Grocery Memz

Our granddaughter Nell's 4th birthday was September 5th. Brings back memz of the day she was born. It was the year Covid changed life around the world. Paul and I planned to camp out in Southern Iowa - so the car was all loaded up with gear and kayaks. We ventured south and discovered the place we booked for an overnight - Shimek State Forest - had no toilets. Not even the "no running water" kind. No can do! 

Then we got word from Jud that Kara was in the hospital - starting induced labor. Feelings of joy and anticipation took over. We got distracted from our original plan. 

Plan B was to continue on to Lake Rathbun and check out kayaking potential. Too crowded and we got lost trying to find another way to get to the water in the more shallow end of the lake. Picture us on a remote gravel road with kayaks on top of our car. Road closed. Queue banjo music! 

We got periodic birth updates from Jud. When we ended up at a Knoxville City Park we got the news that Nell Marie was born. We toasted over a grill campfire with beer, hot dogs, and smores. Happy Birthday to our beloved granddaughter. 💖 As Nell's birthday approached, Paul and I talked about how much life will change during our children and grandchildren's lives. And thought about life today, compared to our youth. Ch ch ch ch changes! 🎶

I walked out of the West Des Moines Costco one day last week with thoughts of change along with my cart full of a variety of items - food and non. I had a flashback of all the grocery stores past - of all the stores I've loved before. 

-The first grocery I remember is the little brick Safeway on the corner of Poplar and 6th streets in Atlantic, Iowa. We shopped there and parked there on Sundays when we attended Mass at SS Peter and Paul up the block. 

-Later, our neighbor Paul Morman (not sure of last name spelling) opened a bigger more modern grocery store on the corner of Highways 6 and 71 - where WalMart is now. I can picture right where the candy was in the store. And recall running through the aisles and bashing headfirst into some lady's metal cart. Paul brought out some ice for my dented head. If you have Facebook check out this link for more Atown memories. 

-Safeway eventually moved to a big new store just east of the Cass County Courthouse. There was also a SuperValu on the west side of town near the Roller Rink - but we didn't shop there much as it was farther from our house. 

-I just got in on the last of the corner store era too. I recall visiting one not far west from North Olive Street. It was the size of a small house and had an overflowing variety of interesting items including candy. And a big old cash register - with the proprieter sitting behind a counter. 

-In the 1970s a shopping center was built in a field, north of Highway 6 and Cass County Hospital. Sally Rodgers, Susie Guttenfelder, and I rode our horses in there before they paved paradise and put up a parking lot. 🎵 The area boasted a HyVee Grocery Store, state liquor store, Alco, Godfathers, McDonalds, and Mitches bar. 😆 

-Do you remember the price sticker guns? They probably didn't change prices as often as today, right? It was important to not select an item with no sticker - or there would be a "Price Check" announcement as you waited, pen in hand to write a check. 

-When I moved to Ames for school, my favorite store was Ames Fruit and Grocery on the west side of town, just off of Lincoln Way. I preferred it over the bigger supermarkets. More cozy. Price can drive where I go, but I do love small gourmet markets. Marczyks (Amy's first job) in Denver and Gateway Market here are a couple. Fewer food brand choices but more interesting. 

- The year I graduated from ISU, the country was heading for a recession. I was lucky to snag a job as the office manager at a grocery wholesaler in Sioux Falls, SD. There I learned much about the grocery business as the company, Gamble Robinson served many commercial customers including institutions, stores, and restaurants. The next year I transferred to another GR office, this one in The Old Market in Omaha. It was a big branch that sold to all of the top restaurants in the area - and stores. In Omaha, my shopping "go-to" was the local grocery chain, Bakers - who still had carryout boys. Today, Fareway continues to provide carryout today. 

- Next, Paul and I moved to Osage, Iowa, for his career. I stuck with my same employer - traveling north to small branch businesses in Wisconsin and Michigan Upper Penninsula. Osage boasted a couple of small grocery stores (Super Valu and ?). To get groceries on a Sunday, we had to travel to Mason City and Austin, MN. Access to fresh foods is becoming less available for people living in small towns across our country. Small town residents visit Super Markets in other towns to get more variety and better prices, and small local stores disappear. 

-When we moved to Creston in 1986, there were 3 grocery stores - and WalMart (not Super) joined later in the 1980s. There was some shuffling after that - Easter's Super Valu on the north side of town closed.  Fareway and HyVee built new larger, more modern stores. I developed a shopping system. Meat and other basics at Fareway, HyVee for more selection, and eventually Super WalMart for cereal and other staples. I've heard friends reminisce about corner groceries in Creston - just like in Atlantic. 

-Now we live in the (not so) Big City, right by Costco - a warehouse store, Trader Joe's, a small grocery chain store with mostly reasonable prices, HyVee, and Fareway. And Gateway Market for really good meat and a variety of gourmet products. The other perk is the DSM Farmers Market that runs on Saturdays from May to October - featuring fresh, baked, and prepared foods. 

We haven't yet taken advantage of grocery delivery and services like Grub Hub. Those are likely on the horizon for us. After that? George Jetson type deliveries and cooking? It will be interesting to find out!

September is rushing by - hope you are having a good one.  

 

Hello New Person!

We traveled to St Louis to meet our new grandson Reece David Goldsmith a few days ago. Yay! He's a much-loved addition to our family. Big sister Nell Marie is okay with him so far. She likes to pat his cheeks and kiss his head. Just wait until he starts messing up her stuff! 

Who knew I'd become a granny who loves holding infants? Not me! Reece makes lots of dramatic faces and squeaks as he sleeps. When he's awake, his bright inquisitive eyes gaze about - they look all-knowing. I can't wait for that first smile. 

His parents Jud and Kara work for European-based companies that extend generous leave benefits. They don't have to stress about getting up for work after a night of little sleep. The two do a wonderful job of tag-team parenting with Reece and Nell. Of course, Kara, as food supply, has the hardest job. Parenting is a challenging job - but the rewards can be great! Like watching your child be an awesome parent. 

Visiting grandparents have the best jobs. Play with the grandkids, help with basic upkeep, feed the dogs, and hold the baby. Nell is at a mostly delightful age. It's hard to be 2 1/2 and to share your parents with a tiny attention hog! We're amazed at how much she changes between our visits. She greets us with a huge smile each morning when she wakes up - amazed that we're still there. 

Paul is recovering from recent knee surgery and Nell was very worried about his leg "booboo". She and I played on her tumble mats downstairs and I taught her the "the floor is water" game. She loves jumping and tumbling. Geema (hard G) still has it - I performed front and back somersaults! Nell said "oh my gosh". I did too!

Nell loves to learn new things - evidenced by a video Jud shared of Nell and him reading the book 1 2 3 with the Notorious BIG, sent by Aunt Amy Park. I'm proud of how quickly Nell mastered each of the many rappers' faces/names. She loves to dress up, so I try to find small accessories to add to her collection. This time, the purple bedazzled sunglasses were a hit! She makes a great superhero in bracelets! 

I have to admit I not only love visiting the grandkids and their parents, I also love seeing the dogs, Archie and Charlie. They seems to enjoy our visits and like to snuggle during TV time. One problem with new HD TVs - Charlie and Archie can see dogs on there - and bark accordingly. Loudly! Good thing Reece heard them in utero and pays no attention. 

The kids and I took Nell and Reece to the playground. Reece snoozed the whole time, but Nell enjoyed swinging - "higher, higher"! She can be a bit of a daredevil at times. I'm amazed at how observant our girl is. She was delighted to identify a wispy afternoon moon high in the sky! After we drove home from the park she found the moon again. Once the sun went down, Nell and I checked the moon status from the deck. We were awed by the stars and moon. A priceless moment - remembering my mom, who taught me the song: 

"I See the Moon, The Moon Sees Me. The Moon Sees the One I want to See. God Bless the Moon and God Bless Me and God Bless the One I want to See."  

Special times with special people - the ones I want to see. 💖

Fast Forward

Big news for the Goldsmiths - Nell is a big sis! 

The 2023 pace has been a bit hectic - until last week when the brakes (crutches) were applied for my spouse. I married a defective model 😏. Paul came with a bum knee. I didn't know about it until he blew his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) out during our engagement, requiring surgery. He limped down the aisle to matrimony a couple of months later - forty years ago. Since then we've found out that the 1982 surgery didn't really work. He's had no ligament. 👀

Paul, being...well Paul, just figured out how to cope with a faulty knee with less than full extension. He lifts weights and is active. But that crap knee has taken a toll. This year, with coaching from others who have survived knee replacement, Paul decided to take that step. Of course, he planned around various hunting seasons. All went well, and he's on the road to recovery. I wish sister Betsy was here like she was for his first surgery. She is really a nurse! Thank goodness for modern medicine and tools like the chiller machine to ice his knee. 

I'm excited for Paul to have the knee he deserves - one that doesn't hurt and that fully extends. I'm certain that my career in trash/recycling was a good choice for me. Not nursing. 

Here's a rundown of what happened before the knee replacement:

Crystal Bridges Museum

-We got in a "last trip" with the old knee - through Bentonville, Arkansas (where Walmart was born). It's an easy drive from here and is worth the trip. Crystal Bridges Museum, a Walton sister project, alone is worth the stop. We also visited the Walmart Museum and the Museum of Native American History. The city has lots of hiking/bike trails and plenty of restaurants. We met our nephew, Matt, and his darling family for supper. They're new to town as they just relocated from Texas for Matt's accounting job for Walmart. 

This really happened - so sad

-Our next destination was Dallas, TX - a place we've flown through plenty of times, but never really visited. In between Bentonville and Dallas, we stopped in Tulsa to see the Black Wall Street Museum. It was very moving and well done. 

-The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum was our target in Dallas. It's the third Presidential Museum we've been to. (Hoover, LBJ) We stayed near the Southern Methodist University Campus where the Museum is located. The library was interesting, and we took time to walk around the SMU campus. Nice - but it's no Iowa State. 💛💖😉Our nephew Tom lives north of Dallas and was nice enough to drive to our hotel with his son for a meal. Nice to catch up! 

-Stop 3 was our friend Paula's place in Austin, TX. I've known her since we were in pre-school. The 2 Ps and I were able to head to downtown Austin to walk along the river and go to Paul's fave - Terry Black Barbecue. The brisket melts in your mouth! 

Paula, Paul, and I had a fab time - the temp nearly hit 70 degrees

-The Texas Gulf Coast was our final destination. Port Aransas is a place Paula (who has lived in Austin for 30ish years) has traveled to several times. She booked a nice high-rise condo with a great view of the beach. We toured the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, walked on the beach, and even sat by the pool and spa. We may do this again next year so the three of us can do more exploring!  

-After beach time, Paul and I hot-footed it home to Iowa in 2 days. Our timing was fortunate for us as the very next week Austin was hit with a terrible ice storm. Paula lost power for 2+ days. Yikes! The Texas Gulf trip was just what we needed - a brief respite from January in Iowa. Paula is an excellent hostess - she spoils us! We're trying to talk her into coming to Iowa for the Iowa State Fair one of these years! 

Deb - 2nd on left with husband Larry, plus other revelers! 

-After one night at home in our own bed, we traveled to Creston for a big event. Our dear friend Deb retired from her job as a recruiter at Southwestern Community College. Her family threw her a party at A&G downtown. We got to see many Creston peeps, and it was a fun evening. Yahoo! I am excited about future adventures with Deb. We stayed the night at our buddy Jeff's house. It's going on three years since we lost his wife, our friend Bobbie. RIP my friend. 

Reece David was 8 lb 11 oz - with fine blond hair

The best part of January was the birth of Kara and Jud's son Reece David Goldsmith. Our grandson. 💕He arrived a day after his daddy's January 30th bday. Our granddaughter Nell, at age 2 1/2, is a happy (just wait!) big sister. Everyone is doing well. We plan to meet the little guy next week, after Paul gets used to that new knee. Fingers crossed health and weather cooperate. 

I kinda had my fingers crossed that baby boy Goldsmith would await February 2 to make an appearance as that day was my Aunt Marty's 90th birthday. Martha Bullock Lamm is my namesake - Leslie Martha Bullock Goldsmith. But it wasn't meant to be. Reece has his own day. 

Link to video: Marty is 90

On February 3rd we flew to Denver to attend Marty's Family Birthday Bash, hosted by her children, our cousins Richard, David, and Amy, along with spouses and kids. Marty's younger sister, my Aunt Jeanie, and Uncle Bruce Rader were there - visiting from southern Arizona. We sure missed Uncle Bill Lamm, Marty's wonderful spouse. I'm so glad we visited Denver often after daughter Amy moved there - we were able to spend time with that kind man. And we learned to love Duffey rolls! 

My sisters wouldn't have missed this shindig! Susi and Jim came back from their winter paradise in Mexico for the event. Cindy, sher on Colby and his bride-to-be Kathleen attended the event. Susi's daughter Leslie flew in from LA. Her sis Jordan and spouse Jill live in Denver. We picked Betsy and Wayne up at the Denver Airport and four of us stayed near the party location along with Cindo. 

We had several fam events. Friday night Jordan booked us at a hopping sushi place! Paul and I expanded our food horizons with types of sushi. Amy (and Corey) weren't able to attend from their temp home in Brooklyn. Jud and Kara were a little busy with a new baby. We missed them. 

On Saturday morning we met at Washington Park for a family walk. A group of some 20 strong put in 2+ miles. I very much enjoy getting to know our newly adult great-nieces and nephews and their partners. They make their parents (and Grammy Marty) proud. 

Saturday night the family gathered for the big Marty party. It was marvelous, being together with so many loved ones for this milestone. Marty shared some words of wisdom with all of us youngsters. Then we fam members "roasted" Marty with love. I especially loved hearing from her grandchildren Kate, Matt, Lauren, and John. One of a kind, my auntie. 💕

What's Your Sign?

Granddaughter Nell is a Virgo - likes: Animals, healthy food, books, nature, cleanliness

The CBS Morning Show had a piece on astrology this morning. Astrology is about "fun and empowerment" said one person interviewed. They said millennials are into it. I remember Astrology being in when I was a young girl. "The Age of Aquarius" y'all!

According to the Google machine, the Babylonians created astrology 2,400 years ago. Three hundred years later it spread to the Eastern Mediterranean, becoming popular in Egypt which was under the control of a dynasty of Greek kings. Wow - they gave us Baklava and Astrology? 

The late 1960's was the first time I remember hearing of Astrology. There are twelve astrological (also called zodiac) signs set to calendar dates that may vary a bit. Each zodiac sign has its own specific traits, desires, and attitudes. I got information for this piece here: https://www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com/

 I'm a Scorpio. 

Element: Water
Quality: Fixed
Color: Scarlet, Red, Rust
Day: Tuesday
Ruler: Pluto, Mars
Greatest Overall Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer
Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 18, 22
Date range: October 23 - November 21

Strengths: Resourceful, brave, passionate, stubborn, a true friend
Weaknesses: Distrusting, jealous, secretive, violent
Scorpio likes: Truth, facts, being right, longtime friends, teasing, a grand passion
Scorpio dislikes: Dishonesty, revealing secrets, passive people

Water is my element. No wonder I adore swimming and my soaker tub! While blue has always been my favorite color, I've got a lot of red in my closet - supporting the ISU Cyclones. The site says Scorpios are passionate and assertive. It has taken me a long time to become assertive. Even now I often choose not to be assertive unless it's absolutely required. In a family of four girls, as the third daughter, I learned to get along. At times that comes with a price. 

Back when print newspapers had lots of space (once upon a time) they made room for horoscopes. Our dormitory floor, Schilling House - 6th Floor Maple Hall at Iowa State University, received the Des Moines Register in the Den/TV Room every day. I could read mine and any that of any fella I had my eye on.  

In the 1970s, the paper not only printed daily horoscopes, the paper published "Biorhythms" - charts of physical, emotional, and intellectual cycles. Do you ever have clumsy times that last a day or more? I still blame those on bad biorhythms. It's not me - it's the calendar! 

Life is full of mystery! Through time people have looked for ways to bring sense to the mystery, horoscopes, and biorhythms can be ways to help do that. 

Tales of the Farmer and the Salesman

Our granddaughter Nell is coming for Christmas! Along with her parents Jud and Kara and our daughter Amy and spouse Corey. And our four doggo grandpups - Franklin, Eros, Archie, and Henry. I vowed to never be the type of grandparent that forsakes my kids once a grandchild is born, but this is grandparent thing is pretty fun so far.

Just last night I was thinking of all the things we need to tell Nell. We were watching the news and a story about farming was on. I realized that Paul has a big burden. He needs to connect Nell with her farming roots. He grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa and worked with farmers his whole career. My dad sold ladies lingerie for nearly 40 years to stores across Iowa! Talk about opposites. Still, growing up in smalltown Iowa in the 1960's and 70's, regardless of my dad's career, farming has been a big influence on my life. I did go to Moo U. 

I smile even today - imagining Paul's dad George asking about my family, and Paul explaining that my dad sold women's underthings. I wish I could have seen the look on George's face. Our dads were not much alike, yet they got along quite well. Both were really good at chatting. After Paul and I got married, when Dad was on his sales route through Iowa, he enjoyed stopping by the Goldsmith home in Earlville for a cup of coffee. I doubt they chatting much about lady's undies though - probably more about weather and crops. 

Dad with Goldsmiths, Jeff McFee, and Jean Fox and St. Malachy food fair

I've actually heard more about life on the Gsmith farm from Paul's older siblings - chicken fixin' day sounds like something I'm glad I missed! Paul and shared stories about meals, making sausage, driving a tractor as a really young boy, being around for milking cows, and scooping corn at the bottom of the silo - scary rats were brought up. And George made sure that Paul got to scoop manure whenever he had a hangover. 

Our former hometown, Creston, may be known as a railroad town, but agriculture is a big driving force there. Amy and Jud grew up with classmates from farm families. Hayrack rides were part of the annual St. Malachy Spaghetti Supper. Kids were into 4-H and Future Farmers of America, showing livestock from prize cattle to hogs and sheep. Classmates with surnames like Baker and Miller took time off to help get crops in. 

The next generation of Goldsmiths aren't involved with farming. Paul's brother Larry and wife Regina lived and farmed the "home" place near Earlville for many years, but sold out once their five boys went off to college and moved away. It's hard for Paul to drive by the farm now - most of the outbuildings are gone, though the house is still there. 

Our friend Jeff McFee is a farmer. It's a a life you must love to take on! I've never been a risk taker - preferring more "knowns" in my life, such as how much $ I'm going to make for the work I do. Farmers don't have that luxury - there are soooo many variables! I enjoy listening to Paul and Jeff talking about what's happening in the ag world - with cattle, crops, weather, prices, and farmer gossip. Boy can they gossip! A few years ago when Jud reached adulthood, he finally started to "get it" about farming. He asked Jeff if he worked outside all day even in winter. "Yep" was the answer. Hard to imagine for we cushy inside job people. Farming is a more than a job - it's a lifestyle. 

Yes, Nell needs to know her farming (and lingerie) roots! Family stories are important. People need to know where they come from - not because they must always stay the same, because is part of their foundation. Paul and I will be sure to tell Nell (and any future grandkids) the lore. 

Don't think for a minute there won't be Laura Goldsmith and Pat Bullock stories. That's a whole 'nother blog or two! 

As you can see below - our family still trades "the goods" on holidays. 

Birthday Girl!

It's my birthday - again! I'm getting to be the age where one realizes each one is a gift - not just those important milestones like the one when you get your driver's license or can legally drink alcohol - or can retire. This is my first retired birthday and I must say to do prefer it to a working birthday - even when work treats/singing were involved. 

Paul and I worked as Election Officials at the poll in West Des Moines yesterday from 6 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. It was our first time. It was exhausting but very rewarding. We completed training a couple of weeks ago, but that really didn't prepare me for a 7 a.m. stream of eager voters lined up to do their civic duty. The crush lasted for about 4 hours - I didn't have time to use the restroom or even take a pill for a headache. 

The team of eleven officials (split evenly Rs/Ds), led by a veteran official was mostly newbies. Older poll workers had opted out due to Covid. We all wore masks - and some of us started the day with a shield too but they proved to be a bit cumbersome. The computer system is very slick - using scanners for those who have Iowa Driver's licenses. Even without, those in the system can use several methods to satisfy voter requirements. 

It surprised me how many people needed to register to vote on Election Day. Did they not see the "Make a Plan to Vote" outreach or was that their plan all along? I've never been a procrastinator so I just don't get it. Still, the system was pretty efficient once I figured it out and we got them registered and able to vote. Paul was the guy that fed the paper ballots into the counting machine. Our site had 2 precincts - had about 1,500 people vote - 700 in the first 4 hours.

So today is my birthday! I'm exhausted and like everyone, am awaiting election results. In the meantime, it's gorgeous here so I hope to get in a walk. I'm trying to stay off the Internet (this counts as writing, not Internet time). That's my plan going forward - less social media, more real life. Or books - always my retreat since childhood. 

                                                Lee Van Nostrand's bday party

This morning I was thinking of childhood birthday parties - mine and ones I went to. We shopped for presents in downtown Atlantic, put on little dresses, and went to large parties where there were games like Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Pop the Balloon with your Butt. One year I received three identical Piggy Banks as gifts - two blue and one pink. I don't think I had that much change! Sometimes my mom would make me take a little kid pajama set for the birthday girl as a gift - because Dad was a sales rep for that company. Ugh! How embarrassing! I would have hated to get that as a gift. Give me a GI Joe! 

Speaking of my childhood, last week I drove to St. Louis to spend time with my kids - new parents Jud and Kara and grandchild, Nell. While we had time together Jud asked me questions about my childhood - something we'd never had a chance to talk much about before. He has met a few of my childhood friends, though it's been a while since he's seen them - Sally, Robyn, and Julia. It was fun to tell him about some of our childhood antics! And then to talk about things we're doing in our 60's. 

Speaking of Nell - when I'm feeling stressed, I picture that little face and I smile! Jud and Kara are doing such a great job with her. They were very generous to allow me to hold her whenever I wanted to. She's just starting to smile - so many emotions can cross her face in a short time, but she seems to be a pretty chill baby. The weather wasn't too great but I was content just hanging with her at the house.

We did get out on Wednesday on a trip to the free St. Louis Zoo. Nell snoozed her way around the bears, big cats, seals, and apes. She's adorable sleeping in her stroller! It was nice to get out of the house. Jud and Kara went on a date that night and the kiddo and I did just fine. Even mellow babies demand a great deal of attention - parents need their own oxygen as a couple - away from the baby. 

I can't believe how strong Nell is getting already! She's getting to that stage where on her tummy she seems angry that she can't do more. She's got a play area mat on the floor and it's fun to see her new awareness of her surroundings. Pups Archie and Henry like to check her out when she's on the floor. Just wait until she's mobile guys! 

I drove home on Friday. It was hard to leave - knowing how much she'll change by the time I see her again. I was happy to see my honey who had spent the week hunting and working. While I was gone we got a new furnace - the homeowner moneypit is alive and well. Next up - a window. Happy Birthday! 

  

You Were Right!

Nell, nestled in my arms!

I've been hearing for years how wonderful being a grandparent is. You were right! 

What is Nell thinking about? 

Paul and I spent five days in Saint Louis last week with Jud, Kara, and our new grandchild, Nell Marie, born September 5th. I loved holding that little person - just gazing at her. She's a beautiful drama queen who makes lots of faces as a newborn. Did my babies do that? Smiles, frowns, surprise, and the deep sleep "like a baby". 

Paul's look says it all, Patrick our angel

I must admit that the first time I held Nell I felt a huge range of emotions. It was bittersweet because the last baby I held from our family was Patrick George, our son who passed away at six days from a congenital heart defect. He was that same size and looked similar to Nell. After Patrick was diagnosed, life support was removed and we held him for over two solid days until he passed in Paul's arms. 

Poppa has me! 

Hey baby girl! 

Jud and Kara knew of Patrick's history and Nell's heart has been checked out - even while she was in the womb. Technology today is amazing! On the day we met and held Nell, I told Jud and Kara that I had those feelings. I didn't know that those feelings would creep up. Paul admitted he had them too. Kindly, they made sure we had plenty of chances to hold that precious baby girl. Soon, those memories were put away - somewhere Patrick is looking on! 

It's very rewarding seeing your child as a parent. Jud is a very hands-on papa! I loved seeing him hold that baby girl in his huge hands. He and Kara are doing a great job working as a parenting team. Nell is cooperating by being a pretty good sleeper so far! 

Paul and I tried to stay out of the way during our visit - concentrating on food (I was wishing Paul and I were better cooks, but we did the best we could), cleaning up, dog duties, and Paul did yard chores. There are many new baby equipment inventions - very helpful. We got plenty of Nell time too - giving Jud and Kara to rest from night feedings. It was hard to leave on Friday. We know Nell will grow and change so much before we see her again! I'm already plotting my next visit.

Becoming a newly minted grandparent has led me on a nostalgic trip down parenting memory lane. That and sorting through a box of old photos from back when a camera was just a camera. In those days one  actually had to plan ahead when I wanted to record an event for posterity - the days of film. Sometimes several events would be on one roll of film, birthday, Christmas, birthday. 

The photographs helped me remember many good times - from early interactions with Paul while we were at ISU to our children's' early childhood events including birthdays, holidays, and just messing around. Seeing those pictures was good for me. Sadly, in my mind's jaded eye, I had started to think that I was not the mom of younger children I wished I had been. My most vivid memories are of the times I "cracked" and didn't handle the pressures of momhood as well as I would have liked. Toddler logic (lack of) was hard for me. 

Amy and I help Jud blow out his candle. Krissy observes seriously. 

Looking at the joy on my face in the pictures reminded me of all of the times I didn't snap - which was much more often than crabby Mommy. Why does our mind insist on hanging on to negatives? The photos reminded me of so many great kid activities - visiting Creston City Parks with our faithful canine companion Moki (he liked going down slides), playing in the yard, hide & seek, bathtime with lots of tub toys, and baking together.  

  

Looking back, I wish I had been the mom that let the kids make more messes - I was always thinking ahead to cleanup. I hope to be a grandma that is less worried about messes. 

One place we did get messy was the kitchen. We baked together, which resulted in a few eggs cracked on the countertop - even the floor! And they loved licking the beaters. Amy enjoyed art projects (some messy) and who could forget backyard pool days. Pool preparation took much more time than Amy and Jud spent in the pool, but the anticipation was part of the fun. Alas, the temperature of the water coming from the hose would be frigid! Buckets of hot water were required to heat the water.  Pool toys and soggy towels - ah summer!  

Those parenting years roll by so quickly. I couldn't wait until they were out of diapers, then they were in school, sports, and all those milestones. I didn't know how special it was - the last time I read to them or held their hand walking into church. Seemingly overnight Amy and Jud grew up. 

Parenting is a busy life, one that doesn't slow down much until they graduate from high school. Some moms mourn their children's steps toward independence - school, driving, dances, and moving away. I celebrated those - with a small sense of loss, much overshadowed with joy for their journey to be successful adults. Paul and I do love this stage - adult children are wonderful! 

I enjoy seeing photos of you, your grandkids, young and older, babies, prom, and sports. That is why I stay on Facebook. Plus it gives me a place to share my own photos. Facebook friends often tell me - you do so many fun things! It's true. We try to think of fun things to do. Sometimes the little things are the best - a hike, followed by a beer at a brewery. Paul pushes me as he's less of a homebody than I am. We have worked to stay connected with friends from throughout our lives. Connectivity is our superpower. And now along with being parents (and in-laws) we're grandparents! More fun to come.