Merry, Merry Christmas

Was it ever... Erin and Jacob arrived on the 17th, Makenna and Allison came down on the 18th, 20th, 23rd, Jess and Gabe came on the 19th, and Jason and Jared came on the 23rd (they heard we were having Tasty Tacos). We all went to Indianola on the 24th for a Christmas gathering with my family. Jason's flight was delayed until the next morning (the 25th), it was nice to have him for an extra evening. Erin's flight was also delayed 2 hrs. that afternoon. She was at the airport waiting to board, not an easy task with a 7 month old, but they made it back to Texas in time for the Ferrera festivities.
What can I say, but that we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of having all the family at home again. Erin got some needed sleep but at a price - Jacob is more mobile now - Papa also taught him to pull himself up to things. ;-) Took Erin to Target - wasn't our usual shopping spree, but she did find a few things for herself!!! The girls got their annual haircut and pedicure. We even got to a movie Frog and the Princess... Papa got on friendlier terms with Makenna by taking her on the porch to touch the snow every 10 minutes or so. What a hoot to have Makenna around - she's quite the entertainer. Allison and Soda also got some needed rest, but again probably at a price - Makenna whining a lot to be held during the week. Papa and Nana really do know how to spoil their grand children. oops
Well, all good things must come to an end and it was the 26th at our house. Alone again, naturally...
Love to all and we miss you soooooooooooooo very much!!!

Blizzard - Dec. 9, 2009

Snow started flying on Tuesday and most of Iowa snuggled in their homes to wait it out. On Wednesday after 14 inches the wind picked up and white outs were happening all over. We are expecting maybe at least 2 more inches by evening. Schools closed up - even ISU - a lot of businesses too. Dave got a puzzle out and we hunkered down for the day. He will have a lot of shoveling to do when it lets up. Not only does he shovel ours out by hand - he goes over to two of our neighbors to dig them out. He'll definitely be ready for his hot cocoa after all that snow!!!

The Stockings Were Hung...

Dave and I finally got all the decorations up. Now we just wait for all the family to arrive on Dec. 23rd to celebrate the gift of giving and being together. Then we will go to church on the 24th to rejoice in the birth of Jesus. Hallelujah... -Merry Christmas everyone-

Makenna's First Phone Call

Yep - Makenna placed her first phone call by getting her Mom's phone and pushing buttons. Result - she hit the speed dial for me :-)... Our phone rang and I thought it was Allison, but no one was there. I called back a few minutes later to find out Makenna had been playing with the phone. Her dad checked it out and lo and behold there was a call to our no. for 6 secs. Maybe next time she will say - "Hey Nana, what's up?"

Another Sleepover

Makenna came for a two night visit this time. We had her listen to Jacob's new CD. I think it passed approval!!

California Trip

We left on Saturday, Sept. 26th for a glorious trip to California. We met up with Erin and her family in Sacramento and drove to Redding for a two night stay. We visited some caverns and went to church services at the ministry school that Jason would like to attend. Next we drove to Trinidad on the coast where we explored the Redwood National forest for 2 days while returning to the comfort of our cabin at night. Just gorgeous!!!!! On to San Fransisco to scout out that city. While there, we went to a Giant's game, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, rode a trolley, went down the crookiedest road on Lombardt. Dave mapped out a walking tour for the two of us on our last day while Erin, Jason, and Jacob went to the 49er game. Rule #1 on our vacation was that we were not to eat at any establishments that were in Iowa or Texas, hence we sampled various cuisines throughout our trip!!
The best part of the trip was spoiling Jacob ;-).

Shower Me With Love

Yep - I love my new tiled shower and floor. We had our fiberglass tub/shower taken out and had a ceramic tiled shower installed. I couldn't be happier. Our tile guy did a fabulous job and added some personal touches. I thought the clear door would bother me (I'm a tad bit modest), but it finishes the shower off nicely.

Ledges State Park

Labor Day found us at Ledges State Park in Boone. We just love to picnic and asked the Willis' to join us. We got there around 10:00 - I know that's early, but it worked in our favor, because the park was packed by 11:00. The hot dogs and smores were as good as ever. Hiking through the streams was a favorite of Makenna's, especially when her mom let her sit and play. Oooooh boy, a very big bath tub. ;-)

Sleepover

Makenna came for her first solo sleepover Thursday night. After taking a long afternoon nap the three of us took a trip to Walmart. (Makenna and I are shopping buddies and we wanted Papa to experience a trip with us) It was a beautiful evening so we also went on a stroll in our neighborhood. Bath time is so much fun with Makenna - never an idle moment in the tub - but Papa held on to her because it was constant movement the entire time. I hope Makenna enjoyed the sleepover as much as we enjoyed having her...

Iowa State Fair

Wouldn't you know the first thing we did at the Iowa State Fair was get a photo op with Cy... It was a cool drizzly day but a fun time was had by all!!! The pork tent was a must for lunch, as was taking Makenna to the Animal Learning Center. We also went through the little hands on Farm. What an educational experience for ages 2-10. Guess that's the teacher in me. I'm sure Jared will agree with me when I say the fudge brownie dipped in chocolate was heavenly ;-) Of course we did the usual - the Cultural Bldg.(saw Rosemary's 1st place painting of her 4 Aunts and the painted patriotic rock), Pioneer Hall, Ag Bldg.(the butter Astronaut was good, but thought the cow was too skinny), 4-H Bldg. (where Makenna had some walking around time), couldn't forget the animal barns (especially since they kept us dry during the brief rain). We did miss the VI Bldg. because we had to take Makenna home for a nap. However, she slept on the way to the car and was wide awake for the drive home. Guess if we had stayed and done the VI Bldg. it would have given her a longer nap. I know the attendance was down this year, but it was great not having to fight the crowd.

Helping Nana

Need help cleaning out drawers - Makenna is a pro!!!

Splish Splash

Last week Makenna came for a visit. She loved splashing water and playing with her duck in Great Grandpa Dean's wash tub. I remember taking a bath in a tub like this on my grandma and grandpa Holdsworth's farm when I was little. Oh the good ole days - wonder if Makenna will say the same...

Two Blessings

Grand kids - they give you soooooo much joy!! My heart melts every time I get to see mine. I've always been a sucker for little ones... Miss you "little buddy" and "ladybug"

A Big Thank You To All

Thanks to my friends, sisters, and Allison who hosted showers for Erin and Jacob while they were back. Erin got a lot of nice gifts.


We were treated with ice cream sundaes, 3 flavors of sherbet, cookies from a tree, fruit from a watermelon truck, and a delicious sherbet punch.

Trip to Texas

I went to Texas and visited with Erin and her family for 18 days - Allison and Makenna flew down with me and stayed the first 9 days and then Erin and Jacob flew home with me for 7 days. While in Texas I went to Ham's Peach Orchard, out to eat with Jim and Judy, visited with the Ferrera clan, and had a barbecue at Mason and Angela's on the 4th. I babysat Jacob while Erin finished up her job, took Makenna to Walmart, witnessed Jacob's dedication and attended an ice cream social. I had a fabulous time getting to know my 2 month old grandson. Erin has adapted well to motherhood, as I knew she would. I'm sooooo proud of the job she is doing. I can't wait to be with them again the end of September in California!!! Thanks for having me... it meant alot to be with my two daughters and two grandchildren - a time I will always cherish.

Hi Ho Silver

Makenna is on her way to see her cousin, Jacob. The horse is courtesy of my sister, Mary. See you soon little buddy!!!

Beep, Beep

Dave and I went to Ames for the weekend. Dave helped paint a couple more rooms. (one will be redone - not quite the right color green ;-). I mainly watched after Makenna. You say I got the easy job. Not these days - she's fun to be with, but constantly exploring now. And it doesn't take her long to get somewhere, except after she pulls herself up she thinks she can walk and lets go - you gotta be quick or else kaput!!! No fear here - or here - She was so excited to try out her Flintstone car I bought at a garage sale - varoom. However, the swing (another garage sale item- Allison has me hooked) it seemed like fun until the first push - then the tears came. Guess she isn't as big as she thinks. Bet she'll want to try again though...

Playdate

Jess brought Gabe over for a play date with Makenna. It was fun to watch them interact with each other. Makenna literally drooled all over Gabe.
Makenna is almost 8 months and Gabe is almost 4 months. Wonder what the next play date will be like?!

80th Birthday

I am a little behind getting this posted. Sorry about that, but I had to welcome a new grandson into the family May 2nd...
My mother's 80th birthday was April 27th. We had a family get-together at Robin's Wood Oven Grill on the 26th to celebrate. I created a book for her with memories that each member of the family had written. I also included family photos. My sister, Connie made her a carrot cake, which my mother thoroughly enjoyed. I think the day went well, considering my mom's apprehension at turning 80.

Family of Three

It doesn't seem possible I was just there helping out. My how time does fly. It's been only a week since I said good-bye to the Ferrera family. I had a wonderful time spoiling all of them, especially my little buddy!! :-) I want to thank Jason and Erin for allowing Dave and I to stay 2 whole weeks with them. We are sooooo proud of our daughter - she makes a grrrrreat mom. I hated to leave, but it was time they became a family of 3.

Another First for Jacob and Me

Yesterday I got to babysit Jacob while Jason and Erin took Dave to see the movie Star Trek. Jacob and I had a grand time - first a bath, then a bottle, and he was actually sound asleep when they all returned. Hope it goes that well when I return in 6 weeks to help Erin out while she finishes up her job.

Some Firsts for Jacob

I have enjoyed every minute that I have gotten to spend with Jacob and his family this past week in Texas. I know I won't get to witness many firsts being in Iowa, but here are a few I will always cherish...


meeting Luke and Jene

bath time








don't tell Mom I'm free of my swaddling blanket





let's swing


strolling along

Jacob David Ferrera

Jacob arrived at 7:41 p.m. on Saturday, May 2nd. He weighed 6 lb. and was 19 1/4 ins. long. So far his hair is black and wavy. His eyes are real dark - so imagine they will be brown real soon. Everyone is doing well and came home Monday around 10:00 p.m. after his circumcision.
The beginning story of Jacob:
On Saturday we went to Allison and Jared's new home in Ames and worked in the yard. Dave tilled the garden, transplanted some flowers, and cut branches off a pine tree. I had the privilege of watching Makenna. :-) On our way home we stopped at Goode nursery for my flowers that we were planning to plant on Sunday. I had a voicemail that Erin had been admitted to the hospital at 5:00 just as we left Goode's at 5:45. When we arrived home Dave started loading the van to head for Texas the next morning. Then Dave planted my flowers, since we would be gone for a couple weeks. I started making arrangements to have a planned meeting at my house Monday evening changed. I was so glad that I had bought the things needed for the meeting ahead of time just needed someone to host for me (bless Julie Cermak). I then did three loads of wash and packed. In the middle of the second load of wash we got another call telling us Erin had delivered Jacob at 7:41 p.m. Wow - that was fast. However, we learned later that Erin had been having contractions all day Saturday. At least at the hospital it went quickly. After driving 12 hrs. Sunday we arrived at the hospital at 7:00 pm to meet our new grandson. We are enjoying him oh so much...