Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Sweet Cheeks Meets Bright Eyes- She Loves Her-She Loves Her Not?

Well, What's your best bet?
What do YOU think happened when
The SweetCheeks met Baby BrightEyes
for the very first time?

Little Cousins touching hands for the first time.
Looking good- 
A smile and a sigh.
And the 
Seal of Approval.
Nana:  What do you think, SweetCheeks?
SCheeks:   She's cute, Nana! 
Is she gonna be on your blog all the time now?
Nana:  (laughing).  Well, she's been on at least twice already. How many more times do you think she should be on it?
SCheeks:  ONCE or LESS!

She was being absolutely serious, I fear!

And there you have it, folks.
The "old star" taking the protege under her wing...
as long as she doesn't have to share 
too much of the spotlight.

But, guess what?
She will ALWAYS be a shining star to me!
And she KNOWS that!

your photo name

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

I have not had to cook
since Baby Bright Eyes was born.
What a nice group of gals  here.
Mimi's friends took it upon themselves
to deliver dinner again last night.
No struggling over a stove for a few days for us.
We are very well taken care of...
thank you very much.

We have been baby-sitting
and baby-nursing 
not me nursing-that ship has sailed...or should 
I say that anchor has DROPPED.
We are delighting in every little detail of 
BRIGHT EYES life and.
someone has taken up cooking for us!
Someone realized that we are Irish~
although who ISN'T Irish on St. Paddy's Day?,
and someone presented us with homemade
IRISH STEW and IRISH SODA BREAD.
Hearty and rich.

Did I mention the 
IRISH SODA BREAD?
Did I mention that it came with 
homemade Cinnamon Butter?
Did I mention that I might have dated a leprechaun once?
I may have to show you his picture later.
He is not being very cooperative right now.
I think I hear some leprechauns right now.
Hmmmm...Could be mischief afoot here.
Oh- wait-
It is only the Dynamic Duo getting revved up for
the day.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day.
Hope YOUR Monday is a good one!
your photo name

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Bringing Baby BRIGHT EYES Home In Pink Ruffles

Our little
BRIGHT EYES
is spending her first
SUNDAY AT HOME.

We left the hospital late yesterday.
Mama dressed her in ruffles
for her first car ride.
Don't you LOVE the hat?
I wish you could see her eyelashes.
They are long and curly.
and surround her
BRIGHT BLUE EYES!

I think my Blogland Name for her is that-
BRIGHT EYES!

I will tell you privately what her real name is
if you want to know...but for here it is this..
BRIGHT EYES!

Glory Be-Could be get ANY luckier?
Happy Sunday!

your photo name

Saturday, March 15, 2014

The Blues Brothers Meet Baby Girl

Here is a look at the 
FIRST PEEK 
the boys had 
of their new sister.
She is just a few hours old and 
still tired from her journey.
I can't wait to hear SweetCheeks
comments on this 
FAT BABY!

One of the wisest things I ever heard was 
my own doctor telling me to 
NOT HOLD THE NEW BABY
when you introduce the older siblings.
That way there is no immediate jealousy
that the new baby is
 TAKING MOM AWAY.
Wasn't that smart advice?

We head home from the hospital
after lunch today.
I'll be back when we get
settled in.
Thank you for all the 
wonderful comments and 
Well Wishes!
your photo name

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Princess And The PaPa (r)-New Baby Pictures

Remember that story the 
Princess & the Pauper?
A wonderful little fairy tale?

Well, I know you are dying to see 
a picture or two.
Here is the 
PRINCESS and the PAPA
Not much time to blog right now...
but I'll be back...you know I will.

Here is Baby Bright Eyes after her bath this morning.
As you can tell she is going to be a character.
I told her this was for my blog and she
stuck her tongue out at you.
That's my girl!

I'll be around to visit when and as I can.
your photo name

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Here's Our New Little Family Face

I spent last night at the hospital.
Mimi cannot lift anything yet so Nana
gets to hold the precious baby 
while Mom sleeps...
and lift her to Mom when she is hungry.
What a job, huh?
So...
You want a quick peek at a sweet little face?
She was 6 hours old when this was taken.
(edited to add:  Mimi says she was 
30 MINUTES OLD
when this picture was taken)
She just had her bath but still has
that "new baby look", doesn't she?
Look at those piano playing fingers!
I'll  be back soon with more baby snips and snaps.

Thanks for all the prayers and well-wishes.
I think Mom & Dad did good
and we are
NOT PUTTING HER BACK
WHERE SHE CAME FROM
no matter what Big Boy E says!
your photo name

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

OUR NEW BABY GIRL and Please Pray For My Friend, Joanne and Update on Ken

We have a 
NEW BABY GIRL
and I will share more about her later this week.
I will tell you today that she was born yesterday.
She is pink and perfect.
Mimi has asked for a day or two to have her
all to herself before she shares her with
the world.
Is this the cutest little skirt/slip ever?
Meanwhile,
I have a favor to ask of you.
This is one of those people that never
asks for ANYTHING for herself...
so....if she asks...
you can bet 
SHE NEEDS PRAYER.
Her name is Joanne 
and her blog is

Here is her plea:
You know how much pain I must be in if I am turning to the blogging world for help, it's just not how I roll.  I pray for everyone but rarely, rarely do I ask.  I am now and I am hoping you can help me.  A few years ago, many years ago, I was hurt in an accident that left a section of my spine crushed and after much rehab I was able to recover.  A few weeks ago I had a stress fracture in my spine in the same spot as in years before.  I have been so completely incapacitated by all of this.  Unable to get any relief from the pain, be it hot/cold, muscle relaxers or even narcotic pain meds.  I am completely bed ridden and need help to get to the restroom, bathe, and fix meals.  I am at my wit's end.  What I need most is prayers.  Prayers for healing light and life to be sent to the heavens for a relief of this pain and a road back to normal.  I just don't know what to do, where else to turn except to my bloggy friends.  Please hear my cries.  love you.

And - the other day I asked for prayers for 
He continues to be in a serious medical condition
and still needs prayers.
They are still searching for answers and they are
holding onto hope while waiting for test outcomes.
Please pray for both of these people...
oh- AND our NEW BABY GIRL-
Can't WAIT to share some pictures of her with all of you.
Bear with me this week- I will be a busy Nana with
two little guys and a Mama that had an emergency C- Section.
Thanks- You are THE BEST...
THE BEST....
Well, right next to NEW BABY GIRL!!!
your photo name

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

New Baby Girl Is On Her Way-TODAY!!!!!

Think Pink!
Yes~that is a baby blanket~
See?
Is that the cutest baby blanket ever?
You can find it here.
Nope- Not a paid advertisement or promotion.
Just saw it and thought it was so cute
that you might want one for 
a special baby girl in your life.

So...say a prayer for Mama Mimi
who was NOT pregnant in this picture!;>)
AND for Daddy and the two big brothers.
These two little Irish looking lads 
will soon be joined
by a sweet new colleen.

We can't wait!

I'll be back with 
BABY NEWS
as soon as I can get here!

Whooo Hoooo-It's almost baby!
your photo name

Monday, March 10, 2014

Can You Keep A Secret?

Now, I want an honest answer here.
How many of you 
SNEAK THINGS INTO THE HOUSE?
C'mon....Come clean!

Speaking of COMING CLEAN-
(see how cleverly I worked that in)
I have been CLEANING CLOSETS!

Yes! I  have!
Look!
Oh!  Wait! THAT IS NOT MY CLOSET!
~sigh~

Instead I will show you
the front hall closet  below. 
As you can see, I donated a bed full of stuff .
Now it looks like the picture on the far right.
I did good, huh?

So, what's the secret you want to know?
Well, I may have cleaned my closet out
and donated a bunch of stuff
but THESE dishes followed me home.
Not the red ones but ALL the white ones.
I mixed the red ones in to 
confuse SOMEONE!  shhhhhh
They are hiding on the bench 
behind the dining room table
AND can only be seen when you walk to the 
far end of the dining room.

Lucky for me MyHero rarely leaves his chair!
Uh-huh!

I need to find a more secure hiding 
spot soon though- any ideas?
I am running out of cupboard space.

Now-FESS UP-Where do YOU hide things?
Cuz I KNOW you do!!!!!
your photo name

Sunday, March 9, 2014

SHE'S BACK!!! Calling All I LOVE A CLOUDY DAY Followers! Please Pop In!!!

Many of you were followers of 
Laurie's blog called 
There is a story behind the name.
She is going blind.
No secret there.
It is something she shares openly.
On cloudy days she can see better.
The bright sunlight is not her friend.

I am smiling now because I bet she forgot
I have a picture from when I posted about
her one other time.
Isn't she a lovely lady?
Oh- AND a Canadian!
I love those Canadian gals!

She has always  been an artist-
Huge canvases full of life and color.
Today her vision only allows her to 
paint small projects.
Laurie is a wonderful storyteller
AND
because of a new computer for 
THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
she can blog again!

Isn't that amazing?
However, her old blog is gone and with it
ALL OF HER FOLLOWERS DISAPPEARED.
Please pop over and sign up to 
follow Laurie if you followed her before.
AND....if you DIDN'T follow her before
well, you have missed something special.
You'll see for yourself when you visit.
The name has changed slightly.
It is now called
Please click on the link above
or click here to visit her.

This is one blog that you will love
coming back to again and again.
I promise!

Have a wonderful, blessed Sunday!

your photo name

Saturday, March 8, 2014

A Very Special Prayer Request

We have developed a wonderful
friendship and business relationship
with this couple.
Ken is a Lutheran minister 
and he is very sick.
Very.Sick.

He needs lots of prayers right now
 his wife, Lisa, and his children also need prayers.
He has been struggling with 
a debilitating illness
for several years.
Sometimes he is in the hospital for weeks at a time.
Right now he is in terrible pain
and they can't get it under control.
Ken may need another liver transplant
but that has not been decided as I am writing this.
He is funny, quick-witted and kind.
He's a good husband and a good father.

Please, please pray for all of them
Pray for the doctors to figure out 
WHY he is so sick.
Pray for his children that they are comforted.
and, last but not least,
please pray for our good friend, Lisa.
Pray that she stays strong and that she
finds some serenity in the midst of the chaos.

Thank you!
I will keep you updated on his condition
when I can.
your photo name

Friday, March 7, 2014

A Wee Bit 'O Spring In The Front Hall

I was so busy yesterday with some 
projects that I almost forgot to take
pictures for a post this morning.
But, never fear, I can always
come up with something.

So-here you have it-
SOMETHING!
Something Springy and lovely
in the front hall.
Sorry- I  know it is a tad out of focus-
Kind of like my eyes in the morning.

The bottom has an Irish greeting
for St. Patrick's Day.
Overall, it looks like this.
~Erin Go Bragh~
I am adding this after someone
commented they had to look it up.
You know what THAT means
 someone that is 
NOT IRISH reads my blog!!
Whoo Hooo
Anyway-
Erin Go Bragh means
Ireland Forever
MyHero said he thinks it looks like a 
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT

I told him THAT COULD BE arranged!.
And YOU know what I mean by that!

your photo name

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Nana Diana's Super Easy Crockpot Corn And Potato Chowder

Well, it is still cold here in Wisconsin.
You've heard of Dumb & Dumber?
Well-here we have Cold and Colder.

Cold days deserve a good Corn Chowder.
I was chatting with my friend, Jettie, 
a few days back and said I was making
CORN CHOWDER.
She said she had never had it!

WHAT?
Shut my mouth (you just try)!  
You have NEVER had 
CORN CHOWDER?
Well, let me remedy that, I told her.
I gave her the recipe.
This is an updated version of one
I posted 2 years ago-and it tastes
even better than the old one.
Now, I did NOT say this was purty
but it sure does taste good!
First, let me say- I am no purist.
I did not go buy ears of corn and
cut them off the ear.
No, indeedy.
I let someone else do that for me-
That Jolly Green Giant is good for something!
Anyway-Here's what you need!
AND
AND
THE SECRET INGREDIENT
Recipe is at the bottom.
Oh- yeah!
You are in a for a treat.
Your hubby will lick his bowl-
just make sure he licks the 
RIGHT bowl!

Fry up about a pound of bacon until crispy.
Break into bite sized pieces.
Throw a couple of BIG potatoes 
in the microwave
and cook until done.
Now THAT is a BIG potato,
wouldn't you agree?
Chop celery and onion & saute in a
couple tablespoons of bacon drippings.
Throw milk, cans of corn, onions, celery
into crockpot.
When potatoes are done pull skin off
and cut into bite sized pieces.
Add thyme and heat through.

This is so good and so easy. and so filling 
and so...well...just so WARMING
on a cold winter day.

So-Here's the recipe:

Nana Diana's Easy Crockpot Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

1# bacon
2 large potatoes- baked in microwave until done.
2 cans Cream of Corn
1 can Niblets Corn
2 large celery stalks- I use the leafy parts, too.-chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 to 6 cups of whole milk OR 2 cups half and half and 3-4 cups of milk
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt-or to taste

Pepper to taste

Directions:

In Crockpot- Mix together 2 cans cream of corn and 1 can niblets corn.  Add milk (or half & half and milk.  Stir in Thyme and salt and pepper.  Stir in 3/4 pound of the bacon.-reserve a couple pieces for garnish.
Meanwhile:  Bake 2 large potatoes until done.  Peel skin off and cut into bite sized chunks.
Saute: chopped celery and onion in 2-3 Tablespoons of bacon grease.  When translucent transfer then to the crockpot..  Heat through on low and serve.  Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Note:  For some reason this demands more salt than most soups.  Add salt until it tastes "right" to you.

If you want a thicker chowder (which hubby likes) take about 1/3 cup flour and mix with 1/2 cup milk until smooth.  Slowly stir into hot chowder and let cook until thickened.

Garnish top of bowl with a few bite sized pieces of bacon.

This is even better reheated on the 2nd day- IF there is any left that is.

And...make sure that YOUR hubby doesn't turn into one of these after eating all that soup.
But if he DOES...well, 
I have a companion for him~
As you can see, MyHero likes to wear his
Captain's Hat when he has the remote.
And why sit on a couch when you can lay in bed?
Hmm...Couch potato?
Nope Bed Stud Spud!:>)
your photo name

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

PICK YOUR FAVORITE Spring Garden Winner

I have to say that I  was 
SURPRISED
about the little game we played the other day here!
I don't know what I was expecting
but there was one clear winner.

It was #2 -Step It Up-
AND
Number 1/2/3/7
had almost an equal amount of votes.
I love how some of you shared WHY 
you loved what you love!
That really helps me to get to know you better.

As for me?
Well, I loved ALL of them...but if I had to choose
I would have to go with......... 
TaDa~~~ combining a couple of them...
LOL- I am worse than some of YOU!
Okay- If I HAD to pick JUST ONE I would
love to be able to walk out into
Garden #1
providing I had a bigger view on the 
other side-Like the Bay
where we live...where the morning sun
kisses the tops of the trees
as it rises over top of our house~
While I love the idea of a big garden 
I don't think I have the time to spend keeping it healthy right now.
And I love the water feature (pond) but..... 
if you have NOT had
a water feature-well, they are a lot of work, too.
Trust me!

However, IF it was a choice 
I JUST MIGHT CHOOSE THIS!
Maybe I'll call "Bobbie" and see what he's up to!
I'll let you know what he says...
IF he answers!
your photo name

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

A SWEET CHEEKS QUICK QUOTE-Concerning Baptism

If you read my blog daily you know
that we kept the girls for the weekend.
MyHero was on call so that meant
two cars for church and a different
church than we usually attend.

Our grandgirls are being raised Catholic
by their wonderful parents.
The church we attended on Sunday
was a non-denominational church.

On the way over, 
SweetCheeks expounded on 
LOVING GOD
and that if you love God and 
have him in your heart 
you will go to Heaven.
PLUS 
YOU HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED.

When we got to church we discovered that
it was Baptismal Sunday.
If you were a believer and wanted to be
baptized you could be baptized there
in a tub set up on one side of the altar.
SweetCheeks had only ever seen
babies BAPTIZED in the Catholic Church.
The head is wet with Holy Water there.
She remembers seeing her cousin,
CharlesInCharge baptized.
SweetCheeks was quite impressed with the fact
that a GROWN PERSON would get in tub of water
like that in front of a church.

On the way home, the girls were discussing it.
SweetCheeks:: Nana, I never saw a real
BATHtism.
Lulu corrected her:  It's a BAPTism, SweetCheeks,
NOT a BATHtism.
SweetCheeks:  Lulu!  It's a BATHtism,
Didn't you see the tub?
Lulu just rolled her eyes.

As for me?
Well, personally, I think it makes perfect sense.

I'll be here tomorrow with the 
PICK YOUR FAVORITE results.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

PICK YOUR FAVORITE- Spring Garden

Well, I don't know about you 
but I am SO SICK of winter that I could fly...
and would if my broom 
weren't in the shop for repairs.
Seriously,
I am starting to feel like the 
Wicked Witch of the MidWEST.
I don't want to grow one more icicle
or cultivate one more snow drift.
I WANT SPRING.

So, here's the deal.
I am going to show you some gardens and you all
get a chance to vote on your favorite.
And, once again, I must remind MARTINA 
that she can't say
ALL OF THEM.
Hey- I gotta pick on somebody and MyHero says 
picking on him is wearing thin...spoil sport
Okay-Ready?
Here's the set up-
The house can be anything of your choice.
Behind your house you are given the budget 
to do any one
of these projects/yards.
WHICH ONE would YOU pick?

A beautiful oasis with steps leading down into velvet greenness. 
Flowers and plants among rocks and steps
(the couple is an extra option and not included in the purchase price)
A darling little corner of someone's world
A serene little informal oasis
A wonderful study in form and function
Can you smell the "green growth" here?
Okay, folks!
Let's dream of 
GREEN & GROWING THINGS!
Which is YOUR dream garden?

Now- This 
IS NOT AN OPTION
-It is from the movie
OUT OF AFRICA.
As you can see-After a hot day in the
steamy outdoors you would have your
very own hairdresser.
Like I said-
NOT AN OPTION~ 
SORRY!


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