There is a toddler in the house and he runs FAST!!

 

Life has changed in our household, a most wonderful and happy, tired out change!

We have become "weekend grandparents" of a sort....

It has been a most welcome gift to us but sadly comes at a price to a little family...I will only say that we are hoping for reunification some day...but for now we are opening our hearts and home to a very, very special little one....

Mark, myself and Ashton were asked to become foster parents for the little one...one who has touched our hearts since the day he was born....Ashton especially has been his guardian angel ever since he came into the world and we came to know and love him very much over his first year...

Sadly for Mark and I we couldn't become full-time foster parents only because of my health, the darn fibromyalgia that has stolen so much from me in the last year or so, my doctor said NO very emphatically to full-time but I am Grammy every other weekend. My heart said I must do this even though my body says whew...alot!

So the once quiet emptynest is now overflowing with tiny toy trucks, blocks and blocks and more blocks (we have just as much fun with them as the little one does!) popcorn popper toys that make lots of loud noise as a little one happily pushes it all around the house over and over and over... there is a tiny trike that he tries to move about and watch out feet he is on the move.  There are books and books that he loves to "read" for perhaps 30 seconds and then zoom is off to something else....

There is a now a crib in Ashton's bright pink room!  A rocking chair that rocked my first baby 33 years ago is now being used at nighttime to settle and soothe a wee one....oh how I love the feeling of a little one cuddled up to me as we rock and sing softly bye bye rock-a-bye...  He has claimed my own little rocker (55 years old!) for his very own and you can hear him sing very softly "bye bye" as he rocks....tears fill my eyes when I see and hear this.  He had worked very hard to be able to climb into the little chair by himself and finally one day he did it!  Then I caught him standing up in it ,wobbling about but the biggest smile on his face. 

There is a big quilt covering our entire coffee table, because there is a little one who just seems to miss hitting the edges as he speeds by on sturdy little legs!  Its not a pretty sight for the living room but we don't care...its a HOME that is illuminated by such a sweet little face and those wrinkled-up nose smiles...that is what is beautiful about our home.  There is a big metal fence around the hearth so there will be no boo-boos...I forgot what it feels like to step on little toys in barefeet in the middle of the night...oh yes the feeling never goes away...

There is now a highchair sitting next to the dogs "dining area" in the kitchen.  The dogs tiptoe about as if not to disturb the little one...their tails and noses have been known to have been grabbed....they are very good natured about all the noise and running and jumping that goes on here....they sit patiently beside the highchair at meal time...one never knows what juicy morsel might just fall onto the floor...and the little boy who has figured out that if he throws food onto the floor it will be quickly snapped up!  We are working on that....

There are diapers stacked in his room, ointments and a tiny toothbrush and the tub is full of bathtoys....oh he does love ducks!  There is much splishing and splashing and laughter from Ashton and I as we watch him having the best time...then into snuggly footed pjs and then a bit more fun before its time for night-night. 

There is now a stroller taking up space in the entryway....a car seat is buckled into the car.  And who knew that they now come with a cup holder and snack cup built right in!  And there is a cup holder on his stroller too...for the adult!  Perhaps for the coffee I have to drink to keep up with those tiny feet....and to wake myself up at the very early hour of 5:30 a.m. each morning....but when I go into his room there is a smily face looking up at me to start the day off with...it's so quiet in the house at that time, still dark outside and the two of us happily eat breakfast together, he with his juice cup and me with a BIG cup of coffee...we have our oatmeal and he says "yum yum yum" while I slice up a banana for him.  I taught him that when he was just a visitor to our home and it makes me smile to think he remembers that!

There are no decorative items about the house anymore....all packed up for now.  There are outlet covers and cabinet locks and small spoons and cups and cuddly bears....

He has captured the heart of Mark's sister, she buys him cute clothes and is anxiously awaiting a visit to us tomorrow so she can give him a bouncy toy that she found and knew he would love...he made his first long trip (1 1/2 hours-ish)to my Aunt Jean's house and met her and Uncle Ken and Molly the dog...he ran through fallen leaves in their backyard and saw his first antique auto!  He came away with a gorgeous sweater and hat knitted by my aunt and books too!  I think he came away with their hearts too....

Community members have donated toys to him, a wonderful young mom has overwhelmed us with her donations of clothing and a stroller as she has tiny twins that are six months old, a toddler and an older child herself but she has the biggest heart!  Ashton is always "finding something" he might need from people are so very kind. When we first learned that he would be our guest for awhile I turned to the local Yard Sale page on Facebook and found a crib and mattress for him...the father who sold us the crib delivered it to us and set it all up for us!  We found a great deal on a highchair and a tiny table with two chairs, clothing was looked through and sorted out for him, someone found the hearth gate, winter clothes, stuffed animals...the love and support of our community has been truly overwhelming! 

I think I finally understand what it means to share, to give and most importantly to live each day to its fullest through this journey.  Yes one day I hope to have grandchildren of my own and of course we have Bode our granddog but this wee fellow has brought so much to our lives in his short life...we pray and pray that all goes well with his life and his family's...but for now I will continue to kiss that sweet head as much as I possibly can and take those sweet hugs he is starting to offer and change diapers and try to dress him as he runs about wily-nily and cover him with his blankie as he sleeps.  We will give him as many hugs and kisses that we possibly can, we will continue to share our families with him and shelter and protect him. 

He is a gift.

Beautiful St. Augustine - Part One

After three whirlwind days in Miami Beach we drove Ashton to see Homestead International Speedway on our way to drop her off at Miami International Airport.   Ashton had a college final on Thursday so flew home several days before us.   Now it was time for the parents to have some "quiet" vacation time!  We drove back to the condo in Palm Coast where we promptly took off our shoes and sprawled out in the air conditioning!

We planned a visit to St. Augustine.  We loved the city!  We were in awe of all the lovely old buildings.  We walked about slowly, enjoying the beautiful architecture.  Each street we walked down was a delight.

This house caught my eye. It was located on a tree-lined street.  I loved its porch with its intricate woodworking.  The rocker was so very inviting!  Wouldn't it be nice to sit in the rocker, sipping a lemonade and watching the world go by?

I like the contrast of vehicles, motorcycles and a horse-drawn carriage!  I would prefer to ride in the carriage I think!

Mark had a great time exploring Fort Castillo de San Marcos at the entrance to the city.  I sat on a bench outside the huge fort and people-watched.  He loves exploring such places and I was glad he had such a great time, after all he was dragged along to DASH and other boutiques in Miami Beach with Ashton and I!

After a wonderful day exploring the beautiful city of St. Augustine we headed back through the gates of the city.  My next post will be about exploring Flagler College in St. Augustine.

And we are off to Miami Beach!!

After viewing the alligators and taking an airboat ride we were finally on our way to Miami Beach!  The only rain we experienced during vacation was during the long drive to Miami Beach....we were so lucky!

We stayed at the Courtyard right in the heart of Miami Beach.  It was one of the nicest places we have ever stayed.  Loved the bright colors everywhere and couldn't help but feel festive! The bright colors made me feel so relaxed!

The outdoor seating everywhere made us want to sit right down and relax!  However, Ashton was on a mission to see "DASH", the Kardashian family store.  She led, we followed!

And she is off!

The girls enjoyed looking around the boutique, Mark sat down on a bench outside and chatted with some friendly folks who were also on vacation.  The only thing we could afford in the store were some small cosmetic bags for each of us and a lip balm for me and nail polish for Ashton!  I took a few photos in the store but the "doorman" quickly told us no photos were allowed, just at the cash register!!

Ashton made a quick stop at Miami Ink....

We had  wonderful views from the hotel roof.  I especially loved this little pool situated in a tiny area between two big buildings, an oasis indeed.

Mark at the end of the day....re-filling his wallet!! 

Its day two of vacation...and off to see alligators!!

Day two of our vacation began very early.  We were on a mission....or rather, Ashton was on a mission!  We MUST go see where the tv show "Gator Boys" is filmed and have an airboat ride.  Then we could go on to Miami Beach...We arrived at Everglades Holiday Park.  The only excited person in the car at this point was Ashton...I had no desire whatsoever to see alligators and to take an airboat tour!  What if the boat sank?  I can't swim that well....I can just wait for you to have your airboat ride....

Soon I found myself climbing aboard an airboat...where were the lifejackets??  And the seatbelts??  Does anyone know where the three of us are??

 We saw an alligator or two....

 

A heart-shaped waterlily pad spotted by Mark.

After the boat ride we watched the Gator Boys show featuring some of the rescued gators.  Ashton and Mark were thrilled to hold baby alligators.  I just took photos....

I am very glad that I went on the airboat tour...we all had a great time and it was a nice way to spend a dreary day.  Trey, our guide was great and made the trip interesting.  Evidently the fresh air and alligators wore out Ashton.  Now off to Miami Beach!

Mark, Cheryl and Ashton take Florida!!

We took a family vacation to Florida the last few days of February and into the first week of May.  Originally it was to be a tenth wedding anniversary trip to St. Lucia but instead we decided to save the money ($$$$)for that trip and were fortunate enough to be offered the use of a family member's time share in Palm Coast, and two airline tickets later we had a wonderful trip to look forward to.  HOWEVER, a certain young lady managed to talk her way into our trip plans and with the purchase of ANOTHER plane ticket we again looked forward to a fun time in the sun.  Ah yes, sun and warmth...we all were desperately trying on last season's summer clothes and writing directions for the dog/house sitter when ANOTHER bright idea popped into Ashton's head...how about driving to Miami Beach for a few days?  Why YES!   

We took off at 6:45 a.m. from a cold Maine and landed several hours later in sunny, warm, heavenly Daytona.  What a lucky coincidence that Daytona International Speedway was right next to the airport and we had a race car fan with us!  After picking up our rental car we headed right to the Speedway.

A dedicated fan must put her hands and gas pedal foot into her hero's prints-Jimmie Johnson!

Ashton happily walked the Walk of Fame, even though one of her ankles was encased in a heavy "boot".  Ah, to be young!

We left quite a bit of cash in Florida....the next posting will be of our trip to Daytona Beach and then off to the Everglades!

Happy Birthday dear Carole....

Dear Carole,

Your birthday is coming in a few days.  You left us 21 years ago and I still haven't healed from the loss.  Maybe I am not supposed to?  I thought maybe writing this letter to you might help.  There is not one day that goes by that I do not think of you.  You were the big sister I always wanted.  I loved you the moment I met you...you were such fun to be around and welcomed me into your family with open arms.  I remember the day I married your brother and you came through the receiving line and gave me a huge hug and said "welcome to the family"...those four words are one of the best memories of that day.  I can still see you as you spoke the words...and you even wore a dress!  Gosh, remember all the many home perms you gave me?  I'd come to your house and we had our own beauty parlor in the kitchen.  I remember the Saturdays you and Ray would pick me up to go "lawn-sale-ing".  We had such fun doing that...and I remember going to K-Mart one time with you and Ray and we would joke about the "blue light specials"...who knows why but we got a kick out of it.  And you would gladly take Courtney for the day if he was feeling sick but not so sick that I couldn't work...and I would come to get him and he would say "no, I am staying" and you'd send me home and bring him to me after he had supper with you.  He loved you as dearly as I did, you were a second Mom to him.  I will never forget the making of Christmas wreaths together, down in your parents shop.  Its a wonder we would get any made, we spent so much time in hysterics over such little things but we did.  I remember the winter I made them with you I made enough money for Christmas to be extra special.  And you always, always made sure Courtney had an extra special birthday and Christmas.   He still remembers the big, red tractor you found for him at a lawn sale and Papa repainted and fixed up for that 3 year old boy!  I have my treasured owl you helped Courtney pick out for me when he was about 3...how proud he was of himself for buying me a present.  You were as excited as we were when we had Courtney, you taught me so much about taking care of a baby.  Remember the first time I ever took Courtney for a walk in his carriage (one that was Susan's and you gave to me) and I had bundled the poor little fellow up so that he was sweating!  You told me he didn't need three blankets on him and that he wouldn't freeze-yes it was in April and I was sure he was so cold! I read a certain column in the paper and I laugh to myself...and catch myself after all these years thinking I have to call you and read the column to you and then the sad reality sets in...I can't.  I cannot understand why you were diagnosed with bone cancer at age 43...why, why, why.  You were always here for me for anything...big or little...you hugged me tight when my family went through hell all those years ago and never, ever judged...you had the prettiest, kindest blue eyes that just sparkled.  I sit here with the tears streaming down my face, it still hurts so badly.  I have experienced the loss of your Aunt Eleanor...you would get a kick out of the fact that Ashton was born the day of Aunt Eleanor's funeral and I obviously couldn't go...Eleanor was so looking forward to a new great-niece or nephew and sadly passed away before Ashton's birth...but I feel that the two of you know..and I gave Ashton my and yours middle names...I added the "e" to Anne like your middle name was, mine was plain old Ann!  I also lost your Uncle Earl a few years ago, you would have been so very proud of how Courtney took such good care of him before he went to the hospital.  And your dear mom....she asked me to be her daughter after she lost you and of course I said I would be.  And then your Susan lost her own daughter at the age of 20, why, why did that have to happen?  How much Susan has had to bear.  I am glad that you are with your family but I am so selfish, I wished you all were still here.  But, I hear from Susan occasionally and Ray too.  Once a family, always a family.  Even though Tom and I are no longer together I know you would still have been the best sister to me.  I wished I could still see if you were out at night, remember I could always keep track of you by the sight of your outside light!  Oh and the day your first grandchild was born, two weeks after I had my Benjamin and I had to hold a sign up saying "Its A Girl" as Katie came quickly and you hadn't been home to get the phone call!  I was so excited for you all.  You took such loving care of Courtney for the two weeks Benjamin was in the pediatric intensive care unit after heart surgery, I didn't have to worry about him as he was with his second mom!  You would be disappointed to learn that one of our favorite soaps (thanks for getting me hooked on them by the way!) has been cancelled.  We had an unspoken rule not to call each other during our soaps.  You got me enticed into having my first Tupperware party at your house, you took me to my prenatal appointments 33 years ago and checked in on me constantly when I waited an extra two weeks for Courtney to arrive!  There are still the times I want to call you with "gossip" and boy we did love it!  I go by where your trailer used to be and I still can see the little maple tree you had a bird feeder in, the tree is sooo tall now and almost hidden by the forsythia that still grow there.  You would be pleased to know that Court was working at your parents old home and was able to get a forsythia bush from there when landscaping for the new owners was being done.  The forsythia is just beautiful now on my lawn...its saying Happy Birthday dear Carole!  Oh and by the way, I finally got my girl as I mentioned before...Ashton Anne...she arrived 5 minutes into the wedding day of Margaret and Robbie!  You would have laughed so hard at that...she is a character and I know you two would have been so very close.  Gosh she loves to shop....oh by the way...the "hee haw house" is gone!  You know what I mean.

Hearts abound!

Spring has indeed arrived here in Maine and the past two days have been spectacular! The temperature here yesterday was 70 degrees and today was a bit warmer. Usually April can be a bit chilly and wet but I am not complaining! Mr. Bluebird has been spotted out and about, perhaps looking for a new home and Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal graced our yard with a visit! I have been able to get outside and clean up the leaves that seem to come from nowhere over the winter. Mark rakes them up every fall but each spring there seem to be plenty of them around the bushes. Everything is popping up fresh and pretty green in my garden. I love to get right down on the ground and dig about in the soil....nothing is as relaxing to me as doing that. Can you spot the very faint heart on the tree? The dogs and I have been out and about on the trail next door and for excursions around the brook.Found a pretty green mossy heart one day...its nestled among the roots of a tree.I spotted a wooden heart on another piece of wood out on the marsh. This heart looks to have stood the test of time and lots of different weather. Some afternoons the boys and I walk alongside the brook. The dogs keep me entertained by jumping into the muddy brook and bringing out sticks to chew on and then abandon. I throw the sticks back and sometimes they will go back into the brook and repeat the performance over and over. However their interest soon focuses on finding another stick! Buddy has brought out sticks that are four to five feet long but he loves the challenge! Little Java usually triumphantly comes up onto the bank with a stick less than a few inches long, but nevertheless he is as proud of himself as if it were a big log! I found this reflecting heart on one such walk.Waiting for Mark one day while he did an errand I happened to spot this green heart. It was painted on a wall in a parking lot. Glad I remembered to bring my camera along that day.Can you spot the little heart wedged into this tree branch? I found this in a small pool of freshwater alongside the trail. This piece of wood has a bonus heart-there are two of them. I was also fascinated by the intricate marking on the bark. A nice surprise to find a milky white heart on a tree.A bit of tree root shaped into a heart for us to enjoy.Another tiny wooden heart. I took this photo while the boys were busy snuffling, sniffing and snorting around in the dirt, on the look-out for a chipmunk or squirrel. I found a heart, they found nothing!At first glance I almost imagined this as a gaping mouth of a snake but luckily it was a nice heart instead!Do you see the little sideways heart?A very nice beaver left a heart for us to enjoy!I moved some wood in a pile out behind the house and a piece of bark fell off one of the pieces. There was a reason it fell off....see the little heart captured in it? Hope you have enjoyed the hearts, hope to find lots more in the coming days. Most days I am rewarded with a heart or two, and if I don't find one I am determined to find one soon.