Fun with Grammy & PaPa

While Grammy & PaPa were visiting a few weeks ago, memories of Grammy's childhood flooded back as we spent an afternoon on my sisters family farm.  Grammy grew up in Georgia where the family lived a simple country life tending to their farmstead.  Grammy was delighted to experience this all again and she shared many childhood stories about her life growing up on the farm.  Grammy and PaPa enjoyed feeding and petting the horses in the coral.  Black Tie, Senator, Misty and Sugar Cube enjoyed the attention and loved the treats of carrots.  The ducks made their presence known as they quacked and waddled their way up the hill from the pond.  Grammy admired Linda's garden and spoke about the vegetables grown on her childhood farm.  She shared with Linda some ideas about canning and preserving.  My hubby tried on his country hat while he played like a little boy on the farm tractor.  I think city life suits him better.  LOL.  We walked with the children about the farm and saw the other animals such as the mommy and baby goats, the cows, and Grammy's favorite was the chickens.  It was brilliant to see the excitement in her eyes as the memories flooded in.

Grammy & PaPa on the Farm

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner of wheat free and gluten free foods prepared by my sister and my niece Monica.  YUM!

I think the highlight of the day was when Isaac took Grammy on the Quad for a ride.  She was so excited and thought that at 78 years old, she may never have the chance again....  so she willingly climbed on and held on for dear life.  I am sure she will never forget that ride.  PaPa quietly declined a ride as he liked the fact of being safe on solid ground.  I don't blame him. Grammy & PaPa loved their day on the farm and we enjoyed experiencing this with them.  A memory that will not be forgotten.

We also held an art studio session with Grammy & PaPa while they were here.  I pulled out some canvases and some paint and brushes and the kids and their grandparents got to work.  Everyone enjoyed this painting session.  PaPa is almost 80 and he had never done something like this before so he was a bit reluctant.  But he jumped right in and was happy with the outcome.  He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, so this was a great activity for him and for Grammy.  The kids had a blast.

Tristans Creation.  A goldfish Cracker.  ADORABLE!

Fishy, Fishy, Everywhere

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon with the kiddies but with a trip to the Aquarium. While on a recent trip to Atlanta Georgia we took the girls to the Georgia aquarium. The girls enjoyed it but Tristan was a bit scared and clung onto her Dad for the most part. The one thing she did enjoy was seeing Nemo and the penguins. I do have to say the penguins are cute. You can't get any cuter with their silly personalities, their show off abilities and I do admit they are dashing dressers. Taryn loved the Otters and has been begging for years for a pet otter but all she came home with was a stuffed one. I think she was pleased. I can see her in years to come with a backyard pond and otters everywhere. Love that kids. Jaedan loved the Beluga whales and loved to watch them swim so graciously through the water. They was absolutely beautiful. My favorite was the Potato Grouper. He looked like a Russet potato with the funniest face. Ok, not funny.... the poor thing was downright Homely. He has the face only a mother could love. I guess being a Mom is why he ranked so high on my list. I seem to always pull for the underdog - underfish in this case.

U-G-L-Y

A Time for Family

Family is Everything!  I count my blessing everyday that I have been blessed the way I have.  Summertime in general is a time for families to unite whether it is vacations, get-to-gethers or family reunions.  It is a perfect time to reflect on the meaning of family.  We recently attended a family reunion for my husbands family.  The Drain family reunion was held in Atlanta Georgia this year and we were so excited to visit with family as we had a wonderful time here in Charlotte when we hosted the reunion last July.  My darling Hubby brought his mom and dad from New York to attend the reunion and spend some time visiting with us at our home.  We had a lovely and heartfelt visit and the children enjoyed spending time with Grammy and PaPa.

DRAIN FAMILY REUNION - Atlanta Georgia 2010

Tristan

Christopher

Uncle Grady & his Grandson

Tristan and Kaleb

The reunion was lovely as always and it is amazing how things change in the period of one year.  New babies, marriages, graduates, new homes, etc.  We had a great weekend discovering Atlanta.  We took the kids to the Georgia Aquarium. (More about that later)  We had a wonderful BBQ at Isaac's cousin Dorian and Quaisons home.  We also had a awesome Banquet dinner at the family church in Atlanta.  The food was amazing.  We has an amazing weekend in all.  Can't wait for next years reunion.

Meet The Whole FamDamily

Meet Mrs. Smith ..... Thats Me!!    The Mother Extraordinaire.

I fill many roles and have learned to master each one. I am the kisser of little boo-boos, the shoulder to cry on, listener of dreams and fears, the healer of broken hearts, the walking bank, the cook for finicky wee ones, the peacekeeper, the taxi driver, the housekeeper, the story teller, picture taker, the errand runner, and this list could go on and on.

I am the mother, the wife, the sister, the daughter, an aunt and the friend.

I am a thinker, a planner, an artist, a dreamer and most of all I am a believer. I am a believer in all things good. I tend to see the best in everything and everyone. I believe in God and thank him everyday for giving me the gift of life and I thank him everyday for the gifts he has given to me.

Meet Mr. Smith ......  The Hubby, My Man, My BFF (always).

Let me tell you about my Best Friend (love that Song)  Me and Ike has been BFF's since we first met in High School in May of 1983.  That is over 27 years.....  WOW!  Isaac and I just Click, we complete each other, we blend perfectly.  I couldn't have chosen a better life partner for myself and a wonderful father for my children.  He is an amazing man and I am so blessed to have him stand beside me and walk through this journey called life together.  Ike makes my heart smile.  :)

Meet Matthew.........  My Son!  My one and only Son.  There is nothing like a mother and son love .  My Matt is no longer a little boy but has blossomed into an extraordinary young man.  He has officially entered into that secret society of manhood, facial hair and all.  Matthew will be turning 19 on August 2nd and will be starting his second year at CPCC.  It seemed like only yesterday that he flashed his baby blues and I fell in love.

Matthew is am amazing young man and he amazes me each passing day.  He is remarkably brilliant, loving, sensitive, cultured, adventurous, respectful, unique, extremely handsome and did i say brilliant.  The things he knows about is astonishing.  He is a remarkable young man and me and Mr. Smith are extremely proud of him.  

Meet Ms. Taryn .......  My sweet Taryn.  She is an amazing young girl who you will never forget.  At 14 years old, my Taryn has an old soul.  Taryn is truly a breathe of fresh air and is loved by everyone she meets.  Taryn expresses qualities far beyond her years.  I am amazed at how she views the world and stands strong as an individual.  What you see is what you get with Taryn....  no frills attached.  Her brown eyes are wide with wonder and excitement, her niavete` is beautiful to witness, making me wonder if there was a time that my eyes shone with the same innocent intensity.  She is truly Unforgettable.

Meet Little Ms. Jaedan ......  My little Buggy.  Fabulous things come in small packages.  My Drama Queen!  Jaedan is the family Diva, fashionista, honory little cuss at times but she totally rocks.  She is my entertainer and always has been.  Always dancing, always singing, always acting something out.  Jaedan will be turning 12 on September 22.  I relish in all that she is and excited to see all that she will become and what she will conquer in the future.  She is my fighter and has been since she was a tiny baby.  She is strong willed and amazingly loving.  Those eyes and that smile melt my heart.

And then there were 6.....   Meet Ms. Tristan Maire ..........  The wee lass in the family.  WOW....  what an amazing little girl.  She can truly make your heart sing.  Tristan is full of life and will make friends with whoever crosses her path.  She is a magical child and can brighten even the darkest days.  She is very loving, energetic, comical, tender, imaginative and I can't help marveling at her exuberance and innocence. Great things are in store for this little angel.