94th year

It's hard for me to believe that my grandmother just celebrated her 94th birthday! In thinking about this, I find myself thankful for being able to celebrate such an occasion with her, let alone MY children celebrating the same!

In reflecting on the 43 years of her 94 that I have shared with her, I often find myself remembering the times I spent with her at her apartment when I was a child. There were my mother's dolls that I played with - what a treat to have something other than my Barbies! They "lived" in a suitcase-like doll case, and their clothes were so "old fashioned." There was the Yardley lavender soap, lotions and powders. There was the very "old fashioned" dial radio that set beside her bed along with the ticking wind-up clock. And she would not like me mentioning the 3rd bedroom/storage facility that contained papers, magazines, randomly-purchased items from the dime or department store; you know, those items that you think you may use or give as some type of gift. (I think we donated them or threw them out when we moved her in the late 80's.) And I also fondly remember dressing up in her wedding dress along with the veil for a special play time. (Where are those photos?)

There are so many memories, and I think it's those older ones I most fondly remember because they are the ones where it was just the two of us. However, there are some equally more recent and treasured memories of just the two of us. She treated me to an Eastern European vacation in 1996. She knew this would be the last of her travels, and I was honored to be able to share it with her. And she has stayed with us for a few weeks twice in the last year and a half.

Things have changed though. She is no longer able to walk or be the independent soul God created her to be. It's sad for me to know she must mentally struggle with this obstacle, for I will mostly remember her fiery wit and independence and for the continual words she still utters, "I can do it." That's not often the truth she speaks, but the desire to be able to do it, so I just smile and say, "Okay; go do it." I believe it's the hope and the dream that can keep us alive!

So, again, I wish my grandmother, Granny or Gigi as she is known, a very happy year ahead with the knowledge that I love her very much and with much thankfulness for the memories. And I am thankful to God for allowing them to me and to my children as well.

Baby for a Day

Yesterday, Caroline and I had the privilege of caring for my 5-month old nephew, Jay. Since his birth in February we haven't spent a lot of quality time with him due to school, illness and being out of town this summer. So we were very excited to have him with us all day yesterday.

Being out of the baby "groove" for some time now, I forgot how many items are required to transport a baby from home to another location. I laughed as I took out a load of toys, a boppy, the "johnny-jump-up-thingy", the diaper bag, and finally, a baby-filled car seat! Fortunately for me I have a port-a-crib at home, or I'm sure there would have been some type of sleeping device for this little one. Loaded up, we took, a 4 minute drive to my home for the day. It was around 8:30 a.m. when I got inside, and I took Jay upstairs to awake the children. They were excited to see a baby's face instead of a puppy's licking their faces!

The day went as most "baby days" go: bottle, sleep, play, a little crying, bottle, play, a little sleep, more fussing, bottle, a bath, sleep etc. We did manage to squeeze in some pool time after a bottle, thinking it would wear him out for a very long nap. However, that haul-everything-to-the-pool-for-a-25 minute-swim adventure resulted in only a 30 minute nap! Guess it was the excitement of being in a different place with different people that kept him wanting to be awake for more fun! (Smiles.)

Caroline did most of the "work", if you will. I made a couple of trips out to take and pick up Reid and to throw in a couple of errands here and there, so she was the caretaker for most of the day. She is the nurturer of the family anyway, and I am very impressed with her abilities to do so. When I am sick or not feeling well, she is quick to assume the role of nurse. The baby who turned me into a momma is becoming quite the momma herself!

I have to admit that it is a wonderful treat having an infant in the family. The cousins are all grown, and Jay is becoming the focus of the family. The kind of attention that we are able to give to him provides some insight into grandparenthood! And I believe my first lesson was yesterday... take him for the day, and then send him home! I am, however, ready to do it all over again!!!

Easy Livin'

As the name of this blog implies, the Jenkins' family has indeed been on some jaunts the past couple of weeks. Actually, we've only be in one location, but it's been two weeks of easy living on the Tennessee River!

We loaded up the car on Wednesday, July 2nd and made our way north to our summer home - our boat. On the 4th we welcomed some Georgia friends and their families to join us on the banks of the Tennessee River. A home was prepared for the adults, and a tent was pitched for the children. I think we all agreed it was an awesome set-up, and the children loved their own "home." The weekend was complete with good food, fireworks, swimming, food, croquet, scrabble, food, tubing, swimming, food, kayaking, sailing, food, some sleep, a wooden top/pin game, laughs, conversation,food, reading, laying in a hammock, more food and a little more sleep. Best of all was the fellowship shared between us friends.

After the departure of our weekend guests, we continued our lazy days with Dad and Cyndi along with our neighbors at their home on the lake. We shared impromptu meals and laughter, tubing, a concert on the river and birthdays. In two weeks' time, we have celebrated the birthdays of 4 individuals. And as long as there is cake involved, bring it on!

Below you'll find some photo and video highlights of our adventures. They simply reflect our lazy days on the river and the wish to be there again, which should be around the 29th!

The 4018th Day

Today was the official birthday anniversary of Reid. Indeed, we have celebrated 11 memorable years with this young man. And today was a fabulous one to treasure!

As is the ritual of someone celebrating a birthday in this household, the honoree gets to decide what they would like to do for the day. Unfortunately, Caroline is stuck mostly with going to school, so that generally leaves dictating what she would like to do for dinner. (This year she chose her favorite meal prepared by her favorite chef - Chicken Alfredo and Caesar salad prepared by me!) Reid has a little more free will in his decision, though we are most often at the lake. He specifically asked that we not be at the lake this year, so we obliged. (We leave tomorrow.) And today, he wanted to go to Six Flags. We did, and we had one of the best times ever for this family!

We purchased the Flash Pass which allowed us to reserve a place at the head of the line. The most time we spent waiting on a ride was about 15 minutes! We would get off a ride and go straight back to ride it again. The children were amazed that their mom was riding ALL of the roller coasters and more than once! Reid figures that all together we were on a ride 26 times!

I think it must have been the beautiful weather and the awesome behaviors of my children that propelled me into the seats of those roller coasters and 200 foot Acrophobia ride because I have NEVER found myself so freely-willing to participate in so many thrilling and exhilarating rides. It truly was a day that we will forever treasure, and below you, too, can relive it through my photos and video.