Grandma Turns Ninety

Our five generation pictures, note the cute little head peaking up from
the bottom of the picture.  

Grandma's and her Seven Children

Three of my grandparents are now in their nineties.  That is quite amazing.  I had a grandfather pass away when he was 76 but my other three grandparents are now in their nineties.  I feel quite blessed to be able to enjoy my grandparents.  Last weekend we got to celebrate my paternal grandma's 90th birthday, how wonderful is that!

Grandma has lived a life of serving, serving, serving.  She and my grandpa raised seven beautiful, healthy children.  They had left everything to move here from Missouri, in hopes of giving their children a wonderful life.  I am grateful they did.  Their seven children gave them 23 grandchildren, who gave them as of the last count, I believe, 70 great grandchildren, and now their great grandchildren have given them three, with two on the way, great great grandchildren.  Not too bad.

We were able to attend Grandma's birthday party last weekend.  It was so good to see her.  Grandma has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  She has her ups and downs, but Saturday was a good day.  My aunt had told her she wanted to take Grandma to get a dress for her party.  Grandma got confused and was excited to be going to get her wedding dress.  Well, it worked out and Grandma looked lovely.

It is always fun to see family I haven't seen in quite a while.  One of my cousins, who flew in from Colorado, I haven't seen for 17 years or so.  It is sad that only a portion of us could make it to the party, but all seven of her children were there, 11 of her grandchildren, 23 of the great grandchildren and all 3 for the great greats.  Because we are all spread across the country, I guess I shall be grateful for those in attendance.

Here are a couple pictures from the party.  Have a great day and God bless.
Alicia

Grandma's seven Kiddos, my daddy is the handsome
one in the middle

Baby Blessing

We are so excited to announce Brent, Latisha, and August are adding to their family.  Next May they are expecting a new baby.  I posted this the other day and lost it, so if you commented please forgive me.  It is so wonderful and we are grateful to the Lord for new life.  Latisha is experiencing the joys of first trimester pregnancy :) but she is grateful to be going through it again.  We actually got to get a little peek at the baby the other day, and the baby is perfect and right where it should be.  Praise God!!!


Psalms 30:11
"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness"

Look at our precious little grandson.

Have a blessed Day.

Alicia

Home Again, Tests Again

We came home from our trip on Wednesday because we had to get ready for Isabella's MRI.  The doctor had ordered another MRI and we decided to get her teeth done at the same time.  Isabella had to be sedated for the procedure, so we had to get a doctors approval that she was in good health.  That was Thursday then Friday at 5:30 in the morning we had to be at the hospital.

She was cleared from the doctor, so Friday was a go.  That was quite a early morning.  Isabella was so excited when I got her out of bed at 4:45 am, she had no idea what was going on, but she loves to go, go, go so off to the hospital we went.  We had problems at the check in with our insurance, but finally we got to the pre-op.  Isabella got her pretty gown on and met nice people trying to get her ready, but all she was interested in was, where was breakfast.  She couldn't eat before the procedure so she was beginning to get impatient.  I got her to relax and we cuddled on the bed, but just when she was calm someone else would walk in with more information, or things to sign.  She had finally had enough so, we walked the hall, I am pretty sure she was on a search for food.  I am not sure why we had to be there at 5:30 for a 7:30 surgery, but finally they came to get her.

They said their good bye, and for some reason I had to get all choked up.  It is never fun to watch your baby go off to surgery.  The nurse came in to help me gather my things, saw my eyes and said "would you like a moment?"  She said it happens all the time, walked out of the room and closed the door, to give me a minute.  I got myself together and went to the waiting room.  My parents met me there after a while and I got to share my photos from our trip.

The MRI went well, and her results are all normal, so that is good.  She had blood tests and we are waiting on the results from that.  Unfortunately the dental surgery was a bit longer then we had expected.  Isabella hates, Hates her teeth messed with.  We have quite a struggle brushing and flossing her teeth.  The dentist have never seen any cavities, but she throws quite the fit when they look in her mouth.  That is why we had her sedated for this dental procedure.  They were able to get x-rays and saw five cavities between the teeth.  Because Isabella grinds her teeth they had to put crowns on all five teeth.  I am thankful they found them and they are now all fixed.  They put sealants on her other molars, hopefully we can prevent future problems.

Just thought I would share an update on Isabella, more exciting news to come.  God bless, have a great day.

Alicia

ready

After, didn't want to wake

Going on a hayride

to a pumpkin patch

Look at these cool shirts.

Vacation Trip Part 6-NYC Central Park & a Show

For our final full day in New York, I thought we would have a relaxing day in Central Park.  I envisioned us strolling through the park, maybe even taking a bike ride, ahhh.  We watched the weather foretell of heavy rain all week, so I knew that vision might not happen, but I held on to hope.

Tuesday Morning we woke up to a very wet morning.  We were surprised we didn't hear a the rain during the night but it had rained while we slept.  Much to our delight it was clearing up and Central Park was a go.  We walked from our hotel to Central Park and began our adventure.  The bikes were there, but some man from another agency was trying to get us to come get his bikes.  We thought we would walk for a bit and think about it.  As we walked into the park we saw a sign that said no bike riding, you had to walk your bikes inside Central Park.  There was a path that circled around the park for bikes but I wanted to experience the middle of Central Park, and experience we did.

Central Park is 2 1/2 miles long by 1/2 mile wide.  That didn't sound that bad.  After all, I try to walk 4 miles for my morning exercise, which gives me about 8,500 steps.  Central Park would be 5 miles if you walk to one end and back, but remember I wanted to experience it.  The walking paths are not straight and we did experience.  We saw volleyball courts, baseball fields, The Swiss Cabin, Shakespeare Garden, a Castle, bridges, canoes, many ponds and a reservoir.  We watched kids playing soccer, squirrels and chipmunks running about, birds squawking, a carousel singing, a zoo, a botanical garden, and a literary row honoring various authors etc... We experienced Central park.  I loved it.  As we were getting close to the end I checked my step counter on my phone and we had over 28,000 steps.  I am not sure how many miles we walked, but it was more then 5.

Such a beautiful bridge

I loved the lamp posts

The Swiss Cabin

The "Castle" 

Literary Ally

part of the Botanical Garden

Just a few pictures of the park.  It was great.  Now let's go to dinner and a movie.

I found that it is quite a bit cheeper to get tickets to a show when you get to New York.  I really wasn't too concerned about availability.  So after our stroll through the park, I went to get us tickets.  At Time Square you can get tickets the day of the show up to half off.  They have agents there explaining it to you and one that I talked to said you can actually get them at the theater.  I walked to the theater of Fiddler on the Roof, asked for tickets and the lady told me the cheapest tickets were $140.  I explained I had been told at Times Square $80.  She inputted a different number in her computer and we got amazing seats for only $75.  The show was absolutely wonderful.  We had a great time.  They are ending the shows run December 31.  I am very glad it was still going while we were there.  It made for the icing on the cake of our last night in New York City.

Outside the theater

The next morning we were able to sleep in and take a final walk around before heading to the airport. We had a 4:00 flight but were told JFK airport was a nightmare and to go early.  At noon we got a cab that took us to the airport, about a 40 minute drive, he had told us the drive was about an hour but he made good time.  It cost $56 for the cab and then a tip.  We were able to step right up to the check in desk and were ready for our flight by just after 1:00.  I was a little bummed, we probably didn't need to leave so early, but it is better to be early then late.  We had a small terminal, so I don't know if all of JFK was like that, but I was truly disappointed.  There really wasn't much to do.  Some airports have amazing shopping (London, Orland, Minniappolis, Seattle, Salt Lake) and other things to do.  The terminal we were in at JFK had very little to do, and the shopping was sad.  I was very glad I had finished all my shopping before getting there.  It was alright though, I got to catch up with Latisha, David got some work done, and before you knew it we were headed home to those we love.

our cab

We enjoy traveling together and feel very blessed to be able to take such wonderful trips.  I love seeing different cultures and lifestyles.  So many people and all created in the image of God, a God that loves and created each one.  Such a busy place New York was, but we really had a great time.  I can't express my gratitude to my daughters, mother and mother in law for making this all happen.  We came home to a clean house, even the yard was done.  How blessed we are to live where we live and how very blessed to have such a wonderful family.  God Bless, have a great day.
Alicia

Vacation Trip Part 5-NYC Empire State Building and Macy's

Our trip continues with two more must have stops.  Stop one was the Empire State Building.  We went there for our first stop Monday morning.  Looking up from the base of the building you can not see the top.

The traffic 

Looking up the Empire State Building

There was a line but based on the roped area we walked up and down, the line was relatively small.  You can pre purchase your tickets and miss a large portion of the line.  We bought our tickets when we got there, they are $32 to go to the 86th floor or $52 to go to the 102nd floor.  I was good with the 86th and would say that is was wonderful.  As we were standing in line to purchase our tickets I just got so thrilled.  David looked at my face and said "Are you excited?"  "Yes!!!"  I felt like a little kid getting to see Santa.  So very silly.

We rode the elevator to the 80th floor.  They have an exhibit there.  Then stood in line for the 86th floor.  A security guard invited anyone interested to walk the stairs to the 86th to save time.  We took her up on that and headed up six flights of stairs.  Several went but a few probably shouldn't have.  I was getting quite concerned about one lady ahead of us who finally stopped and stood against the wall.

Once to the top we took lots of pictures around the building and with each other.  So much fun.  I even asked one of the security guards if I could take a picture with him, I thought their uniforms were so cute.  He seemed pleasantly surprised, and said, "me?" He was adorable.

The statue of liberty looks so small in the back ground

The sweet security guard

It's a long way down

This was a yummy Stomboli for lunch!!!

From there we headed to 34th street.  Macy's is there, that is where the parade route is filmed, outside of Macy's.  Macy's is huge, 10 floors including the basement.  The store takes up the block.  I was having a hard time deciding which side is where they film and the performances are.  So I asked several employees.  I was quite surprised to find out none of them knew.  I did get a real good deal on an outfit.  We headed off and I was a bit disappointed but figured I probably could guess, where it was filmed. We turned the corner and some employees were standing in front of an entrance, I had to ask one more time.  This time I asked the right person.  The man was actually a security guard for the parade and was full of lots of information. I had a great time talking with him.

the corner where the floats turn.  

According to the security guard, this is where they perform!

From there we hopped back on our bus and headed to the North blue tour.  It took about three hours, but it was a good chance to see and learn about that area.  When we got back we were very hungry.  One of the tour guides gave us a suggestion to a bbq place.  We headed there got right in and got our order in.  Then we sat back and watched everyone else get their food.  Apparently our order got lost.  While waiting we had a nice conversation with a man next to us who was there on business.  He was a pastor and said that when he had taken his family to NYC recently, they actually saved a lot of money by staying in New Jersey and taking the ferry back and forth.  The food was good, we were tired but it was time to get to bed and prepare for our last full day in NYC.

Vacation Trip Part 4-NYC Sight Seeing

I have no problem looking the part of the tourist.  When we would first go on trips I was almost embarrassed to look the part of the tourist, but wanted to blend in.  Not any more.  I only have a few days to explore so I pack up my camera, camcorder, and maps, and off we go.  I have been listing costs and tips in this series because I am always full of questions and like the small details.  I hope anyone traveling this way might have questions,will finds it helpful.

We started the day with the Big Bus, hop on hop off ride.  We have used them before in other cities and it is just nice to ride on the top level, with a tour guide, relax and get a feel of the city and the sites we want to see.  The problem with the bus is the traffic.  They do a wonderful job maneuvering through the busy streets but it is very slow and go, yet still worth it.  It was cheeper to reserve our tickets on line. I printed them off at home, along with all my flight information and our trip schedule.  Well, in all our excitement to drop off the rental car, apparently, we left my paperwork in the car.  Thankfully, I had saved the pass for the bus to my phone also, and they accepted that.  So, we hopped on, went to the top of the bus and settled in for a day of exploring.

The pass we got was the Freedom Pass.  It is a two day pass that includes a ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty.  So that is where we started.  We hopped on the bus and road to the dock.  The driver told us to go to the building and get our pass, he was wrong.  You have to find a man with the Big Bus shirt on that is exchanging your little paper ticket for a real ferry ticket.  Finally we were headed to the ferry.  I was so excited, I just had to smile.  As soon as I got on the ferry I got a little panicked when I realized it was going to be a little rocky, and I was not wearing my motion sickness wristbands.  The ride was short and I made it just fine.

I felt a sense of awe as we approached the Statue of Liberty.  For so many immigrants it was their first sign of freedom and hope for their future in this new land.   Once on the island we walked around the outside then headed to go to the platform.  I had checked on line and saw that you had to have a pass to go inside the Statue of liberty but I didn't understand you couldn't even go on the lower level of the platform.  I was a bit saddened when the security guard informed us of this, with quite a bit of annoyance in his voice.  It was still a wonderful sight to behold.

our ferry

looking toward Ellis Island

 Next we headed to Ellis Island on the Ferry.  Here we saw where the third class passengers entered the United States.  Apparently the first and second class got let off on Manhattan Island because if they could afford those tickets then they could probably support themselves in the US.  I found it very interesting that this was a question asked of those entering the US, "How are you going to support yourself and your family?"

The outside of the main building

This is how Ellis Island started, as a small island with a fort

eventually it ended up as this, after adding just a bit of land fill.  :)

Here is where they dropped off all their belongings before heading upstairs  to
get admitted.  They averaged 5,000 people a day and only about 2 percent
were rejected.

 Next, it was lunch time and I got to enjoy a hot dog, french fries and water from a street vendor for the bargain price of $12, he he he.  I thought is was worth it.  From there we walked to the 911 Memorial.  Such a somber, tragic place.  They are working on building 7 World Trade Centers to replace the two fallen ones.

As a firefighter passed this sign, he removed his hat in honor, and
after passing put it back on.  

this is building one it is huge, there are more buildings completed

one of the memorials, the name of those lost in that building are etched
in plagues are it.

This was in interesting shaped building so we went inside

It is an underground massive shopping center.  

We then took the Big Bus back to the stop closest to our hotel and got ready for dinner.  What a dinner it was.  We went to a little Italian Restaurant just down the street called Azaela's.  The food was amazing.  We started off with a wonderful cheese soufflé, I had never had a souffle before but the waitress highly recommended it.  I am so glad she did.  Our main course was salmon pasta, followed by a chocolate mousse dessert.  The night couldn't get much better.  We decided to take the night tour and view some of New York's lights and splendor.  It was great.  I didn't realize that their are five Boroughs that make up New York City, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. There is your trivia for today.  It was a wonderful day.

Ready for our lovely meal

Ahhh, the cheese suffle 

The start of our night tour

Crossing a bridge into Brooklyn