Home again, home again, jiggity jig

:: I'm home. Glad to be home but sorry to leave the warm weather behind. We left Raleigh in 60 degree weather and in our shirt sleeves to come home to even more snow than when we left.

:: The trip down was on time and uneventful. I can not say the same for the way home. The plane from Raleigh to DC was late leaving Raleigh because it was late arriving in Raleigh from Washington. Anyway, I asked if we would still be able to make our connection and my answer was "It won't be a problem". Then as we sat on the plane in DC waiting for a gate, some man said "Oh no, there goes our connecting flight to Syracuse." Yes, it was our flight too. Someone else remarked that "there are no more flights out of Washington to Syracuse that are not totally booked." Well, I know if I had been alone, I no doubt would have cried. Susan said "It will take a miracle" and I started praying. And, yes, we did get the last 2 seats on a plane that was leaving Washington at 5pm. What a blessing that was! So we had our miracle and a $10 voucher for food. (Unfortunately, we could not find a vendor who accepted vouchers but what is important was that we got a seat)


There were people on the plane that said they had been trying to get home from NC for 24 hr.

:: There was something about the flight down. I looked up from my seat as the last of the passengers were boarding and guess what? Jeff McGrath from Potsdam was on the same flights to Raleigh. I did get to chat a few minutes in PA while waiting for the flight to Raleigh.

:: As for Morrigan's birthday party, well I can not begin to tell you what it was like to be in room with 15 five year olds. Oh, did I mention the party was at Pump it Up? That is a place where the rooms have bouncy house, giant slide and another slide you had to go through a maze before you could slide. There was also soccer, basketball and air hockey. Once you had enough bouncing and yes, even 5 year olds eventually reach their limit, you went to another room for cake and opening of gifts.

:: We were not the only guests who stayed with Jon and Donna this weekend. It was definitely a full house, lots of laughs and I for one was overwhelmed. I know, it does not take much to get me overwhelmed, but with 6 extra house guests and Donna's family, who is now in Raleigh, there, what would you expect.

:: I would be amiss if I did not mention how well we ate all weekend. Donna's sister, Terry, from Syracuse, was down for 10 days and she was doing a lot of the cooking. We had fantastic meals and the freezer is loaded with leftovers for when everyone is gone. Jon usually cooks but this time all he did were breakfasts.

my sweet little Max

Susan and Jon (notice the wave) at the throne




part of Pump It Up!

I'm off

:: Just waiting here for Susan to pick me up on our way to the airport. Yes, today is the day we leave for Raleigh. Today I will see my newest grandbaby and my little princess. Tomorrow Morrigan will have her 5th birthday party.
While I do not like flying, there is little choice when you only have a few days. Besides, Susan will be with me and I am sure you will all be praying for safe travel.

:: I will be back on Monday night with some pictures. Another good thing about going to Raleigh is that the temps will be in the 60's this weekend. Oh, I am so looking forward to that.

101

:: Yep, this is post #101....and isn't that exciting?

:: We left for Canton at 7am yesterday. The plan was to actually leave but 6:30 but hey, only 30 min. off schedule at that time in the morning was remarkable for me. I am not a morning person. I dosed off just after Sandy Creek. When I woke up, we were in Watertown and it was snowing hard. Wm. said it had been since just after I fell asleep. We drove out of it around Antwerp. The trip home today was great and for the most part, roads were dry and bare. We do have have quite a bit more snow than in Canton though.

:: The wedding was great. Elizabeth made a beautiful bride. We did go to the reception for a while....OK, so I was anxious to see the "girls". They were anxious to see us too as Josh had called us 4x's while we were at the reception. (no one got any cell phone service up there, the reception was in Parishville) They had a buffet for the adults at the reception.....for the kids, they had Pizza Hut deliver individual pizzas. Isn't that a terrific idea?














:: I had a wonderful time with the girls. Yes, it was short but we made the most of it. Sat. night we went to the dollar store (fun for Gramma and the girls; I think Grampa and Mama and Daddy would have been just as happy to have eaten first) from there it was Ponderosa, Lael's favorite (Gramma loves the buffet, so many choices, so little time). This morning we went to church with them. We left from Ogdensburg for home. (down 37 to Watertown......clear sailing, hop on 81 and you're home!)

:: Just a few more days to get my bag packed and things together for the trip to Raleigh. Susan and I leave on Fri. Feb. 23 and return on Mon. Feb. 26. Morrigan's party is on Sat. I am eager to see baby Max and Morrigan as well as Jon and Donna. Seems like forever (actually it was 8 mo).

Still snowing.......

:: Yes, it is still snowing.....no, not as bad as Oswego and Mexico but Wm. has been snowblowing (for the first time this year, he likes to shovel but the snow is just too heavy) two or three times a day to keep up with it. They have closed the Thruway exit at 39, just a mile from our house this morning for some reason, I am not exactly sure why. To make matters worse, it is also blowing. Schools, churches and business have been closed for days.....(no not Susan's or Wm's places of employment) but even doctors offices are closing. Watching TV is very distracting because of the constant stream of closings running across the bottom of the screen.

:: Tomorrow is Elizabeth Regan's wedding and we were supposed to be coming up for it. I was excited as it was also a chance for me to see the girls, who I miss terribly. Anyway, Wm. said that if the weather does not improve we are not going. I can not blame him for not wanting to drive in this......I would NEVER do it. Driving in the snow never used to bother me....lately, driving at all in any weather is not my favorite.

:: I know we have no control over the weather. I dislike it. Not just because I am freezing, but I am very afraid of falling and breaking something. Most of the bones I have broken (and there are many) came from falling in this kind of weather. I would personally be content to just stay in my little house and hibernate until spring. Unrealistic you say, yes, I know there are times when we need to go out in this.

:: So until all this snow stops, I will be here praying spring comes soon. I just want to be warm again.

Introducing.............

I am pleased to introduce Max Thompson Potter. His middle name is my maiden name. I am very excited about that......even more anxious to get down to see him. Donna was scheduled to be induced on Thurs. Feb. 15. Her water broke Sat. morning. So without further adieu:

Drum roll, please

:: Drum roll please......
I am pleased to announce the birth of grand-baby #5: Max was born a little after 4pm and weighed 7lb. 5oz. Mama and baby both doing well. Thank you for your prayers. I will update as soon as Jon and Donna get home from the hospital with Max and send us some pictures and more details.

I'm a little teapot

:: I have a teapot collection. No, I didn't decide to become a collector, I just had a few from my mother, my grandmothers, and my aunt. I had them in a hutch in Canton and when people got to know me, the would bring me new and unusual teapots. I must be up to about 18+ now. When we moved to this house, there was no place to put the hutch. I was at a loss as to what to do with my teapots. I found that I had room enough for 12 to sit on top of the kitchen cabinets. Only 12, well that would be OK, I could rotate from the collection and still have a nice display. Lately, I have been regretting that I was able to fit 12 up there. No, they look great. The problem is that I had been teaching Matty some of the songs like "itsy, bitsy spider", "pat a cake" and yes, I'm a little teapot. You guessed it! Now every time we go into the kitchen, I have to "do" I' a little teapot with each of the 12 pots. Now, who is the smart one in this picture?????? certainly not Gramma. But he does love it and laughs and does the actions himself now.

:: Certainly looked like my girls had a wonderful time at the water park in Canada yesterday. There are pictures on the flickr and/or Jackie's blog. I do miss them so. I can not wait until next week when we come for the wedding so I can see them if only for a little while.

:: We have been rethinking the trip to NC. Yes, we are still going.......with both the new baby and Morrigan's birthday we really have no choice but to go and we would not want to miss either anyway! What we decided is that with Max being only a few days old, Donna's parents and family being there, not to mention Morrigan's birthday party, that it may be a bit too hectic to take Matty along this time. We have decided to stay only 4 days (remember I said that fish and house guests both start to stink after 5 days). Morrigan really wanted Grampa to come down for her birthday, he has never missed one until now. However, this job is not like the others he has had. He used up his vacation and taking time off, even without pay, is frowned upon. Personal days......surely you jest......not here!

"Got anymore chocolate pudding left, Gramma?"

more ramblings from an old fat grandmother

:: The weather has changed here for the worse, like everywhere else. Yes, it probably could be worse precipitation wise, but we have the corner on the blowing. I thought we were very cold until Will told me that it was -31 windchill in Canton. No, that is one thing I do not miss.

:: My sweet boy is doing better since his shots, swelling and fever have subsided. He has learned to open one of the gates.....so much for my idea of corralling him in the LR. He opens the gate, runs down the hall to the bathroom and wants to brush his teeth, even more often than before. Not much gets by him anymore. The first 3 times this morning I put his toothpaste on his brush but then I thought I would just wet it for him. Well, he immediately knew the difference and climbed up on the toilet to reach the shelf where I keep his toothpaste. So much for me trying to outsmart an 18 mo. old.

::This morning he wanted an egg for breakfast.....how did I know you ask when he has a limited vocabulary? He got out a frying pan, then opened the fridge and handed me an egg......was that clear enough for you? Yeah, me too! I thought I could give him an oatmeal bar and cheerios and give him an egg for lunch. Ha! He ate the oatmeal bar and the cheerios, drank his milk.....this just may work, I thought when he got out the frying pan and the egg and pushed me towards the stove. Yes, I gave in (hey, I am a grandmother, that is my job) So, he ate his second breakfast, brushed his teeth yet again, and is now napping. That was a plus, no tears at nap time.

:: Liz's wedding is the 17th. I just finished the tray with her invitation . Not sure I am happy with it. Also made a blanket for Matty (he has been carrying around Uncle Josh's afghan from when he was a baby, so I thought this would be easier for him to carry, not so bulky......you guessed it, he carries them both around. He wants to rock in the afternoon while we read and both the blanket and afghan are between he and I!

News from Matthew.com

:: Matthew had his 18 mo. check up this afternoon. He will be 18 mo. on Sun. He now weighs 28# 10 1/2 oz. and he is 34 1/2" tall. Giving my little Alyssa a run for her money. He also had to have 2 shots; that was traumatic, crocodile tears even! Doctor said she thought we could start potty training if we wanted to. I have known for a while now that he knows when he is wet as he tries to get me to change him (he pats his diaper and takes my hand to lead me down the hall to the nursery) However, he hides when he poops his pants, behind the rocking chair or behind the door to the armoire. Dr. also said once the infant Tylenol was gone, we should switch him to children's. (now he should get 2 droppers of the infant when needed)

:: Not really that cold here but all the snow we got in the last few days has blown around so that at times we could not see across the street. Wind seems to have died down and the sun is shining. However, there was an accident and a pole was down and our electricity went out. At first it was just for a few minutes and came back on just in time for the Backyardigans. Half way through the theme song, and Matty's dance, it went off again. He was very upset. Climbed up in the chair to get the remote and kept pushing the power button. He finally gave up and we read and played and watched the birds but every few minutes he would pick up the remote and try to turn it on again. I told him it was broken and everytime he tried to turn it on, he would shake his head and tell me "broke".

:: My intention for this afternoon was for me to make a roast, do some laundry and work on the other blanket for Lauren. So much for good intentions. The power is on now, the laundry started and the roast is in. I will work on the blanket when I finish here.

This is one of the blankets I am making for Lauren Jessa. It is 45" x 45" so it works well for nursing. I made Alyssa 2 when she was born but back then there was no pink. Anyway, I am happy with the way it came out and I love the little rosebuds. (so glad Jackie changed her mind about no pink)

worth a thousand words????

I think the pictures of Anthony's party will speak for themselves.



Here is Anthony's Bob the Builder cake.
(like you needed me to tell you)








Yes, he did get golf clubs and these are not plastic toy ones.....they came from Dick's (from Grandpa and Uncle Roy)













Matty at the party. No big smiles but taking it all in!

rambling on and on

:: All I seem to do is ramble on about my corner of the world. I am no doubt boring everyone. I am considering not blogging for a while.

:: Matty is obsessed with brushing his teeth. I moved the wooden stool out of the bathroom and into the hallway next to the washer/dryer. He picks it up and carries it back in so the can reach the sink and brush his teeth. It does not have to be just after he eats anymore......it is every time he walks down the hall to the nursery to get his pants changed or take a nap. I am sure this will wear off after a while but until then ................

:: We got quite a bit of snow in the last few days and it has become much colder.....OK, not NNY colder but cold nonetheless. I am so looking forward to spring....yes, I am aware we just got our winter weather, doesn't mean I like it. They had snow in Raleigh last week and it was gone by 10am. (sigh)

:: Tomorrow is Anthony's second birthday party. This year it is for the family (you will remember that last year, they invited 40 people besides family and had it catered) .

:: We are doing a financial series through church. Wm. has also been reading a book called Money Road Map. We were never on a strict budget before. I know it is what God has been speaking to us, but I can tell you I am not sure I like it. Yes, I am aware that I need to be able to listen to Him and change my life accordingly and I will be stretched in the process. I know this is a good thing. I was a little surprised when he began speaking to me about giving up my coolatas last week and then an example Pastor Lee used in church was about lattes and how having one a day meant you were spending $1200 in a yr. Ooh, that is eyeopening.

Edit: forgot to mention that I went to the doctors for my 8 week check up on my knee. He pronounced me "healed". That seemed like the longest 8 wk. of my life. (OK, maybe a slight exaggeration)

more musings

:: It is snowing again, here......surprise, surprise. I knew the time would come when it would stay on the ground; but there always was that glimmer of hope. I've said it before, I always thought we would retire to somewhere it was warmer than this in the winter. Wm. keeps saying we are done moving.



:: I guess it would not be my post if I did not mention Matty. (Well he is the only one I am with all day 5 out of 7). His new "thing" is brushing his teeth. I remember how Lael loved to brush hers too. Anyway, he brushed them after breakfast and after lunch, then any time he ate anything, he wanted to brush again. (we are talking after every cheerio, and no we did not)



"Look guys, I think I may have found another purpose for these pull-ups. What do ya think?"

You know your're in trouble when........

:: You know you're in trouble when your 17 month old grandchild gets down on his hands and knees, looks under the armoire for the TV and then under the couch only to announce "ooh, kaka" and proceeds to get a toy broom, get back down and sweeps out the dust. (we moved both the armoire and couch last week when we cleaned the laminate floor)

:: You know you're in trouble when the only song that keeps running through your head is the theme song from the Backyardigans.

::Yes, I'm in trouble. My defense? Matty is Mr. Clean's son and we do put the Backyardigans on after lunch......he loves to dance with them. Not much of a defense I know. Like I said.....I am in trouble!

musings

:: The weather was sunny and warmer today and a lot of our snow melted. Tomorrow, however, more lake effect snow is predicted for the area. :-(
No, I am not any more pleased with the fact that we actually have to endure winter than I was.

::Work is slow for my DH, so he has decided to stay home tomorrow unless they call with a big job. Usually they have more work on Friday's than any other day but there is nothing on the schedule for tomorrow. (selfishly, I am glad he will be home)

::Susan is back from NJ where she went to meetings and training for her new job......they still have not found someone they wanted to hire for her old one.
She is currently covering both.

::My sweet Matty has been wild the last few days......not playing with anything for more than a couple of minutes, short or no naps and drooling up a storm. Hopefully his eye teeth will finally come in. He has some premolars and spaces where his eye teeth should be. I don't remember this with the other kids, but maybe I just don't remember and this is absolutely normal.
Yes, I know every child is different.

::Well, just about a month until grandbaby # 5 makes an appearance. His due date is Feb. 15th. Jackie will give us grandbaby #6 soon after that. Oh, so exciting, I love being a grandmother.

::Speaking of grandchildren, did you all check out the latest video of my northern princesses on Jackie's blog? If not it is definitely worth a look!

ice and sleet

:: We got some snow on Thurs. that turned to rain on Fri. By Saturday evening the rain had turned to sleet and ice. Driving was treacherous (NO, we did not go out) and there was 30 car pile up on 81 yesterday. Most of the schools in the area were closed today for MLK day but those that were not were closed because of the weather.

:: Susan has gone to NJ through work for a few days. Tom is the #1 care giver......he brought Matty over and picked him up (as he will for the next few days)

:: Uncle Roy is having surgery on January 23rd. I am asking that you would all put this on your prayer lists. (thanks)

:: Susan has graciously agreed to take Matty and fly with me to Raleigh in Feb. Wm. was planning to go but he used up his vacation when I had my surgery. We are only going for a long weekend. (thinking about Fri - Mon). Morrigan's birthday party is Feb. 24th and Max will be born on the 15th.
We have always gone down for Morrigan's birthday and she is looking forward to it. (Did I mention how much I hate to fly?)

Matthew.com

It has been a while since I just posted about Matty. (Josh this is just for you as I know how you think every post is Matty oriented) I only have a few minutes here but I wanted you see a couple of new pictures.




Here he is after his new haircut.
Where did the baby go? He looks like
a big boy.









He loves books, for which I am very grateful. Here is a picture his mama snapped at home of him reading in his new chair. Anthony got a recliner for Christmas and Matty liked it, so Tom wanted him to have his own. He sits in it quite a bit. It is much easier than trying to climb up on the couch.

Winter wonderland?

Well we finally got our share of the snow over the last 24 hr. Not really a winter wonderland, more of a huge nuisance (OK, that is my opinion) I told you I was happy with the green grass and felt no need to stand on tradition that central and northern NY should have snow. All the area schools were closed as well as other services.....you would think we had never seen snow before.

On a lighter note, Wm. was home today and he watched Matty so I could make cookies. Matthew kept standing on the gate and calling me and when I asked him what he wanted, he said cookie, cookie!

Here he is trying to fill Grampa's shoes.

He was supposed to get a haircut tonight but that got changed to tomorrow

more ramblings........

No sooner than I am able to see some progress with my knee than I come down with this cold. Until yesterday it was just a head cold but now it has moved to my chest. YUCK. I feel horrid. I did not have Matthew today, his other grandmother did. Susan, Tom and Matthew had this cold between Christmas and New Year's (while on vacation) Wm. had it last week, so I knew it was inevitable that I would come down with it. I just seem to go from one thing to another. It always bothered me that my mother always seemed to go from one thing to another. My sister and I used to think she was a hypochondriac. Maybe not! I don't want to think I am one......so, family, please do not comment on whether or not you think I am. I can live without that information.

Snow has been coming down to the north and south of us......we, however, are still seeing the green grass. Not for much longer I guess but every day without snow is a bonus in my eyes.

randomness

I thought I would put a few more of the Christmas pictures up. These are better as Susan and/or Tom took them. They have been the family photographers since I can remember.


Yes, you are seeing what you think you are.

Matty is sitting in the fridge.

(cooling his jets)

Alyssa is
excited with this ,
eh?

Matty got reindeer jammies for his Christmas Eve tradition from Gramma and Grampa. The girls jammie pictures are in with the Flickr photos.










Princess Lael (Aurora) opening some books.

check it out

Matty doesn't have a huge vocabulary but he is constantly adding new words.

Cheese, cookie, cracker, and his new one today popcorn. (are you beginning to see a pattern to his vocabulary?) :-)

This afternoon he wanted popcorn. He loves popcorn. OK, I know he got that from me but it could be worse, I could be a chocoholic. Here is a picture we took today when he realized that once the popcorn was nearly gone, he could stick his head in the bucket and talk and create an echo......I love this job!