Shades of Time

Many years ago I saw the first of gray hair in my brunette locks.
As a natural brunette.As the gray began to multiply, I decided to color my hair with the same color as my natural hair color. This continued for at least 10 years. When a college friend who hadn't seen me for a few years said, "I didn't remember your hair being so dark," I didn't give it much thought. A year or so later, my sister-in-law said, "when your hair is all one color, people think you are wearing a wig." I asked her if I looked like I was wearing a wig? Of course she said "no."
My "wig" yearsI had to start having my hair colored every 5 weeks instead of every 6 because the roots around my ears were white and it was very noticeable. I asked my hair dresser what she thought I should do differently, maybe some highlights or something. She said I looked fine.

I was restless. It's really hard to change your hair dresser but I thought it was time. The new one said my hair was so dark that I would need to re-schedule for a longer appointment time to bleach the color from my hair and to put in new color and highlights. She commented that as a woman ages, she needs to lighten
her hair so her face looks softer.
The lighter look.
Well that was probably 8 or 9 years ago. Now, almost 20 years, since I first noticed the gray, my hair is lighter and once again my natural color. Yes, lots of gray and still some brunette. It took me a year to grow it out from the blond color I had been enjoying. When I looked on the internet to find out how to go gray from colored hair, I couldn't find a source although there were multiple sites for going from gray to another color. Having given up coloring my hair, I feel a burdened lifted. I'm not scheduled every 5 weeks at the beauty shop and when the wind blows, I don't worry about the color of the roots. I might look older with gray hair but I don't think I look older than I am. I save at least $500.00 a year and when you multiply that times 20 years that's $10,000.00! I think I could have spent that money more wisely. I now remember what Bridgette told me about having lighter hair as you age and smile when I think of how God in His wisdom was making my hair lighter and I had my own ideas of looking like I was wearing a wig. Is that gaining wisdom?
Naturally me.

Sleep Over

Last weekend, Conley's folks took a short trip and Conley stayed with grandpa and grandma for two nights. We ate out, shopped at the store, played outside, went to church and watched the MSU Spartan's win the "Sweet Sixteen." Conley is 2 1/2 years old and has decided, " no grandma, don't take my picture," so these pictures are somewhat candid shots.



Conley wanted to play with a soccer ball like Max and Ruby. She had fun kicking it around.


It's not beach weather in Michigan but grandpa and Conley played in our sand bank. She is pretty excited about taking her sand toys to Florida this week.

Sometimes you just have to sneak in a picture by being silly.

And here she is cheering on the Spartans. She says "Go Green!" with a little prompting from grandma. We had a great weekend with our little guest but she was pretty happy when we took her home to see mommy, daddy and CC.

Spring Break

This week we spent a few days taking care of Jack while his mom went to a conference. It was great spending time with him and getting to know his personality. He is an on the go baby. He hardly has time to eat and doesn't like being constrained to high chair, changing table or car seat. Now the stroller, he seems to enjoy as long as it is moving. He's crawling all over the house and will follow the cat under the kitchen table and down the hall. Always smiling and pulling him self up to furniture and toysThis is a picture of Jack on stage at his key board. He did a great job entertaining grandpa and grandma, as well as himself.

We visited this great little town just 10 miles west of Wheaton called Geneva. It has many quaint and unique gift shops and specialty restaurants. I read about it in Midwest Living so thought we should check it out. The homemade raspberry chocolate ice cream was a big hit with me but Jack wrinkled up his nose when I touched his lips with it.
Jack and his dad get in a little spring training in the evening. They are anticipating some quality father and son time watching the Detroit Tigers this year.
What could warm a mother's heart more than watching son and grandson share a goodnight story and prayer. You may have noticed that Jack finds comfort in his pacifier. He will have one in his mouth and find another, spit one out and put the other one in. So when he spit it out in the Jewel parking lot and wind blew it under a car, I had no choice but to get on my hands and knees and reach under the back tire of a car to fetch it. What a grandma will do for her grandchildren and I know you grandmas understand!

Smiles a Minute

I enjoyed 10 baby filled days in February with Angie and grandchildren. Dan was a busy dad working all day and helping with early morning breakfast and evening bath time. The days are filled with lots of smiles, hugs, toys, snacks, laundry, diapers, books, swings and a few cartoons. I'm now a fan of Backyardigans although I haven't memorized the theme song yet. Here is a glimpse of baby days in Steamboat. Cooper and Tucker are buddies. Hudson and Claire enjoy the indoor swing.
While I was there the town celebrated Winter Festival. We watched children skiing behind horses that raced down the street. One evening we enjoyed the fireworks from the deck hot tub on a beautiful clear night. Oh, the fun of living in a mountain town.Dan traveled with us to Denver and Angie and I flew with her dad to Phoenix for some warm sunny days. What a contrast.

We sure live in a beautiful and diverse country!

Baby Jack

The last week of January we drove to Wheaton, IL to visit Jack and his parents. Tom was a confident driver on the super highways following each command of his new GPS. If it hadn't been for slowing down at all the toll booths we would have arrived a few minutes earlier. On the return trip we purchased an I-pass so next time it will be smooth sailing. You know, when you are traveling to see a grandson and his folks, no delay is acceptable.

Jack is on the move, scooting around, and like his dad, is fascinated with books.
At eight months old, Jack is learning about his world by using his senses.

" You might not believe this, but, duck strings are satisfying too."
"Best of all is being held by people who love me, like mommy, daddy and granpda."

Winter's Wonder

We've been experiencing some pretty and cold weather recently. I've been staying close to the home fires. Today I ventured out, the beauty was drawing me. I had to capture the whiteness and experience the cold crisp air while we lay in wait of another snow storm.

The land was quiet except for a gust of wind that blew snow off the trees, not one cheep from a bird. I know they are near because Tom keeps a path to the feeder and they frequent it all day.

I marvel at what the trees endure, how they hold on to their little pine cones.


The snow on the pine trees look like frosting, it brings a serene beauty with the graceful lines it accents. Again, our land gives back to us by just being here. This truly is a gift that I often take for granted in the busyness of life.

And yet on these frosty days, its minus 5 degrees F as I write this and it will get colder before the night is done, I'm thankful for a cozy home.

Tomorrow it will be too cold for Conley to play outdoors so she will have to be satisfied to play with an indoor snowman.

Christmas Memories

I still have my Christmas tree up, it seems when you take it down, you are leaving behind the fun, the celebration, the season of thoughtful giving, the praises of thankfulness to God for Jesus, the wonderful music and decorations and meals prepared with love. So to drag out my nostalgia into the new year, here are some sweet pictures of our Michigan Christmas.


Conley likes to visit our old neighbor and friend, Toni who turned
92 this past December.
Did I mention that Jack came to visit ... with his dad and mom? We couldn't keep our hands off his cuteness.

When the word got out that there were cute babies at our house, Aunt Di and Uncle Steve came for a visit. So did Aunt Donna and cousin Carrie but I totally forgot to get out the camera. The camera came out to capture Conley and daddy singing
"Deck the Halls" with the Christmas duck. Conley enjoyed the tree and carefully touched the ornaments and beads.