Kathy's Birthday

Usually, there would be an entry here about Toby's birthday on the 28th but he didn't come home for Christmas and had to be in New Jersey on his birthday. You can see photos of him there in his friend Dan Cappocia's wedding on Facebook!

My birthday was celebrated at lunch w/ friends the day before, and that night we went to dinner w/ Ron Henry, Alisa and Brady. There were no photos taken at those events but after dinner, we took Brady to the Disney store and I remembered that my camera was in my coat pocket. There are no photos of me, but these few pics are of two of my best assets - Brady and Alisa - Johnny Depp look out! On my birthday, I went down to do work w/ Ron Henry on their "new" house, (check out photos of it on their blog).They teased me about taking up tack-stripping on my birthday but I just wanted to be w/ them. That evening our friends, the Clarks, had a little get together at their house for me. It was a sweet celebration all around.

Charissa's photo book for Brady

Brady & Grammy chat

Christmas '09

We had a sweet Christmas even though Toby couldn't come home. Thank the Lord for SKYPE! We "called" him on the computer so he was with us that way. We pointed the computer at each person as they opened their gifts so he could see and make comments. Later in the day when we went downstairs to play Wii games, we "set" him on the piano so he could take in the scene. That's how life is going to be since my younger two kiddos will be so far away, but I'm sooooo grateful we can be together like that!Christmas w/ Brady was too much fun as you can see in the photos. He helped his daddy assemble his Diego trike, and gave his bears rides the rest of the morning. You might wonder what kind of grandparents give a 2 year old a chainsaw, but his daddy had one when he was little and loved to "help" his daddy cut wood, so it's tradition! Matt, Dawne, and Clint came up later in the day for Norm's amazing prime rib dinner and stayed to play games. I stayed up until the very last second of the day because I didn't want it to ever end. It was a truly blessed day.

Christmas Eve '09

Nathan and Sara's Wedding

Our nephew, Nathan, Sheldon's oldest, married Sara Pollock in Augusta, Georgia, Dec. 19th.

First Baptist Church and the country club had all their Christmas decorations up, so it was particularly festive! Congrats to Nathan and Sara! After a honeymoon at the Biltmore in North Carolina, he'll continue in medical school and she teaches art in Augusta.

Norm was disappointed there was no golfing in the goings-on but it was rainy and then cold the whole weekend. It was fun to be together w/ family in suites in the Marriott as well as having the occasion to celebrate! Toby doesn't get to come home for Christmas so it was nice to get this time w/ him beforehand, ( I only cried for half the trip home!)

Nathan and Sara's Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner was held at the lovely old Partridge Inn in Augusta.

Sheldon and Nathan put together a fun montage of photos and w/ Sheldon as emcee, the evening was filled w/ laughter but also a poignant charge from Scripture for the couple to live as gifts to one another. It was fun to be w/ Stephanie's sisters whom I haven't seen in years and all the cousins had a great time together!

"Kate and Leon" Reunion

Last Thursday, we flew into Atlanta to then drive to my nephew's wedding in Augusta. One of my best college friends lives outside Atlanta so we met at a Chili's. If you didn't know, my friends at Moody only ever called me Kate - something my roommate started, and my friend's name is Lynne, but w/ her southern accent, it was 2 syllables, thus the "Le-on". We had Charissa w/ us and Toby drove up from Pensacola to meet us there. Lynne and Kent only had their Ali since their older two were still at school. What a great time we had reminiscing about our "Moody days"! Our kids were a tad surprised by their mothers' antics! We didn't even begin to catch up on everything! Thanks Kent and Lynne! Won't heaven be wonderful - always being w/ the ones we love so much?!

White Elephant Party '09

Our umpteenth annual White Elephant Party was small but fun! I sure thought that my lampshade-on-the-head days were long behind me but...

The goofiest gift was the elf ears that Jean Kelly opened. The unmentionable medical tool reappeared this year as a stir stick w/ a coffee mug - YIKES! Too funny! Everyone lingered afterward playing some of the brainteaser games and going over the world map that was a popular trade. It was a great way to kick off the season - as usual!

Thanksgiving/Jeremy's Birthday

We had three full days of celebrating! Wednesday was our day w/ Ron, Alisa, and Brady, and since my mom was here, we had my brother Matt come up from the Springs w/ his tribe and Norm's folks came so they could see Brady. Then Thursday, we were with Norm's siblings and families. Jeremy's birthday was on Thanksgiving, so we sang to him then, but had his party after our tree cutting expedition on Friday with the Fowler family and Andrew Welsh. It was a marathon but all fun. We are truly grateful for all the Lord is to us and what He has done in our lives ( Mom, there are captions on the photos so be sure to go to full screen)

More Fun Fall Photos w/ Brady!

Cutest Scarecrow Ever!

Here's Brady as the cutest scarecrow ever! The nearby library had a costume parade for preschoolers, followed by punch and cookies. Brady discovered a little sweeper and even cleaned up after himself ! Brady loves to read - so he found a panda bear, and "read" to him for awhile before we left - it was too cute!

Girls Golf and Glenwood Springs Getaway

Can you see why we love golfing in Colorado? Spectacular blue skies and amazing scenery - what a blessing!
No one wanted photos "published" of us in the pool so we posed on our hotel balcony w/ the pool in the background :) but the hot springs was great to loosen up before and after our great day at the links.
(dbl click for full screen and captions)

Our Little Pumpkin!

Brady and Grammy Kate spent a day at the Littleton Historical Museum this week. It's a working farm so Brady had a great time "talking" to all the animals and climbing on the pumpkins. One of my favorite moments - he'd been watching this other grandma and little boy set out several pumpkins they liked, trying to decide which one to take. After a little while, he walked over to one of their pumpkins and in his cute jibberish, was obviously telling the little boy why he should pick that pumpkin. The little boy was clueless but both of us grandmas thought that was the cutest thing!

Brady's New Bathrobe

Grammy Kate spotted this fun bathrobe and knew who just had to have it!

Toby's Quick Visit

Toby got to come home for Labor Day weekend! It was sooo nice to have him home and see that he's doing well. On the way home from the airport, we stopped to see Brady and Alisa, then went to see Ron at work. Saturday we had to go to a wedding, but then Sunday after church, everyone came to just be together, including Norm's folks. Brady only took a 20min. nap but he was good to go for 8 hours! What a darling little trooper! These family times will be more and more rare before too long so we treasure every moment.

CBS Retreat '09

August 26-27, we had our leadership retreat for Community Bible Study. The setting in Buena Vista at the Young Life facility, Trail West, is spectacular with Mt. Princeton as the backdrop - you all wish you were in this small group on the deck, don't you?!
The scrapbookers were in their element as we put together our family prayer cards.
One of the highlights was the Mari-Mar Syndrome skit that my friend Becky Stephens put together. I was the psychiatrist trying to help Mary and Martha as they argued over whose ministry was more important. It was a great kick-off for the year as we study the Gospel of Luke!

Hike to Hartenstein Lake

My friends, Jeanette Turner and Donnis Pallaoro patiently hiked w/ me up to this serene lake at treeline. The 13,000 ft. mountain that is the backdrop is Turner Peak - that's why I kept having Jeanette pose :) - she's very patient. Nearby, to the north, is Mt. Yale, a 14-er and in the distance, to the east, is Mt. Princeton, also a 14-er. The weather threatened the whole time but the Lord kept a window of sunshine over us almost the entire time - we never had to put our jackets on!

Saturday was a finally a hot summer day w/ no rain! First thing in the a.m. I looked out the kitchen window to see our kitty dancing with this deer! They were quite curious about each other. I'd seen the cats go nose to nose w/ deer in the garden before but not captured the moment.
Later that day, Brady came up to play w/ us while his parents went tubing. We had our own water fun!

Brady's Parade

Brady was in his first parade - Littleton's Western Welcome Week parade. MetroBrokers Realty was well represented by Alisa's female family members but Brady and his little cousin, John Matthew, stole the show!

Wedding Shower for Melody Lake!

Melody Lake is marrying Kyle Thibedeau on Sept. 5, so we threw a shower for her. She and her sister, Katrina, have been like sisters to Charissa and they look like sisters! Charissa had interviewed Kyle and then quizzed Melody on the info. When she missed an answer, she had to put another piece of bubble gum in her mouth - she looked like a chipmunk! It was great fun.

A Little Work, A Little Play

Ron, Alisa, and Brady came up to our house so Ron Henry could clean the pineneedles off of our roof for us. Brady was quite the little helper. He sticks his tongue out when he's concentrating just like his daddy - too cute.

Thankfully nobody was outside when the bear wandered through the yard in broad daylight!

Last week we finally had a hot summer day w/o rain so we got some pool time. Alisa has taken Brady for swimming lessons, so he knows how to get himself out of the pool, float, and blow bubbles. He loves the water, loves jumping in, splashing other people and going down the slide. Our little cousins (Ronna's kids) were also there and Brady really took to Jedidiah. It was sweet to watch them play. Charissa and I took turns taking cousin Sarah down the big slide. You can see more photos of our fun on Alisa's blog http://ronandalisa.blogspot.com/

Brady's new car & Memorial Day in Seattle

Charissa found this Flintstone car last summer and Brady is finally big enough to really enjoy it. He loves opening and closing the door and "talking" to the dogs out of the window.
Our trip to Seattle was fast but fun. Our friends Kathleen and Bruce Chaffer went w/ us because our trip included some church business. We had a great time showing them the Seattle highlights and the weather was terrific! We spent Sunday at the waterfront w/ my mom and my sister's family. Monday, we went to the National Cemetery to place flowers by my dad's niche since June 3 marks 10 years. It still startles me to see "Searle" on that wall.
We spent the rest of Monday at my sister Sandy's enjoying the lake and some yummy grub!

Cali's 15th Birthday

Our kitty, Cali, was born June 1, 1994. She was given to us that July by our sweet little 6 year old niece, Kelsey, who was killed later that same week in a car collision. Kelsey had picked her out for us and named her. Cali became a very precious keepsake to us, so I think one can of tuna is more than an appropriate celebration.

Brady's Dedication/Mother's Day

Mother's Day was made extra special by Brady's dedication. We went down to Littleton Bible Chapel for this important occasion. Brady behaved himself and seemed enthralled with all the goings on in "big church", especially the music! Alisa's family all came, too. One sweet lady in their church made bread bears for all the families of the dedicatees - how thoughtful! It 's such a blessing to know that Ron and Alisa love and serve the Lord Jesus wholeheartedly. We don't have any doubt that Brady will be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Easter '09

We had a wonderful Resurrection Day! After church, Ron, Alisa, and Brady came up. We also had Toby's friend Andrew Welsh with us. As old as our children are, they still want to hunt for their Easter baskets. The weather was dreary, so Norm was challenged to find good hiding places in the house, but it actually took Ron Henry quite awhile to locate his. Brady went straight for the candy, and popped a chocolate egg in his mouth, foil and all. He eventually took interest in the lamb that plays "Jesus Loves Me" and he settled down to "read" the Easter story - that was too cute!
We concluded the day with a couple rounds of the game "Settlers of Catan" - our new addiction!
It might be our last Easter with Jeremy and Charissa for awhile if they leave for Morocco in January so it was extra precious.

Ron Henry is 28!

For Ron Henry's 28th, he requested that Norm fix his famous ribs. Even Brady couldn't get enough! Alisa made a chocolate cheesecake that was heavenly. Uncle Toby entertained Brady by building things with the Duplos and letting him demolish them. Brady wasn't quite sure about getting towed around in the laundry basket, though. I think it made him dizzy. It was a fun family evening!

Norm's 50th

Hawaii 5-0

If you read our blog, you know Norm surprised me with a trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 50th birthdays. My brother Sheldon is the one who called it the Hawaii 5-0 trip - he's always clever like that :) Anyway, Norm and I had a blast. We headquatered in Waikiki at the Ohana East Hotel on the 15th floor on the ocean side - nice! Waikiki is a crowded city so everyday we went somewhere, using Norm's iphone as our guide :) We snorkeled in Haunamo Bay the first day. The second day, we toured Pearl Harbor - looking down at the ship and watching the blips of fuel still rising is a moving experience. Then we did a circle tour of the island, stopping at several beaches and spotting whales! The weather was a little cool and rainy the third day so we went to the Mission Houses Museum and learned how the Lord prepared the Hawaiians to receive the Gospel of Christ before the first missionaries arrived in 1820. It's a great story. That night we went to a luau on the beach and yes, poi is as bad tasting as I remembered from childhood. We did drive to Kailua and hunt down my childhood home. The green yard I remember has been cemented in as a carport. Who would live where you can grow such beautiful things and plant concrete?!
Norm wanted to tour the National cemetery, the Punchbowl, which is a striking place. The trees were formed in wreaths and there were huge mosaics of the major battles of WWII. The view of Diamondhead from there reveals that it's a large crater which postcard pics don't portray.
We golfed the next two days at Turtle Bay which gave us the excuse to drive up to the north shore again and eat more fresh shrimp. We also visited with family friends, Valerie and James Moore with their cutie pie little ones, Joseph and Kendra.
Our last day was finally a sunny, warm day so we went to the beach, walked and shopped in the International Market again and then went back to the beach for the sunset and fireworks.
What a wonderful, relaxing time we had! If you've never been, I highly recommend going!
Thanks Norm!

Brady's First Birthday!