Lessons on a Sunday....

Today I felt a complete sense of peace....and I wanted to spend part of my day in Church praising God who provided this for me.

We began a series on prayer and I felt challenged by our lesson . Do I pray to God to ask Him to fulfill my needs, or do I pray to honor God and seek a real relationship.

When our children were born I was in complete awe. When Clare was born I had more time to reflect on the miracle that was provided.

It is hard to explain....but as I gazed at perfect toes and fingers, a sweet button nose and eyes that shyly peeked at me today, I knew that I had experienced something transforming. I felt I was touched by the hand of God and I am humbled by the experience.

So today we went back to share the joy of this small bundle that has changed us all....as little as she is.

We feel the blessings of a little life that moves us to a new generation....

They joyful responsibility we all feel to care and nurture this small child.

We reflect that once we were young parents holding our miracle....

....and how this new miracle will continue to change and transform us.

I leave tomorrow to help a very sweet young couple as they bring home their new baby. I will cook, clean and cuddle ( a LOT of cuddling) and hopefully provide enough free time so that Jonathan and Jill can do nothing but continue to enjoy this blessing in their lives.

I am sure I will have lots of pictures to share when I am back. Everyone told me that being a Grandmother is amazing.....I just couldn't imagine it could be as wonderful as this.

Happy BIRTH-day !!!!!

Today is Jonathan's 33rd birthday.....and Jill felt very badly that she hadn't had time to shop for a present.

But Jill did manage to give Jonathan a gift that was more precious than anything he could have ever imagined. Clare Madison was born at 11:22 am, she weighed 6 lbs 13 ounces and is 19 inches long. She is the cutest and sweetest baby ever!

At times Clare looks like Jonathan and at others just like Jill. Jill made giving birth look effortless. She is my hero....she was as gracious during the birth as she has been for the entire pregnancy. It was amazing.

Clare was equally relaxed nuzzling in all of our arms. She is super petite, but does have the longest legs and arms. She made a number of cute facial expressions. She has us wrapped around her very tiny and very sweet fingers!!

Grandma Jennifer was joyous...and so proud of Jill.

I can't believe I am an Oma now too....how deeply I love this child.

Grandpa did very well holding a very tiny Clare. He also provided Champagne for a lovely toast. We all joined in a prayer of Thanksgiving for this precious child.

Oma looked so content holding her newest Great-grandchild. How lovely to have three generations together to share in this blessed event.

Auntie Meghan just beamed.....so proud of Jill and her brother and is deeply in love with her bitty niece !

Uncle Dustin wore a pink shirt in honor of his neice....and provided cigars for all the guys!!!

Thirty Three years ago I held Jonathan in my arms....and now thirty three years later,

two Grandmothers shared the most precious moment together.

When we left the hospital, we saw this....a glorious rainbow filled the sky. I am certain it is a sign from Heaven. It brought peace to my heart and filled us all with joy.

Tomorrow there will be pictures of Jill. She looked very tired today and I think she deserved to just rest. Needless to say this day will be in my heart for a lifetime. We can't wait to go back tomorrow and hold our precious Granddaughter.

What a perfect birthday for Jonathan...what a perfect birth day for baby Clare.

I Am Speechless....

If someone were to describe me, they would never use the word quiet....I am quite the chatterbox. It is a habit I try to control, but never with much success. So what had me speechless? It is quite a story!!!

As I was teaching last night, one of my students ( Kim...LOVE HER) asked me to look into her eyes. I was a bit perplexed, but took a close look. Was there a speck of fabric dust, perhaps a cotton thread. I kept looking deeply because each time I said I saw nothing, she said KEEP LOOKING. The she said "turn around", which I did. What I saw had me speechless.....quite a feat!!!!

My student's surprised me with a "Grandmother Shower". Surprised...NO, more like major shock. I actually felt my legs go numb and I think I kept repeating something, but I can't remember what. I don't think anyone has surprised me more!!!

The gifts were abundant and much to generous. I am so humbled by their kindness and as grateful as I am, there is a huge part of me that feels undeserving.

They have always remembered my birthday, and at Christmas I feel like a child whose dreams come true. But I never even thought of a "Grandma Shower". It was sooooo much fun!!!

Clare can visit her Grandparents and rest and play in this wonderful Pack and Play!!! Cutest part has to be the mobile. The package says it is a Teddy Bear, but I say they are kitties!!

This infant rocker hopefully comes with an instruction book. Is it just me, or are babies blessed with the most ingenious items that challenge the mind of the average Grandma!!!

There are frames to capture babies sweet expressions and books to be read.....

....toiletries and the cutest towels and washcloths. Soft things for baby to nuzzle, a first Easter gift and something called " Baby Monkey Butt Paste"!!!

There are so many blessings in my life...a family I adore and a sweet baby just days from being cuddled and loved.

However, of all the gifts I received, the one above is the one that I clutch to my heart. Full of messages from the students who really aren't my students....they are my dearest friends.

I can't thank them enough, and they actually say they are looking forward to all the stories I will share about Baby Clare. I guess they don't even mind my chattiness. I am blessed in every way.

We are ready to meet you.....

Hello our sweet Clare... your Mommy and Daddy can't wait until you are here.

Your Mommy is READY for all of us to take a turn carrying you. We can't wait!!!

They have a beautiful crib for you to sleep in....

...and a great dressing table to change you when you need.

There are friendly elephants to light the way....

...and more elephants ( a gift from Daddy) to play with when you are bigger!

There are stories you will love that your Oma will read you...and lots of things to cuddle.

There is a pretty shelf that holds special things from the heart. Tiny silver bowls from your Grandma Jennifer and Grandpa Wes. They got them on their wedding day, and now they are for you to enjoy.

And the bunny....a memory of your Aunt Mira. She was a blessing for your Mom and now her gift will grace your nursery.

You will have LOTS of clothes to wear....your Daddy thinks there are toooo many. Silly Daddy!

There is a picture on your wall that was in your Mommy's nursery.

...and one that was in your Daddy's.

Mostly I just want you to know that your Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you.....

...and your puppy sister feels the same way.

And we can't wait to hold you too. We love you baby Clare....more than you can imagine. Counting the days til you come out and play!!!

In Bloom....

I know it seems silly when people in California say they are tired of winter....but I am so ready for Spring!

I love that my freesia bulbs are bursting with fragrant blooms....

....and that the colors of the flowers look like Easter eggs!

My pink jasmine is ABUNDANT with blooms and when I open the window, the air is scented with the most heavenly floral scent.

What isn't growing outdoors is growing indoors. I love these pods that I fill with flower seeds and they reward me with flowers and more flowers!

Each morning I check their growth. The garden will be full of Morning Glories, Bachelor Buttons, and Cosmos. I can't wait!

There is more wonderful news....newly retired Jim is having a birthday.

The family gathered for a celebration lunch in the darling town of San Clemente. The weather was glorious and the meal was YUMMY!!!!

Jim enjoyed his selection....

.....and Oma enjoyed hers!!!

But with all the things I look forward to the most as Spring approaches...these two and their bitty baby are what I am most excited about. Two weeks and counting down.

Jill is still full of smiles ( she is the sweetest and most joyous pregnant person I have ever known).

I picture the years ahead with Clare beside me as I teach her about the joys of seeds and flowers. Just one more thing that I can't wait to experience!