Welcome to the World Patton Lee and Aster Leigh Garrard

Early in the morning of March 24 2015 I was waking up to go to Becky's to watch Winston so that she could go to work. She was to have an elected C-section on Friday March 27th. and intended to work up to that day.  Well she did work up to the day considering she worked on Monday.  Tuesday morning I got a call telling me her water broke and they were on their way over to drop Winston off for his Pawpaw to keep him.  I jumped up and got a shower and washed my hair.  I did NOT want my new grandchildren to meet me without hair fixed and makeup done.  Taunte Jill Forbes was notified and made arrangements to come to the hospital just a little later.  Becky was in the surgical waiting area when I arrived and was comfortable.  I was terrified.  I am a nurse and I know what kind of things can happen in surgery.  I really prayed that Jesus would be with her and the babies.   I got teary eyed when they took her in.  The scrub nurse reassured me when I told her to watch my baby.  She reassured me that the twins were going to be carefully monitored. NOT THEM!!!  I told her, of course everyone would have their eyes on the twins I have no doubt about that.  I made her promise that she would closely monitor my daughter. She hugged me and promised that Becky would be her first priority,  Francis Garrad(Grandma Gigi) Taunte Jill Forbes(Godmother to Patton) were with me when we heard the first cries.  And we cried.  They brought the babies out to us and the above are the first pix.  Becky came thru like a champ.  Dr. Bourque came out and reassured all of us that everyone was fine.  Patton weighed 6 lbs 11oz and Aster weighed 6 lbs 10 oz.  I was overjoyed at the blessings that God granted us.   Becky, Shane, and babies came home on the following Saturday.  Poor Winston was sick and did not return home for a week and that took a toll on his mom and dad.  Winston stayed with us and with Grandma Gigi and his poppop.  It is now Easter and I have purposed myself to get this blog out and I am happy to report that the babies are fine.  Winston has had some expected emotional issues but Shane and Becky are wonderful parents and are easing his way to big brotherhood.  On this day of rebirth when Jesus rose from the dead to open the gates of heaven for us I am ever minded of my great and abundant blessings.  Praise the Lord.

Happy New Year 2015 and (oh gawd....) Resolutions

Its that time of year again when we make promises to ourselves and then backslide within a week.  I have decided to lower my own expectations and be more realistic thus creating a positive outlook for the new year.

1) Exercise 3 minutes a day. I can do more BUT 3 minutes a day is well within reason.
2) Only hit my snooze button twice instead of 6 times.  I set my alarm to allow myself SIX snoozies because somehow it seems like I am getting more sleep.  I cannot explain the logic in that exercise.
3) Keep my room clean and picked up.  
4) Once a week go through my room and dust, pick up my clothes and scrub the toilet.
5) Scrub the toilet if I have guests over, get a housekeeper  or if Milo refuses to drink out of the bowl.
6) Give away at least 10 pairs of shoes that I will never wear. Including the pair of heels that are fricking awesome that I have never been able to wear because they have 3 inch heels.
7) Do not watch QVC or look at anything that promises easy pay over 6 months. Okay this will be tough so I will do this for 6 months.  3months.
8) Go one day without mentioning or thinking about what a horrendous  president we have.
9) Do not say "Laaaad day" Becky will be jumping thru hoops over this one.  She despises that I say this.  I actually have been working on this for the last few months.
10) Throw out my size six thongs.  I will never ever get those on again and keeping them in my drawer will not make it happen.  Likewise my bikini.
11) Get rid of half of the make up in my makeup drawer.  I don't wear purple, green or silver eye shadow. The cherry red blush was an epic fail choice and it won't change color the older it gets.  Oh and all those little perfume samples are going.  Most of them make me smell like a little old lady with BO no matter how many times I try to use them. 
12) Make just enough dinner for two so that there are no leftovers.
13) Throw out ALL the salad dressing that are in the fridge that are out of date by a year.  For that matter throw out everything in the fridge as most of it is out of date, moldy or glued to the Tupperware.
14) Give away at least 20 cookbooks, I think I only cook once a year and that is at Christmas.  Having all those cookbooks will never make me Martha Stewart. 
15)Give away anything in my closet that is a size 18 because God help me I will never get that big again. 
16) Blog at least twice a month.  It makes me happy and  I really need to be happy more often. 
17) Learn all the words to "Let it Go" from Frozen and sing it to my granddaughter Allison.  She won't care that I sound like a frog. 
18) Brush my dog Milo at least 3 times a week.  I'm tired of sleeping in a fur bed.  Teach Milo to hold still while I use the sweeper on him. The accessory hose on my Dyson works like a charm.  Milo however doesn't like it much. 
19)Correct my potty mouth.  I have grandchildren and  I cuss like a sailor.   Sydni and Rebekah will not be happy if their children start dropping the F bomb.  I will not blame Stan if that happens.
20) I will mentally review everything that I want to say before my mouth opens up at least 10% of the time.  Considering I never do that any verbal reticence on my part will be  vast improvement

Happy New Year to all my friends and relatives.  May this year bring you untold joy and blessings.

Christmas 2014

Every year I get more behind despite my promises to myself. I did not get my tree up  until the first of December  I did not get all my decorations out, in fact I only used about 6 of the 20+ boxes.  Next year I am starting in October which will mean,  because of my procrastination issues, that by Thanksgiving I will have  at least my tree up.  The upside to the sparse decorations is that I should be able to put everything away in a day. It made me somewhat sad not to have everything out because I now have a new little audience for my talking toys, stuffed animal displays, my collections of Santas and my many, many nativity sets.  I loved watching Winston just stand and look at the tree.   He just stood there with a smile on his face.  Then he and his cousins decided to rearrange some of the ornaments. That was the very reason that everything from 2 feet down was unbreakable. 

 

 

I am in awe watching the grandchildren.  I love seeing things thru their eyes,  I love experiencing the magic that only Christmas can bring.  Thank you Jesus for these gifts that you have given me.  Thank you for their innocence and their love for their Mawmaw. 

 

Christmas Eve was spent with my family.  Joshua in from working in West Virginia and his family, Rebekah and her family, Taunte Jill Forbes(my other "sister"), Frances and Benny Garrard and of course Stan and me.  I said the prayer and of course got teary eyed.  The older I get the more I get emotional when I pray, just like my mom used to.  I cannot look at my family and not feel so much love.  I have wonderful children and they have given me my grandchildren.  My heart is so very full that it overflows sometimes thru my eyes.  We had a wonderful dinner if I do say so myself.  Prime rib, all the casseroles, the two traditional  Jello dishes, a bottle or two of Rosa Ragale and several deserts.  In chaos we opened our stockings and our presents.  It was THE BEST watching the babies open their things.  They have such fun and it makes me happy to be a part of that process.  Jill and I partially cleaned up after everyone left and went to Rebekah's house to help her get ready for Christmas morning.  It has been rush, rush, rush for the last week and I have not spent time thinking about the true meaning of the holiday.  Tonight just before I sat to write this  I read the most beautiful words ever written ( crying while I read of course)and I want to share them with you:

 

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this"(Isaiah 9:6-7).

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child.

 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb

What a glorious day, this celebration of Jesus birth.  I hope this day found you filled with love, and family.  I hope that your wishes came true and I pray that the Baby in the manger finds his way into your heart. 
So to my family: Joshua and Sydni Hart, their children Aries and Allison, Rebakah and Shane Garrard and their son  Winston, to Taunte Jill, and to Stan, I love you all to the moon and back.  You are my heart.

 

 

Happy Birthday Rebekah 2014

 

 

 

 

 

Happy birthday my precious Rebekah.  I remember so much from the past but yet not enough.  I remember so many wonderful things but for some reason cannot remember if you said dada or mama first.  It's the little things that make up the fabric of our family history and I have most of it down and can close my eyes and revisit a time when you were my baby.  I so enjoy Winston because it jogs my memory of you and the things you would do.  The other day I was watching him play and he looked at me and I was transported back in time 33 years ago and remembered that same look from you.  I looked at you last night at Winston's baptism and thought that you had never looked more beautiful.  You have your twin baby bump and you look so.....  I cannot think of a word.  Maybe complete, or regal.... I can't explain but you took my breath away.  I want all good things for you and have wondered if I could, would I wave a magic wand and take away all the things that would cause you sadness?  As a mom you know that you would do anything to protect Winston and keep him happy but it is the bumps in the road of life, the disappointment, sadness, the tears, and the unspeakable joy that brings the fabric of life together to form a garment made just for you. It's those things that make you strong so no I would not wave my wand to give you a life of only wonderful things but as your mom I will promise that I will walk with you during those times that are the hardest.  That's what moms do.  I wish blessings from our heavenly Father to pour down on you this year and the years to come.  You are my joy.  Happy Birthday my sweet sweet daughter and many many more!!!

A Few of the Pictures From Alaska

Cruising Alaska, Butter, Bacon, Desserts and the Wetsuit.

Stan and I went to Alaska the first of September aboard the Norwegian Pearl out of Seattle.  Knowing that I would probably put on a few pounds I diligently followed my diet and dropped about 10 pounds prior to departure.  I don't like to fly, ever, but our trip on Alaskan Airways was pleasant even though it was about 4 hours long.  When I travel I end up with the mother of all "cankles" and this time was no exception.  I was downing Lasix like skittles so that I could fit into my shoes. We spent the night before departure in Seattle at the Doubletree otherwise known as the "cookie" hotel.  When you check in they present you with 2 large chocolate chip cookies that are still warm.  The damn things are about 400 calories each but as you know calories do not count on vacation.  They are the best and worth every dollar that we had to spend to stay there. The next morning boarding the ship  I had one moment that caused me concern and brought me front and center to the  current events of the time.  We were in back of a group of Muslims all carrying backpacks.  It made me nervous and sad at the same time.  13 years ago I wouldn't have given them a thought.  Then 9/11 happened.  I obsessed about what they were carrying in their backpacks. I hate that about myself but I did manage to smile at the family in front and make true and appropriate noises about what beautiful children they had.  They were lovely but I still remained untrusting.  

I love cruising.  I love the food, the people and the casino on board.  I am just happy as I can be doing nothing but eating, drinking and playing the slots.  I did not miss a meal.  I ate often and well.  I probably ate more in a week than I do in a month at home.  I ate bacon every day.  I convinced myself that I would need the fat to keep warm.  I didn't miss a single dessert.  I cannot explain it but cruise ship butter tastes so much better than what I have at home.  I used a whole lot of butter on a whole lot of rolls.  My name is Debbie and I KNOW that I have an eating disorder. I know better and have returned to my pre-cruise diet but boy did I have a wonderful gastronomical holiday!

Juneau was our first stop in our cruise and where we were going to the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale watch.  I was the one that booked and paid for our tours so the fault is all mine that I didn't realize that this tour included a hike.  The path was paved so it wasn't like hiking on stone and dirt but I really didn't realize that I would have to walk.  I am a princess.  I don't do hikes.  I should, I know, then I wouldn't have to worry about all the butter I eat.  I have issues not just the size of my butt.  My knees are victims of holding up all my weight and give me trouble every once in a while.  I held my own and other than some huffing and puffing did well.  The glacier was beautiful, it was worth the hike.  We then boarded a boat to look for whales. I had my trusty camera and came prepared to get some tail.  Whale tail. I had a problem with making my fingers work at the right time.  The whale would breach and I was in awe and just stood there, camera in hand, watching this wonder of nature when my brain would engage thinking "PICTURE" and I would take the pix.  I have many many pictures of the tip of the whale tails only.  Our boat broke down on the way back to shore and we had to be "rescued" by another tour.  It was great fun.

We stopped at Skagway, Alaska next and took the White Pass train trip.  We took a bus to Fraser, BC and boarded the train to travel 27 miles to Skagway, AK.  Stan loved the trip as he is into trains and spent the whole time outside on the platform between the cars. I enjoyed it but spent long minutes with my eyes closed as we passed over narrow mountain passages.  Afterwards we were bussed to a   reconstruction of an old tent town called Liarsville and fed a meal of salmon and sides.  They had a show afterwards. I spent time talking to the actors and  I shopped. I found a wonderful knit cap shaped like a beaver head.  I never knew that I wanted a beaver head hat, it must have been the altitude.  Maybe it was the beer.

Since the time we booked our trip and were able to look at tours  I have been over the moon about coming to Ketchikan, AK.  I was going to snorkel, in a wetsuit, at Mountain Point outside of Ketchikan.  The tour provided heated 7mm wetsuits.  I have no experience in donning wetsuits but I have a ton of experience with  a Spanx,  Previously,  writing about my daughters wedding I devoted 2 posts to that invention of Satan.  It took a team of people to get me into my spanx and still have nightmares about the experience.  I called ahead of time and discussed my concerns with a representative of the tour.  I explained my problems getting into my Spanx and let him know that even though I was way below the weight limit I anticipated a struggle.  He was very quiet during my explanation of the wedding travails.  I did hear him snort once and I think he then pressed the mute button on.  He finally laughed when I told him that I was okay to be amused that it would not hurt my feelings.  He ASSURED me that someone would be able to help me.  While getting in our suits we were separated  by only curtains into open dressing  rooms, men from women.  I could not make grunting noises because everyone would hear.  I literally  could not get the damn thing on.  I mean it.  I pulled, tugged, struggled and then started to sweat.  That made it worse. One of the other ladies on the tour and one of the guides had to squeeze me into what amounted to a body shaped Michelin tire.  It was 7mm thick.  Then you add the head thingy and the booties.  Do any of you have any idea how hard it is to walk in that much rubber.  My only consolation was that if I fell I would bounce.   I was able to sit down. Sort of.  I noticed that in my lap was what appeared to be a very large air bubble.  I was fascinated with it and poked at it trying to make it go away.  I realized that I could feel the sensation of my poking.  The "air bubble" was in fact where the tops of my thighs and my stomach went when I put on my suit.  I had an impressive "package" and had I been a guy, would have been strutting my stuff.  We had to walk to the waters edge through a path of large rocks and I had great difficulty.  The wetsuit made it nearly impossible for me to bend my knees so to get to the top of a rock I would have to throw my straight leg up and sideways.  I really struggled to get into the water but once there it was magical.  God dropped a hand full of beautiful in Mountain Point and I got to see it in all of its glory.  I was toasty warm and even got rid of my gloves because I couldn't take pictures with them on.  The upside of having my hands in the cold water was that the arthritis that bothers my hands took a holiday for a while.  I did fall getting out of the water trying to get up on the shore and no I did not bounce but had a devil of a time getting back up.  I kind of did a push up and walked my way backwards because I couldn't bend my legs.  I gave the group a very large tip. 

The next day our boat sailed around glacier bay and I was in awe seeing things that I have only seen in pictures.  It was simply beautiful.  The next day we spent several hours in Victoria, BC.  We took a private tour with a cab driver and had a blast.  He took us everywhere and was very knowledgeable about his city and it's history. 

On our return we again stayed at the Doubletree and got the cookies.  We took the train and went to downtown Seattle and wandered around the market for several hours before returning for the night.

I was glad to get home and we are planning on a return trip with friends.  I imagine that I will forgo the snorkeling  next time.  I will be posting pictures in the next day or two so check back and let me share my experience with you. 

September 10, 2014 Event Family Dinner

We got together on Wednesday for a "family" dinner.  We do this every once in a while and it really is fun.  Stan and I just got back from our Alaskan cruise and were anxious to see everyone.  Joshua and Syd came with Allison and Aries and this was likely the last time we will see Joshua for a few months as he is working with an oil field company in Ohio.  Benny and Frances Garrard rounded out the nuclear part of Shane and Becky's family.  We were missing Jess and her two but she lives in Arizona.    At some point Rebekah left the room with Winston and when they returned he had on a different onsie.  I will sometimes see something cute and will buy for the grands so I honestly thought this was something I had purchased.  I asked Frances what it said and she responded that she couldn't tell because he was too busy playing.  I picked him up and read: Oops they did it again I am going to be a big brother.  I got halfway thru and stopped thinking that I was telling something that I shouldn't and Becky said to finish it.  I was teary eyed as was Stan but not really surprised because they had been trying.  Congratulations abounded as was joking recriminations about fibbing.  Apparently Frances had commented a few days before asking Beck if she was pregnant.  Becky responded "Are you telling me I am FAT?".  There is one thing I have learned in 40 years of nursing and that is unless you SEE the baby coming out NEVER ask a woman if she is pregnant.  Frances attempted to recover stating no you have spots on your face.  I had to laugh when they told me this conversation.  I don't know which is worse: you're fat or you have acne.  I could sit on the side and greatly sympathize with Frances while inwardly fanning my face grateful I had not said anything.  Then to make matters worse during that conversation Benny threw Frances under the bus stating that he didn't think Becky looked fat or pregnant that that was all on Frances!  They had their first ultrasound and had the picture put on a cake.  Then they got out the second cake and Frances commented that there were two pictures.  Shane stated something to the affect that one cake was for the baby on the left and the other was for the baby on the right.  I was having trouble processing that statement until I was oriented by Frances stating  YOU'RE HAVING TWINS??????.  I  was dumbfounded realizing that morning when I came over to take care of Winston I told her that she should have twins when she got pregnant.  Talk about a prophetic comment.   She is due around April 12 or so.  I just realized that for a person who 3 years ago did not have a grandchild that I am doing well!!!  For a period of  4 to 5 months Stan and I will have 5 grandchildren under the age of three.  I indeed am blessed.