Far-Away Smiles

"A smile can brighten the darkest day."

I love getting these pictures from the UAE.  It just makes my day go so much better!!

A Quiet Thanksgiving Day

"Each day you wake up you have a choice:  You can have a good day or you can have a bad one.  So you  might as well have a good one."

We had a quiet and relaxing day.  It started out with  being very cold and sleeting.  The weather didn't stop my parents from driving down so that we could skype to  the UAE.
Around 9:15 they were on line and my "Dumpling" greeted us with her sunglasses on. It was 85 degrees there, so she had the right idea.  We saw Baby "J",  he now weighs almost 17 pounds and  still has his dark black hair.  After that, we lost contact and had to connect again.  We could hear them but not see them.  Luckily they could hear and see us.

Now that they have their new phone number we talk to them several times a week.  It's better, but I still want to hold my babies. 

Later that day, we went to Troy and Bethanys for dinner.  Camryn was so precious and all dressed up for the holiday.  We had ham and turkey, with ham being her favorite.  It was such a good meal and I enjoyed it so much because  I didn't need to cook.

After dinner, they cleared the dishes while  we played with Camryn until her bedtime.

Saying Thank You

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "thank you", that would suffice."

I am so thankful for moments like this, when I get to see my sons with their children.  There is so much love coming out of these gorgeous blue eyes for her daddy.

We were all  Hershey watching my nephew wrestle for George Mason University.  Troy brought Camryn along for the morning.  She was so good, especially since it was her first match.  She's used to soccer games outside, but this was a whole different thing.  The noise didn't seem to bother her and she loved going for walks.    

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Gratitude

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

We don't get to spend much time with the boys.  They are so busy and usually aren't around.  We are thankful for them and all their smiles. 

Blessings

"We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way."

I am so thankful for my Chloe, my first baby girl.  She is beautiful on the inside and out, so much talent and so much love.  Never thought I needed a little girl in my life, but I was so wrong.  She enriches my life beyond measure.

Giving Thanks

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues."

We won't be with these "Treasures" this year for Thanksgiving.  They are in a new country and will be celebrating in a new way.  I am so thankful that they are safe, happy and a part of my life.  I can hardly wait until it's March and I can fly to see them. 

A Thankful Heart

"God has two dwellings, one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.

Accidentally erased the pictures of Camryn and Cali in this Thanksgiving Post.  These 2 cousins truly love eachother.  Cali is a little mommy to Camryn and Camryn  does such a good job sharing her things.  What beautiful little girls to have in my life.  I am so thankful  for these precious angels.  They give so much meaning to my life.

Pearly Whites

"Angels have no philosophy but love."
I have been so fortunate to be spending a lot of time with Camryn.  Her mom and dad both coach soccer at Messiah College, and when needed, I am there to help out.  Camryn always comes first for them, but soccer is a love that both of them have.  Both the mens and women's teams are in the final 8 in the country.  We are so hoping they get to the Final Four in Texas and earn yet another National Championship.

This past weekend when I was there babysitting, Camryn wanted to brush her teeth. She wants to do this everytime she sees her toothbrush.  So, she and Mommy sat down and had a go at it.  She is so precious and really takes her time getting all those pearly whites!

The End of The Season

"And in today already walks tomorrow."

Last Sunday, Cole finished the fall soccer season.  He did such a good job at distributing the ball.  His team is looking good and learning more about the game each week. It's nice to see younger kids playing the game the way it should be played instead of just kicking the ball.  I am hoping they continue their hard work and keep being students of the game. 

Retiring???

"Life starts at retirement."

Carl has been talking about retirement for several years.  I just let it go in one ear and out the other!  He never does it.  Now, he says he is really gonna do it.   MAYBE!!   It's days  spending extra time with the grandkids  that makes him anxious for it.  Do I have a Honey-Do-List for him.  Come on June.

Game Today

"They say nobody is perfect.  Then they tell you practice makes perfect.  I wish they'd make up their minds."

Cali watches her brothers play soccer several times a week.  I was watching her this one Sunday when Cole had an afternoon game.  She told me that she "had a game" and needed to get dressed.  Into her closet she went, came out with a soccer kit and cleats.  She was so excited to get to the game so she could "practice".  Everyone thought she looked adorable, which she did.  She did a good job kicking and chasing the ball - until - she saw a butterfly.  After chasing the butterfly she found a mushroom and it went on and on.  Finally I said to her about watching her brothers game.  She said "OK, I need a break, I'm thirsty." She tooke a break, but really wanted to get on the pitch and play with her brother.  LOVE THOSE PINK CLEATS!!   GUESS WHO BOUGHT THEM!! 

Lovin' My Little Lion

"A hug delights and warms and charms, that must be why God gave us arms."

Camryn is just precious and so lovable.  She loves giving hugs and kisses.  When I go to visit, she comes running with her arms open saying  "MamMam'!!!   She just makes me melt.

Halloween in The UAE

"Happiness often sneaks in a door you didn't know you left open."

I was so happy to open up my email and see pictures of my babies in the UAE.  They had been to a Halloween party and had a very good time.  My "Enchilada"  loved his costume and didn't want to take off his mask for pictures.  I wish I could  reach into the computer and give them hugs.