Long Catch Up - Part 3

Still catching everyone up to date from my trip to Spokane, the birth of my newest grandchild and so much more.  Currently, things are settling slowly and some new rules and changes to our lives are being implemented by me.  I just can't live at this pace comfortably.  I want to get back to Bob and me enjoying our good life and actually becoming a little more selfish with our time.  I believe we all have the power to create the life we want and should not feel guilty about making it good.  Learning how to say "NO" more often will go a long way in accomplishing this.

(Continued from previous post):
Went downtown Spokane yesterday and walked around the beautiful Park. Bob proudly pushed the kids in the double stroller. The babies were very good. Ate dinner at P.F. Changs. Was so good.
September 14 at 7:51pm via Mobile Web

(Outside of P.F. Changs)

At the Spokane airport waiting to board to Phoenix and then to Pitt. Awfully hard leaving Dee and the babies. Have to say quick good-byes so as not to get emotional.
September 15 at 10:41am via Mobile Web

In Phoenix. Waiting to board for Pitt. Then the 2-1/2 hr.drive home. Miss my house and dogs. Nephew Kyle now living with us for a while. Hoping all is under control as well as can be expected with me being gone for 3 weeks.
September 15 at 2:46pm via Mobile Web

Got home late Wed. night. Logged onto computer on Thurs. night and a virus shut it down. Another week computerless. Kinda getting used to it. Don't think I like computers anymore.
September 19 at 10:17am via Mobile Web

(Sunday evening, September 19, I had a 23rd birthday dinner for Kyle.  I know he enjoyed and appreciated it.)

(From Sunday, September 26 through Friday, October 1, I went to my other kids' home an hour and a half away to help Austin with the kids while Melissa was away at her week of Reserve's training.  Of course, Austin was home in the evenings, but at work during the day.  Thank goodness he was able to drop off and pick up the boys from school and was able to help with bath and bed time at night)

Not so tired today. Leanna, my beautiful 3 mo. old granddaughter, and I are getting used to each other. With both boys in school all day {Pre-K and Kinder.} I can handle it pretty good. Also fixing up my little mother in law apt. here at Austin and Melissa's house. Making it cute and cozy.
September 29 at 12:44am via Mobile Web

On a sad note - my grandpa not doing well at all . He'll be 95 on 10/28. He's not going to make it. He's had a good life and because of him, so do I! He's tired now and misses Grandma. It's been 6 mos. since she passed on.
September 29 at 12:52am via Mobile Web

‎3 kids, 2 dogs, cooking, cleaning and laundry is a lot of work! How did I ever raise two boys and work a full time job? I know what you're all thinking: I was a lot younger then. Back home - Bob's "Kyle Project" as we have come to call it, still happening and Grandpa still barely with us. No relaxing in my near future.
September 29 at 11:10pm via Mobile Web

(From my niece in Cincinnati) Love you Aunt Nina.. thinking about you and your grandpa! Remember to take some time for yourself while you are helping everyone else! How is Kyle doing??
September 29 at 11:16pm via Facebook for Android

Gross!! I just ate an Entenmann's choc. chip multi grain cereal bar and bit into a chunk of black plastic. I feel sick to my stomach just because of the disgust factor.
September 29 at 11:18pm via Mobile Web

Melissa's home, kids are in bed. Austin making a hot dog run to Sheetz. I told him to get me one too. What the heck! I would never think of doing such a thing at home.
September 30 at 9:40pm via Mobile Web

(On Friday afternoon, Bob came to pick me up along with the two boys to go back home.  Melissa now has to be away for the weekend for Reserves.  Austin is coming to our house on Saturday along with the baby and the two dogs so he can attend the wedding of one of his best friends from high school.  They all left on Sunday.  I don't know how much more of this I can do!)

Long Catch Up - Part 2

Continuing with my Facebook Catch Up:

Brandon is bringing Diana and Heath home any time now.Can't wait to hold him some more.For those not aware of the name origin-Diana's maiden name is Heath and her dad's and oldest brother's first name is David.I don't know how to put pictures onFB via my phone.If I figure out how, I will.Making a turkey dinner for Dee'...s homecoming per her request.BTW-Heath is built just like a wrestler! (Long line of wrestlers on both sides of the family)

September 4 at 3:12pm via Mobile Web

We're all tired today. Espespecially Dee. Heath didn't sleep good thru the night. And a little jealousy is hitting Riley, I think. So we're just laying around today taking turns holding babies.

September 5 at 4:05pm via Mobile Web
 

Today is Dee and Brandon's 2nd anniversary. They've had a busy and productive 2 years.

September 6 at 2:59pm via Mobile Web

Baby Heath finally had a good night. Night before not so good. Brandon back to work today.  The start of their new normal routine.

September 8 at 12:15pm via Mobile Web

Nephew Kyle [age 22] has arrived at our home in Pa. Bob picked him up over the weekend from Cinti. He'll be with us for a few months. Bob will be joining me in Spokane on Sat.

September 8 at 12:22pm via Mobile Web

I can't believe I only have 5 more days in Spokane with my beautiful kids. It's going to be hard to leave. Bob will be here tomorrow night for 4 days, then home together on Wed. morning.

September 10 at 11:17am via Mobile Web

Brandon left this morning to go out in the woods for 5 days to instruct a survival course. Bob gets here tonight. They won't see each other this trip. Even though Bob is coming to meet Heath and see Riley, I know he also misses Brandon. It's too bad the scheduling worked out this way.

September 11 at 11:09am via Mobile Web

(From my mother to me): Kyle went to Church with us this morning. He says he is going back next Sunday. Went to Perkins after Church. There was 7 of us. Kyle enjoyed himself. He said he was going to go for a walk this afternoon. Corey (a friend we hired to tutor Kyle in math) was there early this morning. (Kyle says) Elle May is not problem, but you know how Fergie is. (My dogs) Can't catch him, won...'t pee. All the doors are closed and he keeps checking all the rooms. I'm staying in touch with him. He loves Bobby. I'll be glad when you and Bob are home safely. Love you

September 12 at 3: 00

Took day trip yesterday to mid WA to Banks Lake and Coulee Dam. Very little population but beautiful country. Think spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and majestic purple mountains.

September 13 at 12:10pm via Mobile Web

Long Catch Up - Part 1

I'm back.  It's been a very long and tiring six weeks.  Good things, not so good, very happy, very sad.  So much has happened that there is no way to even remember it all, let alone write about it all.  I did manage to post  updates almost daily on Facebook via my phone,  so I thought what a good way to put it all together.  So here we go., starting August 24:

I leave tomorrow for Spokane and so far baby boy Knox is waiting for me. I really don't have the time to be sitting at the computer right now, but wanted you all to know why you won't hear much from me for 3 weeks. I hope Bob, my dogs, and Mom get along OK without me! LOL

Sitting in Denver airport. Baby boy Knox is still waiting for me to get there.

August 26 at 12:12pm via Mobile Web

I'm in Spokane and all is good. Dee still pregnant, Riley still adorable, and Brandon's 28th birthday is today. Going to Couer d'Alene to Texas Roadhouse for dinner

August 27 at 11:21am via Mobile Web






Still no baby. Great dinner at Texas Roadhouse. We thought last night Dee was feeling contractions but she thinks she just ate too much. I'll hang Riley's curtains today.

August 28 at 11:17am via Mobile Web

No baby yet. Made french toast for all for breakfast. Put roast in the crockpot for dinner. I am also now Brandon's official gardner. Got a hose & sprinkler as yard is completely burned from hot summer & no rain. Also trimmed the bushes. Think I need another hose for back yard.

August 29 at 1:31pm via Mobile Web

(From my mother) Didn't realize you would be on facebook while you are away. I see you are sitting around with nothing to do.ha ha Everything is quiet here except for Bob's car problems. Might have to take him to Indiana tomorrow to take back Austins car. Brad will be here tomorrow. We think Grandpa will be in a wheelchair soon. His legs are giving out. (so are mine) It's a beautiful day. Someone should cut the grass. I love you and miss you.

August 30 at 10:32am

No, not yet! Dee and I just taking it easy today. My guess is Wednesday is going to be the day. Doing a little cleaning today just because that is what I do on Mondays!

August 30 at 3:50pm via Mobile Web

Going w/ Dee to Dr. appt. Should give us an idea of how this baby is coming along. Then if she's able we're going to Target, lunch and grocery store.

August 31 at 10:13am via Mobile Web

Dee's dr.appt. yesterday went well. All systems ready and good to go for baby's birth. Dr. estimated within 48 hours and that was 24 hours ago. I think maybe we'll take a walk today and maybe a session of jumping jacks. If nothing happens she'll be induced on Friday. He is now officially going to be a Sept. baby.

September 1 at 11:50am via Mobile Web

Looks like baby will be induced tomorrow. He just doesn't seem to want to come on his own. Dee didn't want to be induced but now doesn't care. It's a beautiful day so I think we'll go for a walk. Still watering the grass and just hung the American flag on the front porch. Dee and Brandon's little house is so cute.

September 2 at 12:59pm via Mobile Web

My 5th grandchild was born at 12:25 this morning! Didn't have to be induced. Yay! Heath David Knox weighs 8 lbs., 19-1/2" long. Diana & baby are great. Riley & I are waiting for Brandon to pick us up to meet baby brother.

September 3 at 12:19pm via Mobile Web

Preparing For Three Weeks Away

I leave tomorrow for Spokane for a three week stay.  My newest grandchild is due any day and I'm going to be there to help in any way I can.  I'll be taking care of Riley (now 15 months old),  cooking, cleaning,  fixing up a new nursery, and anything else that I can do.   I also found out today that Brandon is getting his wisdom teeth pulled next week and thought it would be a good time because as he told Diana, "My mom will be here to take care of me".   I'm looking forward to it all.  The hardest part for me is being away from my own home for that long.  I love to be in my home.  I have a feeling, though, that after three weeks with my son and his family it will feel like home there.  My Bob will come out to us on September 11 and then we'll fly back together on the 15th.

Tomorrow we actually just drive to Pittsburgh to the airport.  We live 2-1/2 hours from the airport and since I leave at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Bob and I like to go down the night before to have a nice dinner and a good sleep at the Holiday Inn.  It also will break up the drive for Bob, instead of five hours in one day.

I've been very busy getting ready to leave.  As with any trip no matter how far or how long, I have to clean my house before I leave.  Being gone for this long, there is no way it is going to stay clean until I get back, but I have to leave it as best I can.

Last weekend, my older son, Austin, and his two dogs spent the weekend with us.  His wife and three children were in New York visiting her family, so it was very nice to spend some time with Austin without the interruption and distraction of the kids. 

Isn't he cute?  It's been a long time since we've spent time with just him.  I so enjoyed it!

Next weekend, Bob is going to Cincinnati to pick up his 23 year old nephew to stay with us for a month or so.  He needs some big time help and guidance in making a decent life for himself.  His home life has not been great and I give him credit for at least realizing there is a better life for him out there.  Bob is going to try to help him get into the military, but we'll see what happens with that.  The selfish me is not looking forward to raising a 23 year old for an indefinite period of time.  The caring and nurturing me really wants to show him what a good home and life and job can be like. 

So, I needed to clean the guest room for Kyle, not that he'll know the difference, but I will.  Of course, I'm laundering every sheet, towel and piece of clothing in the house.  I have two more shirts of Bob's to iron so he has at least a couple of weeks without having to launder or iron his own.

Yesterday we had new carpeting installed in our bedroom.  It looks so nice, but that sure makes a lot of work.  While all the furniture was still out of the room, I gave it a good cleaning from top to bottom.  Then I did a slight re-arrange and junk clean up.  Very slight, but enough so that it feels like a brand new room.  We also got a new bench for the foot of the bed.  I've been looking for a bench for quite a while and we found this one in a small furniture store on sale last week.   This is it with my suitcase on top as I have been packing all day today.

I'm only taking one carry on suitcase and a carry on duffel bag.  I don't need to take anything other than T-shirts, shorts, some sweats and a pair of jeans.  If I need anything else I'll get it there.  Now I just need to throw in about three different colors of flip flops and I'm ready to go.

I finally finished sewing the second curtain for Riley's bedroom.  I'm ironing it right now.

This matches the first curtain and the quilt I made for her nursery. 

Then about three days ago, I decided I needed a bag/tote/purse that would be easier and more convenient for traveling.  I wanted a cross-over bag with lots of pockets that would work double duty as a purse and would also hold a small knitting project and a book.  I knew exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it to look, so I dug through my stash of fabrics and found an old pattern that I altered to my specifications and Voila!, here's my new  bag.

Perfect!  Don't you just love my artistic manequin?  My artistic son, Austin, gave it to me.  It's come in very handy in taking pictures of scarves, neckwarmers, etc. for my Etsy shop.

Here's a closer-up of the bag.

It has four pockets on the outside with velcro closures, and four pockets on the inside.  Then, of course, I had to embellish with lace, buttons, ribbon and charms.

This is the cell phone pocket. 

OK, my break is over and I need to finish my ironing and packing.  I'll be three weeks away from my computer and the break from high level communication probably isn't such a bad thing.  I did get a new cell phone, though, that I can e-mail and facebook from if I can figure it out! 

I'll be back in about three weeks with plenty new baby pictures!

New Stuff of Mine

I've been busy knitting.  Some for myself, some for my grandbabies, and maybe one or two new items for my Etsy shop:  http://charmingbynina.etsy.com/   I go in phases with the things I  make because I tend to get tired of doing the same thing for too long.  So more quilts, miniature quilts, and pincushions will be coming when I get in the mood.  In fact, I'm starting to feel a mini quilt urge coming on as soon as I have the time. 
Knitting works well for me when I'm busier because it's so portable.  I can pick it up easily and knit a few rows or take it with me in the car if someone else is driving, of course.  And it's great to take to a hair appointment or to sit and wait in a dentist or doctor's office.

I just listed this cable knit purse for my Etsy shop.

It's lined with a cotton fabric and then I crocheted and felted the flower on the front.  The yarn is Baby Alpaca.  I know my things are maybe a little more expensive than others you may find on Etsy, but I use very expensive luxury quality yarn.  You can really tell the difference once you start working with the better yarn.

I made this little baby set a while back for my granddaughter, Riley.  I'm now almost finished with another set just like it that my dog groomer ordered from me for her granddaughter.  She ordered a size 3 mos., but it looks awfully small to me.  If I have to make her a larger size that's fine because I'll give the one I'm making to my newest granddaughter, Leanna. 

 I made this little hat and bootie set for Leanna

 This set I just finished for my newest grandson that's due on September 6. 
Side note:  I leave for Spokane next Thursday to be there for the new baby.  I'll be staying three weeks.

This set I made for a girlfriend of my DIL's as she had a baby girl 3 weeks ago.  She saw the set I made for Leanna and asked if I could make a set for her baby.  She loved it and actually had professional newborn pictures taken of her baby wearing this. 

I finished this sweater for myself a few months ago and I love it.  It's perfect to throw over a tank top if it cools down at night or to go into a freezing grocery store or restaurant. 

Oh, and this is my new "natural" hair color and my new pink and purple glasses.  I'm embracing  a much more Bohemian look ever since I retired from the insurance business and don't have to look conservative anymore. 

And since I finally figured out how to set the self timer on my camera I thought I'd show the necklace my kids got me on Mother's Day.  It has become one of my favorite things.  It's Brighton, and the two charms on the left are the birthstones of my two sons next to a charm that says "mother" and the four birthstones on the right are my grandchildren with a "grandmother" charm.  One more will be added very soon.  It's actually becoming quite heavy, but isn't it beautiful!  I just love it!

As you've probably noticed, my blog background and header is also new, but I don't know if I'm satisfied with it.  It may change a few more times in the near future before I find something to stick with for a while.  I enjoy making the changes when I have the time to fool with it.  I've also updated  "My Charming Creations" page (click on the tab at the top).  I've sort of neglected that page for a while, so take a look if you'd like.

That's it for now.  More to come.