Our newest family member

There is a quote that goes something like “a mother’s heart is never divided”. The same could be true of a G’ma’s heart. Our grandson Drue Alfons joined our family on August 29 (Caleb & Anne are the proud parents). He is absolutely perfect, his lips painted on by God himself. Adorable! On a side note, Drue is named after his two great grandfathers; it’s a wonderful tribute to them both. My dad would be honored as I am sure Anne’s grandfather would be as well.

As I held him and kissed his neck, my thoughts were flooded by emotions of when his daddy Caleb was born. It’s hard to grasp your children growing into adulthood, getting married and having children of their own, but it is the most incredible feeling in the world. Words cannot express the love that lives in my heart. Proud comes to mind as well.

Drue weighed in around six pounds and eleven ounces and was about 20 inches long; his hair is a beautiful blonde with a hint of red. He is everything a G'ma and G’pa could ever want. I love that he already smiles those funny sleeping smiles, he eats like a champ and the best part is that he loves to snuggle and I love to cuddle. We make a great team.

The worst part of being G’ma, is the distance between us, but I am grateful for FaceTime, text messages and Instagram. Technology keeps us connected. I wonder now how my mom managed not seeing us as often as technology allows me to see my family. I don’t think I could stand it!

Babies, God’s way of telling us everything is going to be okay. I believe Him. They make my heart swell; true and meaningful love.

Peace, Pam

Yard work?

Yard work? Um, no I don’t think so. That was the answer I received when I inquired about getting the yard work done today. Go to Bartlett Arboretum you say? On the motorcycle? Beautiful tulips in bloom, 80 degree weather, a peaceful serene stroll and an opportunity to take some pictures, yes! Count me in.

I have a deep passion for art, history and all things old; if they are junkie, even better. The arboretum offers all of what I love. It has been around since the mid 1920’s. I can only imagine the ladies having tea on a spring day, a picnic on a Sunday afternoon and the men playing horseshoes. A simpler time when life was not so fast paced. There are remnants of the old iron fences, bird cages, gates and watering cans. I wish I could get my hands on that stuff.

On this day, the sun was warm with very little wind. The tulips, redbud trees and Japanese Maples were spectacular. Everywhere I turned there was another beautiful space. A perfect stroll around the pond, which is extremely low from the drought, had tulips in the center and croaking frogs everywhere.

The yard work, didn’t get finished; the laundry is still in the hamper and there is a desperate need to clean the garage. All these chores will be complete but not today. My head is clear, my soul rejuvenated and my heart is full. A ride does all that. The simple things mean a lot to me.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy something simple.

Peace & Love, Pam

It's All Happening At The Zoo

The last time we were at the Sedgwick County Zoo, Simon was a third-grader and we went for a field trip. In typical fashion the field trip was not without issue, one of the boys was stung by a bee, but after some ointment and convincing that it was not going to “kill” him, we ventured on. Thanks Luke for that reminder.

With that fond memory back in my head Caleb, Anne and Matyson came from Parsons and we ventured off to the zoo. We spent a few hours just wandering around, enjoying the sun and the animals. Our favorite hands down, the baby chimp, he rolled around and played and jumped and we laughed until we had tears. Matyson’s worst experience was the Silverback Ape, he lunged right into the glass and Maty took off running, I can’t say that I blame her, he was huge and ugly.

It was a wonderful day; the time always flies and just goes too fast. Go to the zoo and laugh, you never are too old to experience it! Peace, Pam