Sideline Grandma

When the boys spend the weekend.

2013-03-10T07:44:00.000-04:00

As they did, at the codge and still are, in fact, sleeping, there will be a quest for conquering.
There are a lot of things to conquer, after all;
hills for one;

and of course, in the winter, ice,

And always, fire.
All the elements of nature, don't cha know.

Plus one must conquer Mario Bro against your brother.

It's not clean and neat around here.. just sayin'.

Even though one controller might not be hooked up.
Until the little one figured that out.
And
Hooked it up
for himself!
And then there's a game of Hide and Seek.

In which the 13 and 12 years old's fold themselves into the pantry shelves. They can perform this provided they go in feet first.
But just barely.
They did manage to frighten their cousins.

Who, of course, had to do it, too.

And then there's baseball, on ice.

Sure makes sliding into base fun!

And it warms you right up! Because, look you don't even need a coat!

Boys, ur, young men, you went from one thing to the next in no time flat! Walking on the lake to visit ice fishing spots, and lots of trips down the bumpy hill with sleds right onto the lake.
And yet found time to just explore.. roast marshmallows in the campfire on the lake,

plus turn yourself into a deer.

And then there's the technology.. and giggles.
oh yeah.
the giggles.
guys giggle.. they do!
And it's just the best!

Missy would like to thank you for bringing her the pillows. Yes, Princess, the ice is cold.

Oh the blessing of boys..
Love
Sideline Grandma

2013 One Real Winter

2013-02-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

Finally people! It's winter, and it's not stopping.
Yet.
Are you loving it?
Loving it like these people.. right here..

After two years with very little snowfall it's great to enjoy being bundled until you can hardly walk.
Great to fall down in the snow and roll around in the crispness, it's wonderful to explore outside when you can see right through the woods and I love the view of the lake in the winter. It's quiet, solid, still. And beautifully restful.

Fortunately we found one weekend to head up north when it was cold and had a good snow fall for fun,good night sister it was cold. But look at the fun!
The boys wanted to build an igloo so with their dad's help they dug it out of the plowed snow. .. carefully, safely.

Yeah,, just a little chilly out there.

SEE? It's perfect for a couple of little bundles.

Time to get out the beach toys is it?

Hi, well hello tunnel digger.

Two awesome tunnels! Great work guys!

No freezing temps for you, little bundle of sweet smelling goodness.

Your First Cottage Sink Bath - Feb. 8, 2013!

And the older cousin had fun too.. right???

Bye ... hope you enjoyed this quick visit to our cottage winter weekend.
Greetings to all, Sideline Grandma..

Hometown

2013-01-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

This is home. This town right here, with these familiar places.

Wanna take a peek?

In the 1800's the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad went right through this area.

A railroad station was constructed on the north side of the tracks. Much of the land to the north, east and west was wet, soggy marshland and covered with nasty brush.

Immigrants from the Netherlands traveled by train heading across the state to join their family and friends in the towns on the Lake Michigan shore.

It was around the 1890's when some of them spotted those wetlands parallel to the train tracks and knew exactly what to do with them. They would turn those wetlands into profitable farmland. Ah, yes, the enterprising Dutch, dealing with water problems was not new to them! That muck was dirty gold.
Now, removing the brambles and brush would take grueling work but these were hard working people. They still are.

And I'll just betcha they got that land for very little money, if any.

Thus the truck farming business began, vegetables were grown in that soil and every year we watch them do it again. Sometimes it smells like onions all over town!

Growing plants outside soon became inside agriculture as well.
Greenhouses, they're all over the place, large, small, tiny, family owned businesses. We are so thankful for them! They employ many.

And now let's peek at the houses we drive past every day around here, some of these homes are original to the city, like this one. What a porch!

Although it's been changed and updated many times the house below was the home of the town's founder. Cute isn't it?

Oh my word, I love this one. The porch, the sunroom,
and that cupola.

Here's an example of Dutch brickwork.

This long narrow white house is right in the middle of town at the red light. It was tough to get this picture due to the traffic!
The woman who lived there for most of her 102 years passed away in a nursing home about three years ago.
A landmark home for certain.

The house above is just a wonderful place, the pictures do not show the front porch tucked behind the shrubbery,
it has a beautiful yard and detached garage.

We are a moving city.

It would be surprising to know which houses in town were

at one time located, well, somewhere else.

When the main road was converted into a divided highway smack dab through town the adjacent homes had to be removed, most of them were bought and moved, they were not torn down and "wasted" but were reused.

Many of these houses were attached to other homes as additions.
We; reuse, renew, revive, save, don't waste, don't throw away what might be used someday.

This garden center's perennial garden is right along the street we use nearly every day.

It's a pretty sight any time of year.

Another greenhouse family who has perfected the art of gardening.

Love.

Now for some favorite and familiar barns.. do you love barns too?

How charming is this?

A familiar sight.

And another, very familiar homestead,

classic, cared for, neat.
And right on the way to just about any place we need to go!

A little country corner church.

Ah.. the "The Plaza",
it's just a short walk from the high school to the plaza. When I was in high school it was well worth hiking over there
for a Long John pastry, the bakery is gone now, miss it!
However there's a dollar store, what ever would we do without it?

This is our nice new farmers co-op

but sadly the old white clapboard building burned down.

The barber shop was built in 1949 and is the second longest existing business in town
which is still located in the same building.

Although there have been other owners and operators of this barber shop, in July the current owner will have looked out of that big window at nearly the same view for 50 years while listening to family stories and business news from one generation to the next.

The Wheel Alignment shop is the oldest business in town still located in the same spot.

What would we do without our knowledge filled barber?
He sure knows the history,
he says this building was our blacksmith shop.

A bit of contrast from the old blacksmith shop to the new city hall.

And this;

A beautiful addition to our downtown city hall area is the

Veterans Memorial Park.
It's a peaceful place to stroll and sit a while.

I love this town..

Now for the last picture.
Having driven past this sign for many years it dawned on me that every city has large and small landmark locations, places we see all the time and would miss if they were gone.
The sign below is at the end of a driveway, it's been there for who knows how long.

Makes me chuckle.

Hope you enjoyed the tour,
Sideline Grandma.

A Very Cottage Christmas Experience

2012-12-29T07:48:00.000-05:00

Oh the things you get to experience when the whole family comes together for a one night sleepover at Christmas.
Like a chance to slide down a half-snow-half-dirt-half-weedy hillside.

plus partly sandy, and wet at the bottom, as one kid discovered after sliding 10 feet into the lake.

You might even get to hold your cousin for the very first time!

This year we had a living Christmas tree, the little cutie had it's roots all dormant and packed in a pot.
We chose a 4 foot Fraser fir which was purchased a month before Christmas, we kept it outside and watered once a week. After transporting it in the pickup the guys brought it inside for one just night.

When the tree trimming team got busy!

The carefully selected spot for our growing Christmas tree is on a rather flat portion of the hillside, with full southern exposure giving it lots of light.

We dug the hole around the first of December measuring it to the size of the pot. A tarp had been placed over the hole and held down with rocks to keep snow and leaves out. Our plant expert at the nursery said to keep the tree in the pot for now and just place it in the hole. Put straw or leaves around it then leave it until spring as the tree is dormant now. When the growing season begins next spring remove the pot and plant the tree into the sandy loam soil.

Then it will grow into the 30 foot tree it's destined to be and we will watch it. Perhaps we need a bench nearby.

And you, Mister 2 year old, experienced finding an iPad laying around.
How quickly a child learns to move the screen with his fingers. There you go honey!

Here's a great experience, having your uncle teach you to play euchre. Finishing up the lesson with some of the "how to win" tips he learned in college. Such lessons are extremely valuable to a middle school-er, as you can tell by the look on his face. And his mother's.

Another great experience;
realizing a remote control helicopter might have a mind of it's own.

And now to let you know this happened.. this..

yeah. please don't tell me you are all neat about the gift opening..
please.. don't...
even if you are..
we,
are not.

But they do clean up.. whewww...
Love and hugs..
Sideline..

Cottage style Christmas

2012-12-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

We had Christmas at the cottage for the first time, the cottage is 10 years old. Because life is what it is this was the first time we could manage two days away.
Oh the thought of making it a get-away, a get-away for two days, away from hometown and a chance to be at the lake, maybe go sliding and just be there over-looking the lake. Maybe stay in your pj's and sit around. Or dance and jump with joy to the music.

We watched the lake freeze this year, there was movement one day and stillness the next.

But let's back up to the week before Christmas when I got to spend two days at the cottage prepping, wrapping gifts and decorating with a lifelong friend who was entirely more generous than she needed to be .. but she just is all that, she's that sort of gal.

My friend offered to help me wrap all the gifts, plus she asked if she could bring something for each person. Seriously generous, don't you think?
Arriving exactly one week before Christmas we unloaded the packed full to the very roof of the Pontiac Torrent (with a peep hole left for rear view mirror sight) with food and gifts and we didn't stop moving that Tuesday until every last package was finished,

there was coffee involved, oh and snacks.

Then for a few quick decorating changes taking us from a summer look to Christmas.

On a walk a few years ago I discovered these long pine cones covering the ground on the east side of the lake, so going back with a couple of paper bags I collected plenty for this little addition to the great room.

By simply wiring them together then attaching a wide ribbon they could be looped over the curtain rods.

They hung in six windows.

On to the hutch; removing the summery dishes and replacing them with red and wintry designs was fun and took little time.
The two fabric ball ornaments sitting on the plates were made by mom's cousin Rhea, she was famous for them!

At least she was in our family. They need a showcase.

Here are a couple of cottage-ie bathroom additions; these goofy birds tickle my funny bone;

and for the downstairs bath..

We went to a couple of second hand stores during our stay and I found this lamp,
it's serving as a night light in the bathroom;

Do you remember these lights?

Speaking of my sweet friend, as I mentioned, she wanted to bring something for each member of our family to place on each pillow. I had no idea what she was going to do.
Along came a bag with 17 net satchels decorated with jingle bells and containing a piece of candy and a piece of paper printed with a Bible verse. Each with a different verse.
Before we left the cottage on Thursday morning I asked her to go through the cottage and place the gifts on each pillow. She asked the Lord to put the verses in the right spot, for the right person.

In this room our daughter in law received the same scripture she has above her bed at home.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path". It's from Proverbs 3.
So we do that Lord, acknowledge you in all our ways today.

It was a wonderful idea! The family loved this.

Even the kids.

up in the loft..

One last thought before I close this post.
Perhaps you'll notice the linens are turned back in the loft. This is why.

As a child my cousins, sisters and I would spend a summer week at our grandparent's lakeside home.
We were always so excited to arrive and be together and do all the same things each year. We knew we would have supper on the boat, go swimming, check grandpa's beautiful gardens, especially the roses. We would have big breakfasts and listen to grandpa read the devotional for the day afterward.
But the one thing that always welcomed us upon arrival at grandma's house was a turned back bed in the guest room.
When I walked into that bedroom each year and saw the corner of the linens folded back and awaiting us I knew grandma was expecting us, wanted us. It was so welcoming.
I don't know if the children noticed but this year at Christmas every bed was turned back.

Blessings abounding ..

Sideline Grandma..

The Elf on the Shelf, Mr. Kickles

2012-12-21T21:48:00.006-05:00

Ever since Elf on the Shelf showed up at the house of these 3 guys I am beginning to think Santa runs a pretty strict ship up there in the North Pole.

The Elf on the Shelf was all new to me this year but as I understand he's Santa's watch dog in the house, he's supposed to be keeping an eye on the children, reporting back to Santa.
In reality perhaps the children should be keeping an eye on him!

Here's the scoop, now let's see if I have this right,
The Elf is;
not to be touched, only if you wear oven mitts or mittens or move him with a stick.
He can show up anywhere in your home, seems he moves around at night, while you are sleeping and not peeking.
Every family adopts their elf and gives him or her a name.

Meet Mr. Kickles.

Our children's family tossed around names and landed on "Mr. Kickles", pretty cute huh?
But as I said, I do believe Santa runs a tight ship because Mr. Kickles has been living it up, having the time of his life.
Hello Santa? What's up with this Kickles fellow?

Right away he helped himself to a bubble bath.

Then it was swing from the chandelier time.

Thankfully he did manage to locate the missing

Polar Express remote.

Then he took a ride!

It was thoughtfully of Kickles to celebrate the little

two year old's birthday.

You'll notice Mr. K hanging there,

in the undies.

One day the boys made a gingerbread train.

Evidently Mr. Kickles was impressed as he climbed right in.

Then things started to get really crazy.

Um, Kickles, you're not the good elf are you?

He's definitely enjoying this month long vacation.

Oh boy.

Just one question, do you and that roll of TP

have anything to do with this?

I see you in that tree buddy.

One more question;

are you on the naughty list?

Mr. Kickles, enjoying his freedom.

Sideline Grandma

It's been stuffed dogland around here for months!

2012-12-10T21:32:00.000-05:00

They grabbed my innerds and wouldn't let go, those little stinkers.

It was therapy, that's what, physical, mental, anti-stress therapy with a bonus of delight in the tummy just making these fleece Scotty Dogs.

Hi you guys, you make me smile.
Smile and want to play!

Last summer when I realized there was a cabinet in my basement with a stock pile of fleece fabric, plus a pattern and I had just about enough energy to hand sew; the dog factory in the house began to take shape.

All these plus a whole lot more fabrics turned into this;.

a dog menagerie on my bed.

Oh my..

They took over.

And now that all nine grandchildren have one (or two) it was time to find homes for the rest of these tummy ticklers.

And that means you mister,

And you too,, after you get noses..

The dogs were made from a simple McCall's pattern, the fleece fabric was a good option for my dogs rather than cotton blend since, well, I had stacks of fleece.
The up side of fleece is that it stretches, it's easy to fit, the dogs can be washed and they are so soft and cuddly.

Sorry about those nasty pins in your eyes..

And nose.

What do you think fella? You would like to snuggle with a child, wouldn't you?

My favorite dogs turned out to be those made from mixed fabrics like this one with floral plus four solids.

He's so happy.

I've become attached to these guys.

But my closet,, my closet is over-run!

Just like people, even though they all have the same facial features the slightest change in size of eyes, or placement changes their faces to make each unique.

Today I found a place for these honeys, they are going to a homeless shelter.
I can just picture children carrying these guys around under their arms. And snuggling with them.

You guys be good now, no funny business!

Sideline Grandma.

The Little Bundle. More Sideline fun ahead.

2012-12-02T15:24:00.000-05:00

My sideline has enlarged and my heart has grown a ninth grandchild chamber. This grandson decided enough.

Enough! Enough with listening to his family through "a wall" he was ready to see them and start living outside the confines.
Three weeks before he was "due" he arrived.
And we're all glad he did. He's safe and healthy and growing. But he's small. Telling you, he's just so itty bitty, at 6 pounds 12 oz.. and with his legs pulled up to his tummy there's very little of him. Seriously.

Ever since The Reveal party in July we've known the baby was a boy. The Reveal party last July .. do you remember?
Remember how we could take a guess, boy or girl. Someone from the winning jar won a prize!

Wonder what the two grandpas guessed. (They look like mischief don't they?)

So we gathered, all the closest friends and many family members, awaiting the results of that week's ultra sound, the parents knew the results but they were not saying.
Each person could pick a cake pop from a serving tray.

One cake pop had been colored with blue or pink and someone would take a small bite and find a color. So, we were instructed not to stick the whole thing in our mouth. Just take a bite then look.

She did! And it was BLUE!!
And here he is!!
Born two weeks ago today, look at that little newborn with the eye drops giving him the bewildered look.

So cute though.. she said without prejudice.

"Mom,what did they do to my eyes, they seem to be stuck, was this supposed to happen?"

Oh, the sight of this wonderfulness! A swaddled newborn wearing a tiny cap knit by a thoughtful stranger.

Of a mommy ready to raise another son to be a kind and wise man.

And a dad proud to hold his third son, given the job of teaching him to love, to give, and be a responsible person one day.. and that's a job!
And a privilege.
And a joy.
And exhausting and hilarious, and .. all those things a parent experiences.
Like delight.

New little bundle's cousins and brothers take a peek..

We love you!

Oh the places..

Six years ago these this couple didn't know if they would have children..

at all.

Ever.

And now, three sons.

Two years apart.

Sweet.

My heart is busting with thankfulness, thank you Lord!

Sideline Grandma

Caramel apples and the boys.

2012-11-21T07:42:00.000-05:00

4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters, that's what we had on the weekend of Nov. 9 - 11. The weekend we decided to take these four (look closely, there are four of 'em) to the cottage for a weekend of campfires, wrestling, leaf jumping and caramel apples.

We find boys of this age easy to entertain, they just need some space to jump and a firebox.
The caramel apples were a plus and they were completely the guy's operation.

Look how organized they are! Sideline Grandpa took this photo, I was sleeping.

And they were, ummm.. a hit!

Yes. Very nice.

His face was this dirty most of the weekend.

Besides the taste, the deliciousness of eating a sticky caramel apple is what happens to your hands and face and teeth!

Unless you are old enough to handle it.. like this young man.

For this independent young fellow it was a bit more challenging. I believe we do have the caramel off the chairs and doorknobs as of this week.
Not that we cared, not a twit, we loved it.

The sad part was when it was time to go home because as one said "But I had so much fun!"
Everyone helped make beds, pack bags and haul them to the car.

In fact, they were determined to help.

And don't even think about helping him with this bag.

One last thing; did I say we had 4 grandsons and 4 granddaughters on the weekend of Nov. 11 - 13?

Little did we know that one week later grandson #5 would arrive

three weeks early.

One day, little guy, you'll be part of grandson

weekends too.

Thankful,
Sideline Grandma

2012-11-15T12:39:00.002-05:00


A new little doggie has joined the Sideline family. Her name is Bella, as you can tell the poor little girl is terribly neglected.

After a few months away from you, away from blogging, it's time to catch up with the kids..
and with you, if you're still around.
Are you?
Who knew a blog could take so much energy, it's only thinking! Well, and typing, and spell checking.

With holiday gatherings just around the next week and a baby due just around another month.
Let's catch up.

No I've not made any new sugar scrub mixtures.. thanks for asking!

I've been occupied with getting out of bed in the morning, reaching for the coffee pot in the dark and grinding some brew.
Then checking the day's agenda for what the honey bunches will be doing that day.

You understand the dilemma of where to start don't you?

How about here?

In September these three started middle school..

They went with a nerds and baby look for Halloween.

Sweet huh?

There was fall softball in fabulously warm and yummy weather. And they won, they won everything they could possibly win! Such a great team!

Middle school = band or orchestra.

And this gal.. right here, this is not in a Halloween costume, she's in theatrical costume for the part of Pitchwoman in the play "The Rememberer".
She was a little bit frightening, and, bless her heart and legs she choreographed her dance as an American Indian legend. It was strange and powerful and well done!

Then there's this..
the same young woman.

OK now my heart is chuckling.. because he makes it chuckle.
Honestly, he does, the little bundle.

soon to be big brother..

awwwww... look how grown up he's getting and so sweet and tough! I need to stop this post soon or I'll be a weepy mess.

Just last weekend we took the four boys to the codge. It was a full blown memory book event for at least one person.
That would be Sideline Grandma.

At four years old he's way too young to be doing this. We let him have a go at it for a short time until his older cousins put a stop to it. After all they had to be 10 years old to use the axe. That settled that.
And he still has 10 toes!

Fortunately the leaves were all down just in time to make a huge pile for jumping.

Before we stop chatting about the kids;

this young fellow didn't know he was a soccer player

until this fall. Not until he joined a fall team and found out!

Just look at the skill. He never knew.

Cherished young woman..

Please feel sorry for the puppy on her lap.

Poor Bella, if only someone would love that little furball.

Thanksgiving .. thanks Lord
for all these blessings.
Sideline Grandma

Rerunning the cleaning concoctions.

2012-09-16T08:41:00.004-04:00

For some odd reason my three homemade cleaning products ran out at about the same time.
Last fall I experimented with making laundry detergent, dish washing detergent and window cleaner. The experiment is over and I'm repeating all three because they work and they lasted for 10 months! It was wonderful to have a good supply of needed cleaning products in the house all those months.
Shows you how infrequently I wash windows.

Cost of the laundry detergent around $25.
Cost of the dish detergent around $20
Cost of the window cleaner around $10 (with lots of Dawn left over).
This lasted 10 months but remember there are only two of us in the house.

Just the other day someone asked me for the laundry detergent concoction so I posted it on the right sidebar but I decided to put all three recipes here today just in case you are interested in whipping up some batches your home. Fall cleaning anyone?

Let's get started with the detergent for a dishwasher, how's that sound? This is what you'll need (yes that is lemonade Kool aid type drink mix with no sugar);

Dishwasher Detergent ingredients:
1 box Borax (4lbs 12 oz or 76 oz ) (2.15 kg) found in the detergent isle
1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (55 oz or 3 lbs 7 oz) found in the detergent isle
24 packages of unsweetened lemonade drink mix, like kool-aid. (**Note: lemonade will stain soap dispenser yellow, another option would be to use citric acid instead of lemonade. You can usually find citric acid in the canning isle )
3 cups Epsom Salt
Lemi Shine rinse aid (this recipe does not work very well without it) You can find Lemi Shine in the dishwasher detergent isle at just about any store. You can also use vinegar as a rinse aid. If your dishes are coming out with spots on them that means you do need a rinse aid.

OR use Lemi Shine as a rinse aid. Sprinkle about a tablespoon in the bottom of your dishwasher before running.

Link to original post.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3441399887137747620#editor/target=post;postID=8487577473968641088

Now to the laundry room.. But first;


He loves brooms and mops.. give the boy a bucket!

This is what you'll need;

1 - 4 lb box Borax

1 - 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 - 4lb box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

3 bars of Fels Naptha soap

2 small containers of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean

This year I added a box of Rain Drops water softener to the mixture because we have a well and very hard water, even with a water conditioner for the house I wanted to add a little boost to the cleaning power of the mixture.

Start out by grating the Fels Naptha soap just like cheese. It doesn't take long to do this on a box grater, then mix everything together. (side note; I keep an extra bar of Fels Naptha around to treat stains)

Looks good doesn't it?

This makes a lot so find a big soup pot or bucket to hold everything, mix and transfer into air tight containers or a plastic bag.

The original post here;
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3441399887137747620#editor/target=post;postID=1684272430978415331

Now to the windows. This is so easy and works great! (When you actually use it.)

One 12 - 16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol
One cup ammonia
2 tablespoons Dawn dish washing liquid (Dawn is a must)
One gallon water..

That's it folks.
How about a cup of coffee before we start?
Sideline Grandma.

Photographic touches from an 11 year old.

2012-09-11T07:02:00.003-04:00

Not only photogenic,, but a photographer, this little gal just started middle school last week along with her brother and sister, she has quite the eye behind a camera.
Today I'm going to feature some of her work here on Sideline and let you take a peek.
But first a bit about this common sense 11 year old who has a deep heart of love for people but get her on a basketball court or softball field and she's pretty aggressive and determined. Can't you just see it?

Her eye for design and detail is pretty good.. but you decide.

Charming in a natural way.

She took these photos at the cottage in the summer of 2012 with her mom's camera. The close-ups are so pretty.

It was two years ago when we took a walk on a shaded path at the park, the three older children were 9 years old and their cousin was not quite two.

She asked to borrow my camera, lagging behind me on the path I discovered she was taking shadow pictures in the dappled shade.

Here are some of those photos.

Self portrait.

Strong brother

Toddler playing with grandma.

Brother's headstand!

Brother self portrait is pretty cool too isn't it?

The light fell just perfectly behind his head.

And her sister.. with one green leaf and some feet showing, this so good!
But I'm the grandma.. so I'll say so..
you get to do that when you're the grandma, right?

Proud of you girl!
Love from your Sideline Grandma.

The Laundry Soap's gone !!!

2012-09-06T06:26:00.003-04:00

On October 26, 2011 I made a batch of laundry detergent..
We're now out of laundry detergent, it's Sept. 6, 2012.

Today I'll be shredding Fels Naptha on the box shredder for a new batch because;

not buying detergent for 10 months is such a relief
spending $20 for 10 months worth of detergent is dreamy
sure is nice not running out of detergent or even thinking about running out
the detergent works great

here's the link to last years post on how to make it but the recipe is on the side bar to the right if you want to check it out,
it's so simple.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3441399887137747620#editor/target=post;postID=1684272430978415331

Keeping it clean.

Sideline.

21 Months Old and Ready for Anything

2012-09-03T06:21:00.003-04:00

Ready for and doing just about anything,
as long as his big brother does it first!
But are you ready to become a big brother too, oh little one?

In three and a half months your little brother will be
born almost to the day (or week or so)
you will be 2 years old.

This is a "I'll take care of it just don't you worry" kinda guy.

Except when it comes to brushing his teeth. Or meeting this guy...

.
We listen to his long stories of delight and seriousness talk even though we have no idea what he's saying.
He can swim naked in the plastic pool, on the Lovely Wooded Compound where it's private.

And where we take pictures of The Sillies in the woods.
And where we put very colorful outfits on children, outfits that don't match.
Because everything else is in the washer.

Closing up the summer place this weekend along with your cousins, who take watchful care of you, was just a delight.

Now if we can just keep you from injuring yourself between now and 2017.
So here's your Daddy introducing his boys to the thrill of water sports.. which is exactly what you love!

What a great weekend..
The dock is now out, the boat has been hauled to dry ground and covered, these four older ones will be in school soon.
Rejoicing in the Lord's goodness and protection and love ..
Sideline Grandma

Meet polymyalgia rheumatica.

2012-08-15T07:09:00.003-04:00

What to do, what to do? But change gears today
I don't particularly like to talk about personal things. I would rather talk about dogs being inappropriate or adorably cute babies and grandchildren activities.

But here goes.
As you know I'm a gardener, landscaper, have been a walker for health my whole adult life. As a member of a fitness center a workout friend and I push the elliptical machines and stair steppers until we're just plain sweating g'mas.

Since I pretty much fill you in on everything going on here on the Lovely Wooded Compound.. (you DO understand that's simply a term of endearment, it's not really that large, just lovely, well and wooded).
You also get the gist of all the commotion at the codge what with people acting silly.

Today I decided to fill you in on what happened the morning of June 7, 2012. And since that day.
On June 6 I had a sore neck, used a heating pad and felt a bit sick, just a bit flu-like. The next morning I woke up at my normal time of 5:30 a.m. and could hardly get out of the bed.
Since Sideline Grandpa was sleeping, like a normal person, I managed to exit the bed and head to the bathroom where sitting down was next to impossible. (told you I don't like to get personal! Ha.)

Now. .. to back up.
There were no warnings this was going to happen. None.
My body had turned on me, there was no way around it! All the energy and vitality that had been my hallmark of life was gone.
The only disease my limited medical knowledge could come up with was that it was rheumatoid arthritis. It's not.

My plan for life was, and still is, to follow mom's example.

This is mom, she's 95 years old.and healthy.

There's but one reason this topic is going on the blog today and that is to inform those who are stopping in at Sideline about polymyalgia rheumatica just in case you or someone you love should one day wake up and not be able to turn over.

Let's get the information out here, from the stories I've read some people suffer for months before they find the right diagnosis or realize help is available.

Back to June 2012.

After not having a physical in five years I had an appointment on the calendar for June 26,

I waited until that day to unload on my doctor asking, "what in the world happened to this otherwise strong and busy body?" (nope.. I didn't say busybody!).

The blood test that might have pinpointed the disease (around here it's called the SED Rate) came back normal
(15% of the tests come back with false negatives)

But the presentations of the pain and stiffness in the body indicated the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica.
If prednisone reduces the pain it confirms the diagnosis.

So here's what it feels like;

Pain in the muscles surrounding the six largest joints, they are inflamed.
Pain and stiffness in the upper arms and shoulders which is why it's hard to turn over

Pain in the front of the hip joint in the groin area, (as in having to lift your own legs into the car!)

Pain and stiffness in the back of the knees

Lower back pain

The pain is identical on each side of the body

Might require help getting out of bed or up from a sitting position

Some people say they hurt from the neck to the toes.

Now to the good news, there are effective treatments - Prednisone when given in the correct dosage will reduced the pain level, so one can at least move but let's be honest, it's not the same. Other drugs are used for pain management.

The not so good news is this will be a long process. And there are those good ole' side effects of a steroid. "Moon face" seriously!??

Inactivity is not my friend..

friend!

Here's a link to a website created by a woman who is still battling PMR, she lives in Australia. Seeking to find others with PMR and those who would understand what she was experiencing she formed an online support group.
Should you or someone you know suspect you have PMR or Giant Cell Arteritis you might find this of help.
Her name is Diane. She's a darling lady.
http://www.polymyalgiarheumaticasupport.com/index.html

Statistics

It affects about 1 in 200 people over age 50.
The average age of onset is 70.
10-15% of people diagnosed with PMR also have Giant Cell Arteritis

Be blessed.. I am!

One more thought..
As I sit, ponder and think of all the blessings of my life and what my heavenly Father has given me and rest in the Lord's arms of Love it's overwhelming to know He says this;

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There will be monumental lessons learned and cherished from this, they will come straight from the Father of Glory.
Praise Him.
Sideline Grandma..

Waterside Storage Building Charmers.

2012-08-06T11:09:00.001-04:00

Little houses.. I love em..

It's just a necessity to have a shoreline building here at the lake to keep all our stuff tucked away.
Except we don't have one.

The lake is 72 steps down from the cottage which is fine but the
72 steps up from the lake with life jackets, chairs, toys, fishing equipment, books, towels, well, that's a climb.
Did you know that's about around 5 stories up?
I'm not complaining, we're rugged.

We can do it!

As usual I'm getting off track. reign it in Sideline..
this post is about cute small buildings along the waterfront.
Let's do this.

Here we go.. enjoy!
First of all look at this amazing property, now this is rugged. And lasting and beautiful.

Oh the labor involved in all that stone work!

A little hard to see, this one is just peeking out, it matches the cottage which is up the hill.

It's so simple but by painting it bright blue, adorable.

Not big enough..???

Former pigeon coop?

With little beach and some years when the water is high, no beach at all, this is a classic look. Isn't this a nice one?

Ahhhh... hidden away with it's dark siding .. Love the rippling water.

This is probably the newest lakeside building, it was finished a couple of weeks ago. Hand made from scratch by the owner and a carpenter-neighbor. It sure fits nicely into that, spot like it's been there for years.

The oldest perhaps? Just a wild guess..

More ... useful.. characters..

A collection ..

Sweet, clean, neat.. skinny door.

More old sheds, and some cleverly tucked into the hill.
I think we're too tall for this one.

Oh wait, this might be the newest addition to the lakeside structures. Really doesn't fit the storage building topic does it? A tiki hut built under the stairway. We know where the party is.

These prefab units from Lowe's and Home Depot are showing up around the lake, this is a great one.
Others;

Now for a couple more favorites.. like this 3 by 4 foot structure. I love this.
The paint, the tiny window, the door, the stone wall..all of it.

and this one..

and oh my heart..
this

well.. maybe one more..

this summer house is surrounded with grasses, it's all glass and used for storage but imagine it with curtains and comfortable furniture. A lamp,
some books.
And a laptop..
It would be perfect!
It's Aug.. enjoy the last few weeks of summer my friends.

Sideline Grandma.

Facing the Princess Missy facts.

2012-08-03T18:26:00.001-04:00

You know how some dogs follow you from room to room to lay at your feet just to be there as a companion?
Missy doesn't do that.

You know how some people get a dog for comfort and to combat depression?
That didn't happen with Missy.

Do you agree that cats can be arrogant and have a sense of entitlement?
They act surprised and "put out" when asked to get off the back of the sofa.
Or out of your chair.

We don't have a cat, but we do have Missy.
I'm pretty sure she's related to cats, although she appears to hate them.

Perhaps I'm being negative.
Perhaps.
Am I?

How about we take a little look?

Good morning Princess, that's my chair.

Coffee?

Let's take the Missy issue to the cottage where it appears that Missy and our son and daughter-in-law's dog, BayLee, play like they are best buddies.
She gets terribly excited if I say the name BayLee.
She all smiles and can't wait to play!
.

Is it playing or tormenting him, she's such a little bugger sometimes.

BayLee, on the other hand, has one goal in life; to fetch the ball.. fetch the ball..run around in circles with the ball and wait for someone to throw it again. So he can fetch. the. ball.

Until there's no oxygen in his lungs.

He especially loves to have us throw the ball off the dock so he can dive, fetch, then swim to shore, run in circles around the sunbathers, shake water on them and bring us the ball. We love this!

There you go buddy.. good job.. good job.. all done. .. ummm.. all done..... ?
Before I say we must revisit the Missy and BayLee's relationship if you don't mind.

Just so we all understand, let's rehearse.
Missy is female.
BayLee is male.
Let's get that established before we move on.

Now you may look at this photo. Hide the children.

I warned you.

You might have a question or two about this photo so I'll answer;

"I don't know what she's doing!".

But she does this every time BayLee brings the ball back out of the water;

she ride's his back walking behind him all the way to shore

until he can shake her off.

And he does.

It's entirely weird my friends.

And she does it over and over.

Missy has no interest in fetching the ball.

The ball is boring and stupid.

But bugging BayLee isn't.

just look at her face!

Yup, Missy you are a strange little bugger.

Run BayLee!

She's our little bugger.
We love her!
That's right, you..

Are those cat eyes?

Sideline Grandma..

Why blog? Sideline's first year.

2012-07-30T07:53:00.003-04:00

So
Why blog? Here's one reason; to help us remember the bestest of days. Right girls? We MUST go back this fall don't you think?

Blog!
To record such moments as this; when Grandpa and Grandma are just not comfort enough in the morning and he just wants big brother's hug. From cries to smiles.

So I was sitting on the sunporch at the cottage in July of 2011, our house had been invaded by robbers, we had lost jewelry, keepsakes and some sense of safety. A hunting camera had been installed next to the driveway, an alarm system inside.
The cottage sunroom's yellow chaise lounge chair was my retreat location for the weekday mornings. As usual.

Looks pretty doggoned good doesn't it?

Life was running slow the week Sideline was born.
Why in the world did I start a blog?
#1. Just to see if I could figure it out. Because blogger.com is there and I wanted to give it shot.
Two hours later I was committed.
One week later we returned to the house and life became normally frenzied again but, as I said, I was committed so on we went.

I've enjoyed the process of blogging, my rule of thumb is "use few words, use photos" to catch the moments. Also the children enjoy seeing their lives portrayed on Sideline Grandma.
It's fun to be silly and nutty and not serious,
most of the time.

Sideline Grandma can do whatever she pleases, you know. Even when I'm not sitting on the sidelines there are plenty of things to toss into the blog mix. Like Popcorn Salad.
For better or worse..

One of the mommies in our family made this comment; "Sideline is a journal of our family", it records the events for us even if no one else looks.
But you have looked and you read the posts, it's rather shocking to me that you do! Who are you and why are you here?
Thank you for checking in this past year. From the various links and family forums who are stopping in to check out Aunts and Uncle luncheons and swimsuits for grandmothers, or other interested folks.
Hello! Please feel free to comment as I would love to get acquainted with you.

I've decided to skip the advertising and keep the blog strictly for fun and sometime inspiration.
My heart's cry is to live this life God has provided to me through His Son Jesus Christ, who IS my Life and bring a bit of delight to the readers of Sideline. Knowing this in the process, He is my all.
Let's enjoy life!

Now for more; reasons to blog;

Because when blogging you need photos so I take the pictures! And lots of them.
Sorting photos takes a lot of time, I toss 9 out of 10, but getting this happy shot of my mom with her sister is pretty sweet.
Oh the smiles. The smiles.

Maybe grabbing the camera hasn't always been my first instinct, but it's become more natural and for moments like this I'm glad.
Our two older grandsons, ages 11 and 12, are down on a steep ravine on The Lovely Wooded Compound cutting back small trees and shrubs to help us out since our knees don't hold up down there anymore. They worked pretty hard.
We are so thankful to have muscular grandsons who are willing to dig in! They were using their great grandfather's two man hand saw..

Here we are, documenting the silliness.


To give credit where due. The mothers of my grandchildren.	Blessings!

The triplets, girls, you have one terrific brother, look at that encompassing hug. Melting. My. Heart.

Just to remember that sometimes we push a kid off a table, using a mattress as trampoline.

And that reading Red Hat Green Hat is the best...
"oops!"


Oh .. remember when we took the boat out and everything went haywire? You don't? I didn't tell you this story? Well it did, go haywire. We survived, amen.


Catching members of the family taking the softest pillows and ruling everything. She has no shame, Missy, she thinks she's a cat. (sorry cat lovers)


There are, of course, the sideline moments.

Then there's this, a very loving and supportive Sideline Gpa.
Thanks for stopping along the roadside (over and over) so I can take photos of things!

Thanks for turning around and going back for photos of a barns. My favorite so far! Love barns!

So thanks, honey!

One more thing; that homemade laundry detergent, the batch I made in Oct. of 2011 for $20.
Still using it! http://sidelinegrandma.blogspot.com/2011/10/im-making-soap-turn-back-your-clocks-to.html

Thanks again friends,
Love from Sideline and thanks for such hanging out with us here..

Well it did it again, the blooming garden.

2012-07-14T05:25:00.001-04:00

Every year when the garden goes dormant and dead it seems completely impossible that it will ever return.
The following photo was taken on March 24, 2012 when we arrived at our lakeside home for a yard work day and to transplanted tree peonies.

Most years we are still melting out of a snow cover in March but this year it was wonderfully warm.
Just looking at this mess and the deadness of the garden every spring I'm doubtful the space will actually be, well, pretty, again.

The hill garden was especially hideous in this year..

Under the dead leaves and stems, dirt and weeds are hidden a wealth of roots, how can it be they are really alive?
There's so much more to this hillside garden than one might expect.
Gardening is a constant revelation of how God works in the lives of human beings who are in Jesus Christ.
Under the exterior facade there's life.. a Life. His Life. And it's revealed when He decides, in His time.

While in the garden my mind is constantly thinking about my Savior who supplies;
pruning which leads to more blooms, more growth,
the power of light
sustaining, life giver of living water.
He's the cultivator of the soil so it's properly prepared for seed, this is vital to successful growth and root development.
Wind and movement making strong stems and activating the cells.

We are so much like a garden and He will tend to us.
Know what? There's even value in bugs and bees,, but I still don't care much for them.

They hurt man!

Now for the garden photos from today. July 12, 2012, it's a miracle.. that's what it is.
I tried to take the following photo from nearly the same location as the top picture taken in March.

And now for the fun stuff.. the plant combinations and color!! Color!!
Isn't that what we want? Blooms, friends, blooms!

And this is the angle of the second "dead" photo above.

They grew, flowers really came out of that dry ugly dirt and did all this, amazing.

This red crocosmia is spectacular.

Ahahhhhhh..... and breath and relax and enjoy... it's mid summer.

Missy!


What's with your smiley face here? Not today girl! You post is coming up, couple more days.	.

Love to all.
Sideline Grandma.

Today's big news.. Homemade Sugar Scrub

2012-07-12T05:34:00.002-04:00

Homemade Sugar Scrub

I found it, I mean I heard this, today and boy are my legs smooth. And it's about time, away with you flaky summer skin!

This works and costs pennies to make.

I'm excited, since I'm an exfoliating freak.

A wise and sweet friend mentioned this recipe today and it's as simple as pie.

In fact it would be perfect in pie; it's sugar, it's lemon juice and oil.

This is so easy and did I say I have smooth legs? Yes, and arms, hands, neck and feet.

Here's the recipe;

To 1 1/2 cups of sugar add 3 tablespoons of lemon, lime or orange juice.

Next add 1/2 cup of any kind of cooking oil.

Mix it together and you are ready to scrub and shave,

rinse

repeat.

However before scrubbing I went searching for a suitable jar in which to store the delicious concoction.

Look at that! It's so pretty.

After filling the jar there was enough scrub mixture left over to do a good thorough all over body scrub in my shower, of this I have no pictures..

well.. except for my heel;

I used the scrub there too.

OK now for the instructions for your legs;

Apply the scrub to your legs then shave.

Rinse.

Apply the scrub a second time, (work it into the skin, it feels so good) and shave again.

This will remove dead skin, isn't that lovely?

Rinse.

Apply body cream or hand lotion.

Love it!

I'm not photographing that heel again, promise.

Thank you for this recipe wise and sweet friend!

Sideline G..

Boys.. this is for you!

2012-07-06T10:35:00.000-04:00

For some reason, or no reason at all, or because he has an inner goofyness,
this young man pulled on a brown wig,

the same brown wig used
the day before here;

Seems the wig turned this generally calm, usually quiet and pleasant young man

who was occupied with watching his cousin doing something
on the computer..


into a

tooth threatening

elbowing

Ninja... --
DUCK cousin!!

Didn't think cousin was just going to take it did ya?
You think these two like to play to the camera much?

See this knee?

Right here buddy.

and here.

Just a couple of camera hams..

That's what you are.

You guys make a grandma chuckle.

Yes you do.

You make your sister chuckle too.

Good show guys!!

Love those facial expressions..

Sideline (your Nanny) Grandma

Who Said What?

2012-07-03T12:18:00.000-04:00

Frequently heard during a cottage weekend;.

Who said?

"Where's the sun!!?"

"Oh, wait, where's the camera? Can we get a picture of that?"

of this and

this ...

and this..

and

OH and don't forget the castle!

"Can we have a campfire!!?"


The fire guys..

Our Olympic Torch for the afternoon competition.


Team B.


Team D

"Where's my brother?" That would be this guy, what a great smile.

"Where's my camera?"

"Where's my ______ (anything)?"

The codge when occupied by

16 people and three dogs.

"Did we finish the 8 pounds of bacon, yet?" Well, he didn't say it. .. he can't say "bacon" yet.

Who said: "Have you seen my mom? (dad, ipod, flip flops, towel..etc.)?"

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Shut the door,,,please... bugs!" Who said that? Everyone.

"Who are YOU texting?"

"How are the Tigers doing?" Who said that? Perhaps this guy..

And this one..

"Need anything from the store?"

"I not tired"

"Hawk!! - Stop" "Baylee!! - all done, buzz off." "Missy - come!!"

Nearly everyone.

"Wow.. it's hot!"
cooling off..

and

"Internet's down! We're in a panic over here!"

Cottage Table Games.

(Not a staged photo.)

"Nanny where's the Codge Mix?"

Photos are a snippet of our holiday weekend with the family.
Perhaps you noticed our boat theme for the 2012 parade; The Olympic Games, London 2012.
We won!
We were the one and only boat!
Thanks be to God for his rich blessings... of every sort.
Sideline Grandma

SHE is now 16!

2012-06-27T17:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

to you.. punkin pie..

Just look at that little baby in her eagle pride shirt! And she's still an eagle!
And she's 16!
16 today, and 16 years ago tomorrow was the day we found out you would be in our family. What a blessing.

It's rare for an adopted child to be placed so quickly after birth, but the right people were on the telephone at the right time.. and whalla, we had the privilege of knowing about you right away!

How exciting, it's a little girl, she's coming, she's on her way to our family. We could start praying and planning for you ..you little punkin pie.
You are dearly loved honey.

It certainly was a wonderful treat for me to be invited to travel along with your mom and dad to bring you home. I loved that! Oh how I loved meeting you in the courtyard, loved looking into your beautiful face and holding you. Snuggling you. And comforting you. Watching your parents make it official and know you had many people waiting to welcome you home, to love you.

How can I express the awe of carrying you onto the airplane? I happened to be holding you when it was time to board for take-off. Sure seemed like one of your parents should "do the honors". "You should carry her on board" I commented but your mom said "no, that's ok you go ahead" and we took you home. Home to us!!! And to the waiting crowd of family and lots of friends at the house who had gathered for a party. A party that would start whenever we arrived from a long drive from the airport, it was 9 p.m., on Oct. 31.
You were 4 months old.

Just look at you on daddy's lap! Such a honey!

(Good night sister we're all so young!

Must have been the poofy hair decade.)

Of course there are a lot more of us now and a whole lot more silliness.

Awwwwww

So thankful to have you honey!!!! Thank you Lord.. thank you!

Loved

Adored

Treasured

16!!!!!???????!?!?!?!?!?!?!??

did you hear that?

did you hear that sigh?

wow girl, I love ya.

Sideline Grandma

Observations from this chair..

2012-06-21T11:46:00.004-04:00

We spent several hours this week in the outpatient clinic of the Lemmen Holton Cancer Pavilion with many others who were receiving IV treatments for various reasons.

There's a certain low key camaraderie in the morning greetings exchanged as folks await their name to be announced.

Here are some things I noted;

The patient Laurie is well known and she's rail thin, two white hospital blankets cover her legs and two are wrapped around her upper body, she's in a wheelchair, has no hair and no smile.

In contrast a plump and smiley middle aged woman is wearing a striking orange outfit with cute white sandals, she's also wearing - count them, 7 silver rings, 3 silver earrings per ear, a wrist full of bangles, and a french pedicure. She greets a young man who is seated across the room, he responds with a painful crackled "hello" as his throat is damaged. He holds it while trying to talk.
When his name is called he walks past the lady in orange and reaches out to touch her hand.

Nearly everyone has a companion, not the woman in orange, but she seems confident enough, when told her outfit is pretty she replied "I just need something cheerful for this place, I'm on my 10th of 14 weeks".

Enters a man to sit down, he is breathing oxygen through tubes, a woman follows him carrying a portable tank.

Enter two more women with no hair and no hat or scarf.

Across the isle from us a handsome 80 year old man arrived in his business attire; a blue dress shirt and black dress pants. He opens his ipad and is relieved to finally do so; "There, now I can read the news, Romney is going to be at the state park today". From his tone I'm guessing he's a republican.
Whether he likes it or not he has two hovering, doting women waiting on his every need well before he asks. One his wife and one, clearly, a daughter. They have numerous snacks, they insist he put his jacket on before he falls asleep from the Benadryl drip and place an afghan from home over his legs.
These two women thought of everything!
The Word Search book, a novel, trail mix, and positive chatter.
Even though the fellow seems strong and well able to walk, when he visits the bathroom, taking his IV stand along, the women tag behind him up right to the door and wait outside to walk behind him the whole 20 steps to his chair. He is one well cared for guy! Later two sons stop in to be with their mom and sister, dad is asleep by that time. Nice family.

The reflection of the cancer pavilion in the beautiful children's hospital across the street.


Look at this calming open 3rd floor courtyard where patients may go outside for some fresh		air.

Also observed;
Humor.
Clipboards.
Backpacks and tote bags.
Cellphones.
Small coolers.
Colorful Vera Bradley purses and bags.
Colorful everything.
Kindles.
Ipads.
Computers.
Donations;

One of the patients donated an assortment of flowers to brighten up the nurses' coats.

One of the many handmade afghans, it gets chilly in here.

Tables of half finished puzzles

Oh what a cute elderly lady with an adorable tan hat covering her head, she has no hair showing, but she has the best smile! Her name is Kathy. I didn't even notice the oxygen tube right away as she's just so spiffy.

"Raymond, is Raymond here?"
"Tim!?"
"Arlene?"
"Mary Lou."
Earlier when Mary Lou's guy entered the large waiting area looking for her, he boldly exclaimed, "Is there a beautiful woman in here? Oh, yeah, there she is!". She was pretty but was she rolling her eyes?

"You're new here right?" this from the man behind us in the registration line. How could he tell we were rookies?

Fortunately we are on the third floor of the Lemmon Holton cancer building so Mr. Sideline can receive IV infusions for a low platelet count. He's doing fine as his is not a serious illness.

Thankful,
Sideline Grandma

This was my dad.

2012-06-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

We knew dad loved us.

He had but to look at us and we knew.

I didn't know how his childhood and early adult years would result in his children receiving such a deep blessing of love but eventually I found out. The entire story unfolded the week he died, when he was 86. My mom was 74 when dad died.

She was his second wife.

Mom and Dad had four daughters then a son. My whole life I thought I had an old dad, how silly, he was 44 when I, the middle child, was born.

He made very little money, we lived in a house that was never finished, he had poor financial judgement and was easily swayed by a pleading look, or words, from his kids. One time he told me I should be a lawyer as I could convince him of anything. Only once did he discipline me, he swatted me on the behind when I didn't come home when called for dinner.

And he forgave when I greatly disappointed him. Forgave immediately and never mentioned it again.

He loved us. He loved his children. I have three sisters and one brother,

well, and the one half sister who is with the Lord but I didn't know about her until October 1991, mom revealed this to me just days before he died.

All my life I had an inkling that my parents had a secret, children instinctively know things. My instincts were not on track with the truth but I knew something was amiss. I always thought my parents had a child who had died but they didn't choose to tell us. But when the fact of my father's divorce was told this satisfied my curiosity about the "secret".

As a man who had suffered as an orphan at five years old, when in 1910 he was taken to be a farmhand throughout his childhood from the ages of 5 - 14, a man who had been separated from his sisters, he wanted a family.

When the wealthy woman he was married to for 8 years decided the child she was carrying was a burden to her and she made the decision to abort he had no voice in the matter. She had wealthy connections, a doctor.

And that's how his first daughter died.

After which the marriage died.

And you know what? A child did die. She was killed about 80 years ago in an abortion. I believe the word of God is true when it says He knew us when we were formed in our mother's womb. God knew her even before that actually, He knew her form and substance, she is a living being.

He loved us, my earthly father. All he had to do was look at us and we knew.

He never said the words. He did the words.

He forgave, cared for, was good to, was gentle not harsh, his ways were for us not against us. He wanted a family to love and pour his life into.

Here was an earthly father who was a good example of a father.

When someone explained to me that God would truly forgive and care and was good and gentle I understood because that was my dad.

Because of his love it was easy to accept the love of my true Father God.

This was my dad's gift, as a result of his painful life there was a deeply planted love and longing inside that paved the way for our blessings. He loved us.

So at 17 years old I received the Eternal Life of Love who is the Lord Jesus Christ as a gift from my heavenly Father which forever changed my past and, well, everything, for eternity.

He loved us.

Thank you Abba, Daddy God.

Love you,

Sideline Daughter..