Outdoor Play

Tub Fun

A Fall Walk with GG

Tea Party

Special Ones

I have a little photo album that I carry around in my purse. I have some new pictures to put into it, but as I gaze at the album, I cannot part with any of the pictures in there, so I just have to put the new ones loose in the back! There just aren't words for the love Papa and I feel for these special little ones! Omi

Wonderful, beautiful grandchildren

Today's training included:

Best Party Favor Ever!

The little ones each got a great party favor at Everleigh's 1st Birthday Pink Extravaganza. It is a favorite toy, and we think of Everleigh every time we play with it!

More than Loaves

The Lord has been teaching me to live upon Himself - not from anything received from Him, but upon the life itself.

So they continued to follow Him because of what they thought He could provide (food and deliverance from oppression). But Jesus turned the tables and identified Himself as the Bread of Life (John 6:32-33). They wanted a better life from Him, but He told them He came to offer them eternal life (v40).

Follow Jesus, not just because He can provide "the loaves", but because He can satisfy your deepest hunger - the quest for eternal fellowship with Him.

THEY WANTED A BETTER LIFE FROM HIM, BUT HE TOLD THEM HE CAME TO OFFER THEM eternal life. John 6:40

Brody Learns SO BIG!

I took the picture many, many times, trying to get him to smile while doing SO BIG, but he takes it so seriously, that the smile just doesn't come until later!

My Dad

Remembering my dad this week and today especially. Guess I'd rather remember the weeks before his death; the last week and day were pretty rough. I remember all the "family time" we had and all the meals we shared at mom and dad's house together in those last weeks, which were a gift. I'm feeling pretty sad that my dad doesn't get to meet and love all these beautiful little great grandchildren. He would have loved coming up to my house to visit each week when I am at home with mine. He would have given them golf cart rides WHENEVER they wanted - and taught them important things, like keeping your windshield clean and how to catch a ball! Why did our DAD, HUSBAND, GRANDPA and GREAT GRANDPA have to leave us? Miss you, dad!

Our 3 Grandchildren - how cute is that!

This is Claire's "welcome home Max" outfit!

Welcome MAX!

Maxwell Christopher Docken

Little Max, only 2 hours old.

With his Daddy, our son Josh.

Oma Annie and Papa Jeff with Max.

They're Watching! Today's Funny Story

The kids are giggling and playing by the toy box and searching for the perfect toy to play with. I'm wondering if Brody might need a change of diaper, so I lean down and give his bottom a sniff. A minute later Claire is down on the floor, leaning down to sniff as well. Oopsie, better watch myself, even though the story is funny, it isn't a habit I want to teach! *Note - Claire does like to smell everything. **Note 2 - he was not in need of a diaper!

Remembering Darren

16 years ago today little Darren died of SIDS. I was at the hospital when his mommy and daddy arrived and helped take care of Ashley and Joey, and then Carol let me hold little baby Darren, just 4 months old. We will never forget him. His family worked so hard to get through those years, and they are the strongest, most loving family I've ever met. God Bless You All!

Funny Friday Story

Took Brody and Claire to Target and the Library this morning. While strolling the aisles in Target, we passed the children's clothing section (shocker). No kidding at all, Claire spotted on the rack a pair of pants that matched the hoodie she was wearing. She pointed to it and said "more, please" enough times that I knew she wanted it! Guess that's my first experience of Grandma Shopping! So, we bought them. (Oh, they were on 50% off clearance rack - is that a sign of her shopping prowess?) When we were checking out, a gal and her two tweens got in line behind us. I kind of thought, oh no, pressure to get out fast; how am I going to accomplish that with two in the cart? The gal said, "we picked your aisle so we could watch the show"! They wanted to interact with the kids while I checked out! How awesome. They put on a little show for them, needless to say. They worked pretty hard to get a smile from Brody. After their naps this afternoon, Claire saw the new pants and her hoodie hanging on a chair in the dining room. She reached them and dragged them into the sunporch to me. She would not rest until I took off her outfit and put on the new pants with her hoodie. Attached is a photo. I'm sad to report that Brody went on this trip with Claire's pink and purple Robeez because his mama forgot his shoes today. She has a lot to remember every day! Diapers, socks, extra outfits, long sleeved, short sleeved, burpers, washies, meds, bibs, food, formula, bottle, paci - you get it! Anyway, that is my funny Friday story - I never said it would be short! (Oh, also included photos of Claire and Brody at my house at the new table and chairs, and one of them in their matching jammies (courtesy of Gina!). Please don't get frustrated with my sideways photos - I worked way too long trying to figure out how to turn it and I just couldn't make it happen.

Yesterday

Claire's new trick is dumping out her milk and playing in it. I've tried every sippy cup and she is able to get the milk out of all of them.

Today

Claire and Brody chilling - Brody proudly standing alone (ok, propped up against the couch)

Outsmarted

This morning I thought I would be really smart. Claire and Brody had both finished their breakfast and were still in their jammies. I thought, why not leave them in their jammies while I have a cup of coffee in my favorite cup and read the lastest Mothering magazine. Two sips into this dream, Claire says poopoo. I'm thinking, no way, not this early, but, yes, it was indeed poopoo. So, up we go to change the diaper and, might as well get dressed now. Brody can't stay alone downstairs, so up he goes as well. The diaper seems quite toxic, so I decide to give her a sink bath. Grabbed a towel and both kids and head into the bathroom. Claire gets her sink bath and then towel her off and get her dressed. Decide to give Brody a sink bath as well. Wrestle with Brody to get his clothes off and realize he has poopoo too, without a wipe nearby. Carry him to the toilet paper roll and do my best and then plunk him into the soapy sink. Get dressed and head back downstairs to begin our day of play and learn. Why did I think I could carry this off?They always outsmart me! In the attached photos, I'm pretty sure they are plotting this scene!

Uncle Sean and Auntie Heather

I'm so excited today - after all the waiting, the day has finally arrived! Uncle Sean and Auntie Heather are moving into their new home! I know they will enjoy many happy moments, days and years there.

Love those golf cart rides!

Outdoor Play

DUDE!

And Claire and Brody are here today...

Brody's Crazy Man

Aunt Sue

The Kids are Swingin'

Brody's ABCs

Look Out - Lots of Videos to Post!

Happy Birthday to Grandma Annie

Brody and I were decorating a cookie in honor of Everleigh's 1st Birthday. Aren't we PINK!

Happy Birthday to me, the happiest (and luckiest) Grandma in the world!

TGIF isn't just for the White and Blue Collars

Grandma Annie's Friday Morning (note that it is now 8:35 a.m.)

6:05 a.m. alarm goes off - wake with a headache
Papa Jeff says he's going to stay in bed longer (headache as well)
Arrive at Daycare Site and greet baby and mama and puppy (breakfast is already over for Baby 1, woke up at 5ish)
Change Baby 1's diaper and dress her
Baby 2 and mama arrive
Bye bye to Mama 1 and 2
Make bottle for Baby 2, Baby 1 decides to steal it from him a couple of times
Baby 1's pants are too loose so put a couple of stitches in them to hold up
Make a pot of coffee to help headache
Baby 1 and 2 are whining so decide to be smart and put down for naps
Realize coffee is running onto floor - wipe it up quick, take 2 sips
Baby 1 goes down like a dream with her babies and blankets
Baby 2 cries because he is alone
Rock Baby 2 to sleep and lay him down
Grandma goes to lie down for a quick nap and hears Baby 1 in crib (didn't go to sleep after all)
Gets Baby 1 up again and figure, oh well, we'll chill together
Oops, hears Baby 2 bawling his head off
Get Baby 2 up again and figure, oh well (dirty diaper is the culprit)
Play with babies
Baby 2 spits up (fancy way to say puke) all over bib and Grandma's 1st shirt of the day
Baby 1 wants Baby 2's pacifier (used as way to keep spit up in)
Baby 1 takes my finger and pulls me to kitchen for snack - yogurt is agreed upon
Baby 1 isn't crazy about this decision and knocks spoon out of Grandma's hand and sprays yogurt on Grandma's pants, shirt and Baby 1's shirt - Baby 1 thinks this is SUPER funny
Diaper change for Baby 1 - oops, false alarm
Baby 2 rubs eyes - time for another try at a nap
Rock Baby 2 to sleep, Baby 1 wants in on this action so I put pillow and blanket and babies on couch with us - Baby 1 and Baby 2 kick each other's feet and think it's funny
Baby 2 finally gives up and goes to sleep, lay him down
Baby 1 dances to the Ellen opening dance and then decides it's her naptime as well
9:18 a.m., both sleeping, finish a cup of coffee
Is it really worth trying for that nap??

Little Girl - Music to a Grandma's Heart

Claire got up from her morning nap (1 1/2 hours- which is awesome for her) and asked me to bring along her blankets and babies from her crib (no, she didn't "say" it, she has her ways of communicating what she wants/needs). She has been dragging them around with her since then, wrapping up the babies, wrapping herself up in them, making little beds for them in every room - it is too cute, and such a little girl thing.

A couple of Claire's favorite spots

Claire likes to stand on her chair and look out the window at the world.

She also likes to sit in the corner next to the couch in the sunporch - her private spot!

They're growing up...

First day back with both kids after vacations.

Brody is sitting up now, and Claire is getting

such a kick out of it. She was sharing lots of

love and hugs and kisses with him. She

brought him toys and his bib and wanted to

share her snacks with him too. How quickly

they grow up!!

Docken Family Camping Trip 2010

Farmer Papa Jeff

Feeling nostalgic this morning - don't think anyone but me reads my blog anyway - so here goes.

Give fools their gold, and knaves their power; let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; who sows a field, or trains a flower, or plants a tree, is more than all. John Greenleaf Whittier

Here's another quote that reminds me of Jeff.

I think maybe the rural influence in my life helped me in a sense, of knowing how to get close to people and talk to them and get my work done. Gordon Parks

Grandma with her precious ones!

Brody blows bubbles!

Claire tells us sh-h-h-h, Brody's sleeping!

Summer 2010

Claire digs getting back to her youth and hanging out in the bouncy chair.

This is how I travel with my apple snack!

Reading a story to her baby on the blanket.

Brody is making friends with this airplane pilot!

Claire at VBS 2010

Claire on the slide at the playground during outdoor play.
Claire's little friend, Piper - she took Claire under her wing - what a sweetie!

Having outdoor snacktime! (did I mention they put mini marshmallows in there?)

Learning how to play the parachute game.

I'm outta here, people!

Summer Brody 2010

Brody is getting bounced!

Brody likes this new position on Uncle Josh & Auntie Whitney's couch in the sunporch. He can see everything from here!

Clear view of Brody amid ALL the toys!

This is how we roll, man!

Summer Claire 2010

Claire playing at the water table at Gma's house on the deck.

Claire reading a book in her reading chair at Gma's house. (in her Twins shirt)

Claire borrowing Brody's Crocs and cleaning out his diaper bag.

Brody's Crocs totally match my outfit! What?

Swimming on our patio in my awesome pool!