Sunday, July 09, 2006

Nine days of Nana

We had our lovely daughter and precious grandson for NINE whole days. Will and Lauren left today- their flight was delayed from Houston - what else is new?? It can't be fun to be waiting for a flight with a fourteen month old who doesn't want to miss any action and therefore stays awake to people watch and flirt until his eyes are glazed. In the end though, she was just glad her flight wasn't cancelled, that's what happened last year.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week together, despite the wettest week in Houston for the whole year so far. And all Lauren really wanted to do was sun in the pool. She got to get in a few times and officially "sun" once.

Will learned new words this weeks: Wow, Cool, Toes, Roof-roof (as in what a dog "says"), Cold, and Cat. His favorite words remain to be Cow and Car, he looked for cows everyday out our windows. (We had cows across the street from our country guest house in Fredericksburg on our vacation a week ago). He did call all of our dogs Cows because they are much bigger than his little dogs at home. He tried desperately hard to say Kendall but it sounds more like "daddle"! He is SOOOO close to walking, but hasn't yet, he doesn't have the confidence to let go and take the step. I think he will by the time his other grandparents leave him after their visit at the end of July. They raised 5 boys, and Will is their #11 grandchild, they have more experience in teaching kids to walk. For us, he was still clinging to walls, furniture, etc... He is SO full of expression, I love watching his face as he reacts to new sounds and foods. Last week when I was waiting to see them both come from the gate to baggage claim I saw him looking at all the people with a blank face- just people watching at it's finest. I watched as he looked my way and his face just lit up as he recognized me. That melted my heart!!!!

Lauren and I had fun- we went to "The Devil wears Prada" and "Superman" two different nights after Will fell asleep. They were both very good! We had a family excursion to the lake for July 3rd and 4th and generally had a good time being together the rest of the week despite the rain. Will really enjoys the pool and jacuzzi, like his mama. They got in a lot of visiting with friends in the area, we shopped and ate great food.. Ahh. I know Lauren is happy to be at home with her honey and get a few days of normalcy before they leave for the last "church camp" of their summer next Sunday.

Other news: Tim started his new job with a major energy co. last Monday, here in Houston, and really likes it. He is working downtown again and taking Metro. Kendall has a JOB!!!! (Thank you Aunt Nelda!!!)He started working at my aunt and uncle's welding shop across town last week. We are so glad that he is getting the opportunity to be a working man!!He needed that experience of responsibility, a schedule, people depending on him, hard work and the value of a dollar. He has already lost 5 pounds and has put on major muscle mass in his arms; he comes home utterly exhausted. He is welding sign frames and will continue until he leaves for college at the end of August. It is really helping my aunt out, she is trying to bulk up supplies and has had a hard time keeping up with demand. Hopefully, Kendall will be able to help out occasionally during high demand periods and the winter break. I am off orientation in day surgery and am now 1/2 time day surgery and 1/2 time OR-wherever they need me. I have really enjoyed the new routine and working days and sleeping with my husband every night!

Seasons of our lives change and we are in a major one right now. With our new job responsibilities and about to send off our last child to college. This is a great time for new beginnings and to that end we have been looking for a church home where we can have a fresh start and grow beyond our comfort zones. We feel blessed by God in this endeavor and are at great peace.