Happy Dad

Yes, I am sending a blog with a picture. Isn't he adorable! As you know, Dad and I have been married for 42 years as of June, and we're enjoying each moment. Dad, the brilliant, creative, entrepenurial founder of the feast, loves reading blogs, and is going to start blogging on his own. Rachel is giving us lessons (you know her business --ASK RACHEL), so you'll hear from us. more . Please know how much we enjoy reading your modern day journals with pictures and music. Also know we love when you visit us at the Stayner Resort, so please send bookings when you know your schedule. We have booked the Gibbons home for October 16 through 25, when we will be traveling the mountains of Virigina and visiting the wonder of Williamsburg. We'll take some photos and post them!!!! Until then, enjoy the photo of my most amazing friend. How lucky I am to have married David B. He's a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and I'm thankful each day for him.

Miracles of January

Miracles

First of all, I can't believe my last blog was almost a year ago. Lame. I will do better in 2007.

Two miracles swept me away this month. First, on January 8, after three pushes, Rachel delivered Isabel, and there she was, a beautiful, dark-haired, nine-pound baby. And then she was in my arms (not immediately but in good time), and I looked into her eyes and felt all the special ones who sent her off to this world. And now almost three weeks later, I am watching Ryan and Rachel bath her for the first time with ease and skill; afterall, they are experienced parents!

Than on the 17th, Liz pushed hard for two hours after 24+ hours of labor, and with the help of a doctor, Joseph Alek arrived. Dad was in the hall, and again, with in the hour, I held little Joseph, a totally blonde boy with long legs and light colored eyes. And then Dad cuddled with the little guy, reminding me that he's been the greatest father and husband for almost 42 years. And again, tears of joy came to my eyes as I realized that certainly I was not the only grandmother and David was not the only grandfather in the room. Liz and Alex learn quickly, and with the advice of many, the plan of parenthood, and they respond famously.

Of course, I remember each of my children's births, but the years have dimmed the details, but not the joy. Thank you for sharing your miracles with me.

A visit with Alice

Today I went to a facility which houses people who can no longer live at home. You who visited Grandma and Grandma know of these places. Alice Holman resides in a Fountain Valley place, and she wants to go home but cannot walk. When I came in, she was asleep, but as I sat by her, she awakened, and of course, recognized me--despite being my third visit since we moved back to Socal. She asked about all of you, and so I took down our Christmas card which was at the top of her bulletin board and showed her each of you. She was delighted with the update and commented on your beautiful children and spouses (handsome, also). Alice's room was decorated with Valentines things, and Doug had made her a Bear at Build-a-Bear. (Doug recently had Open Hear Surgery, but is doing well enough to be the greeter in the Harbor Hills Ward---and he has stopped wearing his shaggy wig.)She pointed to the adoption papers, and said, "Now I have children." I reminded Alice of our many happy Christmas events at our home--even the time when out pipes backed up, and we had to call Roto-Rooter on Christmas Even. I also told her that each time we decorate for Christmas we take out the Holman's presents and remember our dear friends. We are so blessed in our lives! And we have been richly blessed in our friends. That's my first blog.