little catnap while waiting. 

All done painting - now it will be glazed and fired - and she can pick it up in about a week.

Here's a picture of the three of us - so wonderful being a Gramma!

Then it was off to dinner with her at Red Robin restaurant - she had chicken strips and fries -

And a yummy rootbeer float!!  Just look at that happy face -

Had such a wonderful time - on the way home we stopped and picked up a half gallon of Cookies and Cream Ice cream to share with the rest of  her family.  So glad we were able to get this time in with her.  Love you baby girl!  ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday - Life makes me happy!!

For those following my blog - you know that occasionally I post personal posts - because this blog has become such a fun place for me to go back through posts and reminisce.  So I've taken to trying to contain those posts mostly on Mondays - and I give the disclaimer Personal Post Monday - so if you're not interested in my personal life - don't read on - but please come back for future creative posts.

 

So there is a lot going on in my life - my kiddos now in two different states, Paul and I getting ready to retire, listing the house, getting ready to move, transitioning my Stampin' Up! business and just life in general.  Sometimes it can really overwhelm me - but I try to practice thankfulness and joy in all circumstances - and I am so blessed it doesn't take much to find those.  So I wanted to share some simple things that bring me joy.  First - I LOVE COFFEE - I know you all know that - but I just really like saying it.  And I LOVE Coffee mugs - have a ton of them.  This beautiful one is from my only sister, Sharon and it brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

It starts out with the black images in the first picture - but when I add my hot coffee - these are what I get - isn't it lovely.  Just a little "coffee" magic to make me think of my sis -and that makes me HAPPY!

Another thing that really brings me joy is God's creation around me - and clouds are one of my favorite things.  I have soooo many pictures of the sky and clouds and I am sure I will continue to take them.  Here are a couple I took recently from my front porch. 

Love that beauty - just makes me HAPPY!!

And finally today - I'm sharing some of favorite people - not all though as Jenee and her kiddos are in Arizona and I miss them terribly - but I do get to see these four little adorable faces on a regular basis.  This past weekend Papa and I had the four King kids overnight, and pretty much the overnight ritual always includes this big yellow bowl full of popcorn (Papa's and the kids favorite treat).  Just look at my handsome hubby and those beautiful kids - talk about making me HAPPY!

So I leave you today in the midst of my stress, and tiredness, and yes, a bum knee that I get to see the orthopedist about this week - with this thought ~ Look around you and take time to find happiness and joy in the little things!!  Any day with a smile on your face is a good day! Thanks for stopping by - see you soon!! ~Maureen

Personal Post Monday - Gramma Day with Makai

Last weekend I had a wonderful Gramma day with my adorable grand-daughter Makai.  I let her pick the restaurant for lunch offering up some great choices - but I could not convince her to go anywhere but McDonald's.  You can tell her Mom and Dad are not fast food junkies - because this was the best lunch she could think of because she never gets it -and she ate every bite!  Yes, I had their permission :)

Then it was off to Paint A Dream - where she picked a cute little trinket box to paint - shaped liked an ice cream cone.

We really had a great time - she is such good company with lots to talk about.  Then it was off to the store to buy some Granny Smith apples.  At home she and Papa peeled them, and then she and I made some delicious apple crisp - that we all ate warm with vanilla ice cream.

I had hoped to show you her finished product - but didn't get a chance to pick it up yet, so will need to share later.    Great day with you Makai - ;ove you honey - had so much fun - can't wait till next time!  ~Gramma

PERSONAL POST WARNING!

Today just sharing a special Gramma Day I recently had with my lovely grand-daughter Kamili.  I try to do one a month with one grandchild - rotating months - but I think my last one was in Spring - so I am waaaayyyy over due.  And Kamili reminded me - which warmed my heart.  We started the day at Mimi's Cafe where Kamili and I each had quiche.  She is an amazing eater -and out ate me with coffee cake, quiche, bacon, fruit and cranberry juice.

Then we were off to Paint A Dream - she is very creative and usually picks going here as her special thing to do.

This time she picked an adorable little owl to paint for her Mommy.

Then we ran a couple errands and then headed to the house where she and Papa peeled a bunch of Granny Smith apples, and she and I made a wonderful apple crisp - that we ate with vanilla ice cream.  Yum!

She journaled our outing in her own special little journal we made together, and then I took her home.  It was such a nice day with such a sweet girl.  Can't wait till our next day together.  Love you honey!  ~Gramma

Gramma Day with Zavian

Recently I had a fun Gramma day with my sweet little Zavian.  We did some fun shopping and he picked out a new SHARK lego kit.  Just look at that sweet face.  We were lucky that Papa had a day off work -so they got to work on the legos together.

Then the three of us went for a yummy lunch at Red Robin.  It was so much fun just spending time with two of my specialest guys.

Wish I could just bottle up all these hugs for when I'm having a down day - nothin' better!  Thanks for a wonderful day baby boy!  ~Gramma

Sleepover with the King Kids

This past weekend Papa and I had a wonderful sleepover night with the King kids.  We LOVE spending time with our grandkids - so whenever they are over it is a special time for us.  Heidi and Aaron had a much deserved evening off to go to dinner and see a movie -

Here's our youngest grandson, Kyan - just look at those big eyes.

He is such a happy baby - full of coos and giggles.  He's probably smiling because he's two months old!  Or maybe because he got lots and lots of Gramma holding and loving.

One of the highlights of sleepovers is Popcorn time - a family fav.  Here are Makai and Papa enjoying the treat.

And Kamili and Zavian full of smiles - think they were having a great time.

We played games, drew pictures, put puzzles together - watched the Very Hungry Caterpillar movie - and of course had popcorn and sparkling lemonade before bed.  This morning eggs, toast, strawberries and OJ.  Yum!!  It was supposed to be a new waffle recipe I got from my sister-in-law when we visited them last week.  It was the best waffles I ever had and you prep the yeast batter the night before.  So around midnight, I soaked the yeast, melted the butter, warmed the milk and was all ready to make the batter when I realized I had NO flour :(  Unbelievable - don't know how I ran out of that.  So waffles will have to wait.  ~Maureen

Weekend Fun!!

This past weekend Paisley had her first sleepover with some of her girlfriends for her birthday, so Prince and Zamarah came over to spend the night with us.  Prince LOVES handball - and I couldn't resist snapping these pictures of him.  I think he hates using the 'pink' ball -but it is the only one we have that has air in it :)

 

 

 

Then later Papa, Prince and Zamarah polished off two big bowls of popcorn.  I don't know which loves popcorn more Papa or Prince - but they really do LOVE it!

Also snapped this picture of Zamarah playing on the little school bus - this bus has gone through 6 grand-kids and looks well loved - but still works.  She looks all smiles here - but let me tell you this little one is full of spunk!!  She definately thinks she rules the roost!

Thanks for stopping by - till next time.  ~Maureen