2010-06-18T15:47:39.717-04:00

When I married Randy I had no clue what a terrific Dad he would be to our 5 kids! I consider myself and them very blessed. His love and example have always spoken louder than his words. To celebrate Father's Day this year I'll be taking him (in the near future) to see Promises Promises on Broadway. Love you Randy!

2010-05-26T19:08:10.288-04:00

I hung out with Ethan, Colin and Maddie last week while their mom and dad enjoyed some R&R in the Turks and Caicos.Ethan kept Grammy busy thinking up amazing things to create with LegosSweet Maddie kept me busy worrying when she was diagnosed with asthma the day before I became her caretaker. A complete novice in this area, I learned a lot about her treatment including an emergency trip (or 2) to the doctor. Of course, through it all, she smiled and tried hard to be her adorable self.Colin was such a sweet boy. I cherished the quiet moments when just he and I read the Fish book and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" before nap and bedtime.Papa joined me for the weekend. We went to Ethan's t-ball game and played lots of UNOLove all my sweet grandkids. Spending a few days with them makes me remember how very busy their mama's are![...]

2010-05-13T18:11:01.087-04:00

Last week and the past 2 weekends I got to hang out with Toby, Ben and Chase in New York and Boston while their parents played in Bali. Time with this trio is both exhilarating and exhausting.Getting to church and school on time was EASY since they all get up between 5:30 and 6:00 am.I wouldn't be Grammy Ice Cream cone if we didn't have ice cream served almost daily in a cone.The boys love to head to my basement and dress up. There was lots of clowning around and some face paint clean up.And lots of creative Lego projects...Of course we went hot tubbing, water gunning and all other forms of danger seeking.While in Boston I got to visit Toby's Open House at school. I held tightly to Chase, the destroyer's hand. Within 30 seconds of entering the classroom he kicked the life size wooden block ship that the students had built for the event.While Todd and Ashley played with the monkeys in Indonesia, Grammy played with the Monkeys at one of several playgrounds. The highlight was jumping the huge trampoline in their backyard. On Saturday we drove to a nearby river, waterfall, and covered bridge and went hiking.Always an adventure with Toby, Ben and Chase! Grammy enjoyed almost every minute![...]

2010-04-27T22:49:02.455-04:00

I spent 5 days in California earlier in April with Max, Abby and Charlie while their parents enjoyed some R&R in Chicago. I got to hang out with Gavin, Miles and Tate too. Here we are on the beach on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.Max used the Oceanside Art's Festival as an opportunity to entertain visitors with some violin music. He was a hit and made some cash for his effort.The girls and I came along to offer our support and do a little shopping at the festival.Here we are hanging out at the park near Ryan's home.Tate thinks he is one of the big kids. Such an adorable little guy.When I got back home everything was in bloom. How I love Spring time in New York![...]

2010-04-12T18:07:15.472-04:00

Colin, Ethan and Maddie came to Grammy and Papa's to stay all of last week and brought Spring with them! When the rain finally stopped we did some fun things like ride the train to Mt. Kisco to meet Papa for lunch.We spent a day at the famous Bronx Zoo and then another day in beautiful Central Park in NYCThe boys had a great time playing with their cousins and enjoying the warm weather.Papa helped the kids color eggs and then everyone participated in a big Easter Egg Hunt. Addi came with her parents Jared and Jessica to join in the fun.Grammy and Papa got to know Maddie better. What a sweet baby!When the rain finally stopped the temperatures soared and everything burst forth in bloom![...]

2010-03-20T00:01:00.166-04:00

It's tough to find a photo of Kelli without her two girls in her arms! Today she turns 27. Wish I could be with you in Budapest but I'll be thinking about you. What a beautiful daughter you are, inside and out! I hope you feel how much you are loved all day long!

2010-03-04T23:23:34.569-05:00

I was surrounded by people that I love during the month of February! Kelli, Jared, Scarlett and Lila brought lots of sunshine to an other wise cloudy and snowy winter. On President's weekend Ashley, Todd, Toby, Ben and Chase's visit added to the warmth. During the month I celebrated my thirty something birthday and we took a weekend ski trip to Killington Vermont. Todd and Toby built a really cool igloo Scarlett kept us smiling with her grown up antics.... We went sledding in Faunstock Park Randy and Jared warmed by the fire after a dip in the hot tub. Nice robe Jared! Of course.....there were lots of chances for snowman building And some beautiful scenery in Vermont Randy brought me flowers and Kellli made me a red cake for my birthday Lila learned to crawl on all fours and pull herself up to things Even fairies and princesses need a nap occasionally Our in house stylist Lila loved going for a spin with Scarlett [...]

2010-02-20T23:23:10.289-05:00

This sweet kid turned 7 years old today. Gav is athletic and smart and a great example to his 2 younger brothers. He is a great Lego designer too! I love you Gavin.

2010-02-12T13:28:37.363-05:00

And 2 became 5! Eleven years ago we celebrated Jason and Kimberly's marriage at the LA Temple followed by a dinner and reception at the Orange Mining Company. We're proud of this beautiful family and send our love, especially today!

2010-02-09T14:53:40.814-05:00

I have spent the past two weeks hanging out with the grand kids. I missed being with Ethan, Colin and Maddie but they are coming to visit next month.

Randy and I went to Boston this past weekend to celebrate Chase and Toby's (belated) birthdays. It was very cold but we tried out their new trampoline. We were creating some weird energy....check out Ben's hair.

Birthdays were celebrated at "Monkey Joes" jump house with several of Toby's friends. Chase got in on all the action, including climbing the highest slides with no fear!


The weekend before I was in Southern California hanging out with Max, Abby and Charlie while their mom and dad vacationed in Guatemala. We had such a fun time. Rhonda came down to visit. Megan took us to Pretend City with Gavin, Miles and Tate, then the boys came over for a sleepover. We played on the beach and saw "Tooth Fairy" plus had breakfast at Ruby's on the Oceanside Pier. I got to visit with Nathan and Megan and Ryan and Leanne too.

On stage at Pretend City

Doing crafts at Aunt Megan's

Adorable Tate!

2010-02-08T09:53:02.300-05:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet Charlie who turns 5 today. Her infectious smile tells the story of a (mostly) happy girl whose emotions are transparent. Health conscious, articulate and full of love! Grammy loves you Charlie.

2010-02-04T00:01:01.544-05:00

Can't believe that it was 2 years ago today that we welcomed this little blonde cherub to our family. Chase has well earned the nick name "Chaser" for he is full of life and faster than lightning. Happy Birthday Chase! We love you!

2010-01-24T00:01:00.338-05:00

This is a recent picture of our lovely daughter in law Leanne and our son Ryan. Today is her birthday and we want her to know how much we love and appreciate her!!!

2010-01-17T00:01:01.096-05:00

This little family had its beginnings 6 years ago today when Kelli and Jared were married in the L.A. Temple. Happy Anniversary to a really sweet daughter and our favorite son in law.

2010-01-17T23:18:49.258-05:00

We enjoyed the Christmas holiday in California where we spent time with all of our grand kids. Everyone was together for 4 days at a rented Beach home in Ventura. Of course there was Beatle's Rock Band during the holiday. And a lovely Christmas Eve dinner hosted by Leanne and Ryan. And the sweetest nativity reenactment ever.The cousins had a blast being together.They all put on a special talent show at the Beach Housefollowed by a dance-a-thon.Buddies having a picnic.New Year's Eve Party at Ryan and Leanne's home. New Year's Day we gathered at with Ron and Rhonda's family for yummy lunch,hot-tubbing, "bounce-housing", football watching and just visiting. Great day![...]

2010-01-06T16:43:44.100-05:00

2010-01-04T11:55:23.648-05:00

2009-12-15T08:14:26.544-05:00

2009-12-11T22:17:43.101-05:00

We had a memorable Thanksgiving this year. The evening before we took the train to NYC with Todd's family to see the Macy's Parade floats as they were filled in preparation for the next morning. Back in Carmel we were joined by Jared, Jessica and Addi in anticipation of the holiday. Grammy bribed these early risers to sleep in each morning by offering a prize if no adult was awakened before 7 am. It was beautiful! Of course there was some Beatles' Rock Band. Even these two cuties got in on the action. To our knowledge Chase had not been drinking.Rock Star Mom The Mellow GuitaristThe intense drummer. So intense his eyes are red!The Dancing Fairies? These boys can always find something crazy to dress up in down in Grammy's basement. Toby...did you eat off the back left wing? Looks like there has been a cover up.Papa's organic, range roving, "brined" turkey was superb!Ben made a special turkey decoration for the celebration! Toby and Ben helped Papa put up the Christmas tree![...]

2009-11-30T12:15:04.844-05:00

2009-11-25T10:27:01.641-05:00

2009-11-03T15:38:51.976-05:00

On Saturday I rode my broom to Boston with my Dressed to Thrill partner at my side to attend Ben's Birthday/Halloween party. Unfortunately we scared the 20 children at the party and I had to lose my chin and teeth to convince even my own grandkids that I was their Grammy.Ashley (the party girl) had decorated the house inside and out and served soup and salad to the adults and theme cut sandwiches, cheeses and fruits to the kids. There were fun games to play outside on what turned out to be a warm and beautiful (though breezy) day.Ben was so excited to be 4 and to celebrate with his friends!On Sunday we spent some time at the beautiful Pier Park near Winthrop enjoying the sights of Boston and 3 energetic little boys who greeted daylight savings time with a 5 am wakeup![...]

2009-11-03T14:40:23.930-05:00

Tis the season when long lost family and friends flock to New York / Connecticut to leaf peep. We had a houseful most of October and even though the weather was rainy, the leaves did not dissappoint. Last Saturday we ventured to Essex Ct. to ride a century old steam engine and tour boat along the Connecticut River. Jim, Grandad, Peggy, Jared, Addi and Jessica. (Cryssi, Brent, Kaison and Grandma were below deck and Randy 'sigh' was in Florida)

2009-10-27T10:12:45.717-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Ben! This energetic cherub has been waiting all year to be 4. Full of love with a twinkle in his eye, Ben is so fun to be with. Grammy loves you Ben!

Randy' mom also celebrates her 81st birthday today. Beloved by all of her children and grandchildren and everyone who knows her, she is the "perfect" grandma to model.

2009-10-26T08:29:20.319-04:00

It seems impossible that this precious little guy is celebrating his 1st Birthday! On the move...he is already walking to keep up with Gavin and Miles. Wish we could have been in California for a birthday hug! We love you Tate!