tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77345492012-02-01T18:58:28.847-05:00Thoughts of an empty nester. Mostly stuff that only interests me, but you are welcome to read along and comment!Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.comBlogger27561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-89349191704807402622012-01-31T15:01:00.001-05:002012-01-31T15:01:37.096-05:00

Like you've never heard it before!  This is what I mean when I say that it surprises me that they are so shy in public.  I requested that they sing "Jesus Loves Me", but they sang Frosty instead.  At the end?  They throw pretend candy to me.                                                         

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-46250128325085684692012-01-30T23:55:00.001-05:002012-01-31T00:08:57.961-05:00

Yesterday it snowed about eight inches.  Snow has never been a problem for Zeke.  He plows his own paths with nary a problem. Today it warmed up a bit.  That was fine with him.  Most of the day he goes in and out.  Famke lets him in and Kado gives him bones. Now look at his legs in this picture.  What you see on his legs is also covering the underside of him (this picture is after he shook

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-53273620946568684682012-01-30T21:45:00.000-05:002012-01-30T21:45:10.779-05:00

Today while Kado was napping and Feintsje was having his bottle, Famke and I played with the 'suitcase' dollhouse.  She remembered how it had been set up before and wanted it exactly that same way. Which was fun. Then we started talking about ideas that would also work and Famke's creative mind started planning for some rearrangements. After all, sitting around the same table with the

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-79905040545282887562012-01-28T23:31:00.000-05:002012-01-29T01:17:23.568-05:00

Today I went places and did things.  Sometimes I do that.  It was a snowy slippery morning but nothing could keep us from Jonge's second basketball game.  The Geckos had improved much since last week.  Jonge's position is point guard, and this week he scored!  Last week, unbeknownst to anyone he was playing with strep throat.  He never even complained about his throat.  Thankfully, he saw a

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-24723338884316854432012-01-27T16:16:00.000-05:002012-01-27T16:19:03.132-05:00

 Today I am home sorting and purging things that I've haphazardly slung into drawers and cupboards.  Sadly, the 'past' Judy assumes incorrectly that the 'future' Judy will someday WANT to sort out her messes.  So, today 'present' Judy has had to mediate.  'Present' Judy is not happy about it either.  Kind of whiny and sad, really.  But in between these mind-numbing chores I've stopped at

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-21604024494292997072012-01-25T20:58:00.002-05:002012-01-25T20:58:43.844-05:00

Yum.  In eleven months I will savor a piece of cherry roll, a Christmas morning tradition since 1996.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-80031620266856180232012-01-24T22:17:00.001-05:002012-01-24T22:17:44.364-05:00

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-67314409695955268162012-01-23T23:40:00.001-05:002012-01-23T23:40:49.956-05:00

Snowflake wallpaper.  Isn't it beautiful? I'm going to attempt to make something of it tomorrow.  It seems like it would be a nice background for a shadow box. And there will be pieces leftover for cards. I found it in my favorite booth at Changing Thymes. I'm feeling the need to make things.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-51667710002762381952012-01-23T17:45:00.000-05:002012-01-23T18:20:40.220-05:00

Just after Christmas I found a scarf stitch that I wanted to try.  THGGM only wears cashmere scarves and I cannot stand to wear scarves so I chose to make one for Jonge.  His winter coat is orange, black, and gray.  I'm one of those people who could stand for HOURS in front of a yarn display dreaming of what might work.  The oranges were all the wrong shade and the black wasn't at all

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-2934414487632709822012-01-23T14:43:00.001-05:002012-01-23T14:43:55.291-05:00

Recently my reading has been of the historical kind.  My sister loaned me "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" awhile back.  Wow.  I'm almost through with it and I do HIGHLY recommend it.  Most interesting was trying to place my relatives to the time frame that they would have entered the US.  Much to learn in this book.  In December, between Christmas readings, I powered through "Michigan" by

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-41107562463303521242012-01-20T23:19:00.001-05:002012-01-20T23:19:42.402-05:00

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-15724611298603015132012-01-19T16:27:00.001-05:002012-01-19T16:28:27.109-05:00

Kado presently is referring to his cheeks as his "chickens".  No one knows why, but this is what he calls them. He adores giving Feintsje kisses on his chickens.  This could be due to the simple fact that Feintsje has the most kissable chickens!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-4689275202343890172012-01-18T23:19:00.000-05:002012-01-19T09:59:34.277-05:00

If you've ever stepped into my home, you would notice that it is filled with books.  This is one of my newest acquisitions.  For years I've been crazy about the art of Tasha Tudor.  Last week I found this book somewhere.  It  was a fabulous price even before I realized it was on sale.  As I recall it was less than two dollars. Now one might think that since I read all the time and have many

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-72001725769742821222012-01-17T13:27:00.002-05:002012-01-17T13:27:45.930-05:00

With THGGM on vacation the first week of this year, I seem to have missed out on all of the new beginnings I was hoping to start this year. So, here it is, in no particular order, what I am hoping to accomplish this year. Nope.  I've got nothing. Seventeen days into the year and I finally walked my first 30 minutes.  I did this IN my house and I'm very proud to announce that I did not get side

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-34723577197850718602012-01-15T23:10:00.000-05:002012-01-15T23:10:41.602-05:00

Friday was a snow day.  I never left the house.  I never do on Friday, so this wasn't anything new, but I enjoyed looking out at all that snow I didn't have to drive in. Four adorable children came to play with me for the afternoon. On Saturday I watched it snow while crocheting my second scarf of the week.  Such a relaxing thing to do on snowy days.  Of course, we didn't let any snow stop us

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-33243774081522685312012-01-10T22:34:00.000-05:002012-01-10T22:34:46.051-05:00

For all of December if one were to ask Kado what he wanted for Christmas he would quickly reply:  "Pizza, Mickey Mouse, and Woody!"  He seemed very happy with all of his presents, even his many Woody dolls of different sizes and materials.  Although he has seen the Toy Story Movies, Buzz and Woody are the characters that stand out the most, especially to him.  A few of his new Woody 'action

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-48635010135818075672012-01-10T11:05:00.000-05:002012-01-10T11:05:40.034-05:00

For two years in a row now (so i suppose this is a tradition!) THGGM has done a record-a-book for the grand kids.  Last year he did "The Night Before Christmas" and this year it was "Frosty the Snowman".  The books are a bit pricey - about $19.99, but this year we were patient and waited until AFTER Christmas to buy it.  Michael's Craft Store had them with all of their Christmas clearance for

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-57930376010722902872012-01-10T09:35:00.001-05:002012-01-10T09:35:39.455-05:00

Our extended family Christmas party was on January 1st this year.  It was also the day Jonge became six years old.  It was a lovely day all around.  In fact, I think it just may have been as close to perfect as a family Christmas party could be.  A few loved ones were missing, but we all made sure to eat hardy for them.  Such a kind and loving family we are. So, after everyone had gone home I

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-31445928876186773522011-12-31T18:59:00.001-05:002011-12-31T19:00:53.966-05:00

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-40148742709157681972011-12-30T23:57:00.000-05:002011-12-31T00:19:13.342-05:00

Sing with me now! "Oh what fun it is to sit around and wait for someone to unclog your sewer drain!" There are other verses, about laundry piling up, dishes needing doing, showers needing to be taken, and other stuff. Oh, wait. That wasn't fun. It seems we had this same problem back in August. A very nice man came out, unclogged the drain (the one in the floor in the basement)and that

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-57224348922065798482011-12-29T11:21:00.000-05:002011-12-29T11:28:41.641-05:00

On the day after Christmas THGGM and I headed out to do a bit of shopping. We went to Century Antique Mall and Menards. This, my friends, is the extent of our 'living it up'! At the antique mall I could have gone crazy, but I kept myself in check, which is rather easy to do when one doesn't have money. But, I splurged on two more vintage pink Shiny Brites for my bathroom tree. And, I

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-28124658166196622892011-12-28T18:39:00.000-05:002011-12-28T18:45:46.169-05:00

Now this is hard to believe. Feintsje is six months young today. This boy just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-81819985829453612022011-12-27T22:30:00.000-05:002011-12-27T22:30:08.767-05:00

With ourselves and our children, we draw names for Christmas. Everyone gives gifts to the little people too. This year, Youngest Son had my name. Look what he found for me! It's a china cup from the C&O Railroad! My dad was a C&O Railroad guy. As a child I remember taking the train to Chicago and Detroit on several different occasions. Such good memories. And now I have a cup!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-17463787638094772452011-12-26T22:11:00.000-05:002011-12-26T22:12:47.468-05:00

'Twas a green Christmas. Today too. Who would have thought that we would be out in the backyard finishing up what we didn't get to after the fall clean-up. I took a lot of pictures yesterday, none of which came out very well. We had a wonderful time. Son-in-law made the four tiles of the grandkids for me. His endless talent astounds me.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-74928813494257290972011-12-24T16:15:00.000-05:002011-12-24T16:15:14.937-05:00

Wow. I do believe we are ready. The house smells like broccoli, which means the breakfast quiches are underway! The music is playing and we are singing along. Presents still need to be wrapped. And it wouldn't hurt a thing were I to shine up the bathrooms a bit more. Tonight I believe we may attempt to watch "It's a Wonderful Life". The snow that fell last night is quickly melting away.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-43631971420510578662011-12-23T20:20:00.002-05:002011-12-23T20:21:34.249-05:00

Today I gave my dog a hair cut. Nobody needs to see a picture of that, so I'll add a few more from yesterday. After cookie baking there was some time left for 'crafts'. I'm not exactly sure what that means to Jonge and Famke, but if it involves any sort of coloring or cutting, they are in! The day was so calm and quiet. Even today, Zeek was happy to have his hair cut and he didn't give me

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-62827599364906046052011-12-22T22:32:00.000-05:002011-12-22T22:32:49.476-05:00

Today was cookie baking day at my house. Daughter and the grandkids came. I am sooo amazed at how helpful the older two are now. The little boys both took nice long naps in the afternoon while we were hard at work. I cannot remember when I've had this much fun! Although they took it all rather seriously. We made cut-out sugar cookies, gingerbread boys, peanut butter chocolate stars, and

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-30542731368842770842011-12-21T23:06:00.000-05:002011-12-21T23:06:53.017-05:00

Today was our annual Teddy Bear Christmas Tea. Feintsje REALLY wanted to be held a lot today, so we weren't able to make name tags or tiny decorations for the tree, but other than that, things went pretty well. Feintsje enjoyed watching us from his swing. Jonge and Famke remembered this from last year, but it was all new to Kado. When he saw there was to be food he immediately put his

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-27244491664988902952011-12-20T12:37:00.000-05:002011-12-20T12:37:46.422-05:00

This morning I took one hundred and one photos of my living room, dining room, and kitchen. And then I changed everything so much that those pictures are presently outdated. So, instead I'll add the pictures from yesterday morning. Not used to this new blogger format, so just bear with me. In these pictures you will notice that we put together the ADORABLE punch-out nativity that my dear

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-21781768019545615552011-12-19T23:57:00.000-05:002011-12-19T23:57:41.882-05:00

Had a WONDERFUL day with the grandkids until a migraine struck. Thankfully, they are such kind children that I didn't have much trouble at all. Except that they are loud. Not unusually loud, but loud for someone with a migraine. Actually, it wasn't even them as much as their dog with the clickity-clackity toenails. I brought along some projects for us to do and we had already done them

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-51961918372089094592011-12-18T20:44:00.000-05:002011-12-18T20:44:39.898-05:00

Last night I crocheted all cotton make-up removing cloths. Nothing fancy. I actually made seven, but after washing and drying them one has come up missing. With the bit of yarn that was left I fashioned a strap to hold them together. One thrifted leather button finished the set nicely. Thankfully I remembered that on my dresser is a glass candy dish FILLED with old leather buttons. And,

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-76880662751727565922011-12-17T12:56:00.000-05:002011-12-17T12:59:27.180-05:00

Seriously. Eight days until Christmas. I still have plenty to do, but the plans are as set as plans can be. From reading this blog you might get the impression that we go really crazy over here for Christmas. We don't. My passion is decorating the house. THGGM and I only spent a few hours shopping for presents. That took us to Walmart and Meijer last Thursday afternoon. There were no

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-5557161502695482392011-12-16T12:27:00.001-05:002011-12-16T12:27:55.819-05:00

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-69301352047238091102011-12-15T23:54:00.006-05:002011-12-16T00:02:01.739-05:00

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-15291816255477791962011-12-14T23:41:00.007-05:002011-12-15T00:11:47.465-05:00

It had been a very very loooong time since I was called upon to make a teacher's gift. Jonge told me that his kindergarten teacher LOOOVES home made presents the best, so he set about creating a snow scene in a tiny jello mold. He got it set up 'just so' and I came along with the hot glue gun and stuck it all together. It did concern him a bit that I might not know where my tape was (hahaha) but

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-10178180071192145452011-12-13T22:40:00.003-05:002011-12-13T22:55:46.481-05:00

Pretty much, this is the sum total of what I accomplished today. I left the house to make a quick stop at my favorite thrift store and to pick up buy-one-get-one-free chili at Wendy's.There was baking that should have been done, but I just KNEW I would eat it if I baked. Christmas baking is not fun at all when one is diabetic. Christmas shopping is soo not my thing - which is good since I

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-36361385151739054592011-12-12T22:24:00.008-05:002011-12-12T22:42:28.304-05:00

And again, there is a reason why I do not pose children. It's like herding cats, I tell you. But, they had their Christmas tree up and were delighting in EVERYTHING about it. So, I threw caution to the wind and TRIED. Do I get extra credit for trying? Please say yes.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-90204764855334462142011-12-11T22:36:00.010-05:002011-12-11T23:38:41.417-05:00

This morning THGGM made us French toast using the bread left from making his stuffing. Cream cheese between each slice and cinnamon butter on top - was it ever GOOD.In the afternoon we took a leisurely drive to Saugatuck to do a bit of antique shopping. I was after a specific something which I did not find. Hmm. Not to waste the trip I did manage to find a few non-specific things! As we were

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-76597705011849926982011-12-11T22:13:00.015-05:002011-12-11T22:34:55.398-05:00

Dinner was wonderful.The lighting was all over the place so my pictures did not turn out very well. After dinner the birthday boy got to open his presents. We watched Christmas videos and had Oreo ice cream dessert made with peppermint stick ice cream. Wonder how I do it all? I don't. Everyone brought something and THGGM, who is a saint, made the corn bread stuffing, roasted a turkey breast

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-81425769902785317882011-12-10T23:53:00.005-05:002011-12-11T00:04:28.732-05:00

Tonight our family celebrated St. Nicholas Day (late) and Oldest Son's birthday (early). These pictures are of the calm before the storm. I LOVE a good storm!Those pictures will come later.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-71159152036236999742011-12-10T00:00:00.006-05:002011-12-10T00:12:59.716-05:00

Just me and Feintsje today, until Pake got out of work.He is a cuddly sweetheart, that Feintsje.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-85560483189087830192011-12-09T09:57:00.005-05:002011-12-09T10:13:58.660-05:00

Out my window today there is snow! I don't mind snow at all when I am snug inside. It is pretty to look at and does put me more in the mind of Christmas. The string and yarn were in a bowl in my kitchen. In my very odd head I was hoping to turn them into some cutely embellished snow people. But the elf heads were also just sitting in the kitchen, and, what with the new snow and all I just

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-27167367615373732042011-12-08T15:59:00.002-05:002011-12-08T17:15:04.900-05:00

Now I've gone and done it. I bought a silver tree for my pink bathroom. Next time I'm at a thrift store I'll look for some more Shiny Brites in pink. But for now I'm just working with what I have. (sooo.., i just returned from a trip to the basement, where i discovered a box of shiny brites...)

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-79206683152421563662011-12-07T23:15:00.008-05:002011-12-07T23:55:25.658-05:00

At first they didn't quite catch the concept of creating a 'scene'. But eventually they did. Jonge and Famke were happy just pulling apart pieces of batting and cotton balls to make snow. Surprisingly (to me anyway) it was Kado who REALLY got into it. He even INSISTED that his 'green man' have a basket of his own. This made him EXTREMELY happy - like I've never seen a kid get such a kick out

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-21423018014802096902011-12-06T15:32:00.004-05:002011-12-06T15:42:38.236-05:00

Day 20. I guess it isn't 20 days UNTIL Christmas, it's 19 days until Christmas. Oh well. I cannot begin to tell you just how much something like that disturbs me. But I'll try to get over it (so far, it isn't working). St Nicholas did not disappoint! He brought me Steenstra's Almond St. Claus Cookies - the VERY best cookie in the entire universe, and probably all of the unknown universes

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-72952137175556432562011-12-05T23:19:00.004-05:002011-12-05T23:49:12.217-05:00

This is one of those years when we shall be bumping our St Nicholas Eve family dinner to a later date.Oh, and I'm feeling MUCH better! Survived a long day with four happy energetic children even! And it is presently 11:35 and I am clothed and in my right mind. That says a lot.Isn't that little elf with the lantern adorable? I found a dozen elves at IKEA and thought they would look at home on

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-85115919181859415972011-12-04T22:12:00.003-05:002011-12-04T22:22:33.804-05:00

THGGM and I went to a musical this afternoon. A very nice production of "1940s Radio Hour". If you live in the Grand Rapids area, I highly recommend it. This year we did not know anyone in the cast, but someone in the program looked a bit familiar.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-70537068978217325132011-12-03T20:25:00.002-05:002011-12-03T20:33:20.703-05:00

Can't stop cutting up coffee filters.I've already checked some of the sites my Dutch friend mentioned in the comments on the post below.It was a fun way to spend a dreary rainy Saturday afternoon. The one below I did last night when I couldn't sleep.TWELVE girls. This is addicting! And up until a few minutes ago, my house was covered in tiny bits of coffee filter.But I vacuumed that mess.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-35530614111950709662011-12-02T22:31:00.006-05:002011-12-02T22:51:24.530-05:00

Still tired and coughing over here.Send pity. No. Not really. About the pity sending anyway.I am very sad, as tomorrow I was supposed to meet a very dear blogging friend for the first time.This will not be happening because of my coughing and all over rotten feeling.So, what I did today was cut a bunch more snowflakes out of coffee filters.I've been a fan of coffee filters in all their various

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-51647869655718376272011-12-01T22:19:00.008-05:002011-12-01T22:50:51.125-05:00

One year I cut dozens of snowflakes out of waxed paper. To me they were amazing. But by the next day I could not use my 'cutting' hand for anything.This year we got a new coffee machine, which left me with hundreds of the old kind of coffee filters.Have you tried this? I didn't dare cut too many, so I assisted Famke as she snipped to her hearts content.I did cut out an "A" snowflake for her,

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-16123502873548507472011-12-01T22:10:00.002-05:002011-12-01T22:18:25.429-05:00

One of my favorite purchases from last year were these Santa Claus number flash cards. Want some? I found them at prettylittlestudio.com. I've thought up so many different ways to use them that I cannot decide which one to do.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-1134019681937405492011-12-01T12:08:00.000-05:002011-12-01T13:25:07.822-05:00

This post first appeared in December of 2005. My Decembers are rather predictable. Like my mom always said, "It wouldn't feel like Christmas if Judy wasn't sick!" Funny lady, my mom.Your cough will never clear upPut on a happy faceSlather yourself in make-upOrder it by the caseAnd spray LysolAll over the placeJust put on a Happy Face!Pick out a pleasant outfitTuck in that double chinBrush off

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-64291570777378019382011-11-30T21:54:00.004-05:002011-12-01T18:56:42.728-05:00

Today I came into my living room to see what looked like Kado brushing Feintsje with a whisk broom. Being the proper Beppe that I am, I pointed out to Kado that Feintsje is CLEAN and that whisk brooms are only used on dirty things.When I returned from disposing of a diaper, this is how I found Kado. Playing chimney sweep with the whisk broom in the mess that is my fireplace. As I expressed my

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-26446417248943072972011-11-29T21:52:00.008-05:002011-11-29T22:21:41.139-05:00

So I filled a cutlery tray with a bunch of wooden stars, tiny bottle brush trees, little pine cones, some pipe cleaner people and a few other bits.Wouldn't it be fun to arrange some of this into winter-y scenes and put them under glass?Yes. I thought so too!Well. The under glass part didn't work as well as I'd hoped.So I found a tiny drawer, which worked somewhat better.And isn't THGGM's old

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-77458359120196075602011-11-27T22:39:00.003-05:002011-11-27T23:01:09.407-05:00

I'm rather fond of pine cones. Oh, and white vases and pitchers. And don't forget to note the four chamber pots on the wire shelf. Of course my 'new' ironstone pitcher has been worked in.The ribbon on the lamps came from a small shop in Sutton's Bay. Such a pretty hand dyed color! And now there are two matching McCoy swans. The second one was found at my favorite antique mall in Elk Rapids

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-67658914776621051652011-11-26T20:31:00.010-05:002011-11-26T22:38:57.763-05:00

It isn't always easy to find!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-8876713847851484652011-11-26T20:07:00.004-05:002011-11-26T20:31:25.099-05:00

Today I ventured out to two of my favorite thrift stores. And looky what I found! I also found some other wonderful little buys. Hopefully they will soon be posted on my Simply Thrift blog. Time will tell.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-1818807230288932112011-11-25T21:45:00.003-05:002011-11-25T21:53:27.520-05:00

Almost forgot to remind you.No black Friday shopping for me. There is nothing that I need or even want enough to get out into a crowd.Anyway, I did managed to continue to put up some Christmas decor. But mostly I rested. It was lovely.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-41129649025455992422011-11-24T22:53:00.002-05:002011-11-24T22:58:42.440-05:00

My shirt would say "My sister makes the best turkey".I'm still not all better yet, but I DID make it to Thanksgiving dinner at my sister and brother-in-law's lovely home in Grant, MI.And a good time was had by all!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-40148787258826159092011-11-22T11:07:00.004-05:002011-11-22T11:24:54.462-05:00

I've been sick since Thursday, maybe? I can't remember exactly. BUT - today I felt well enough to sit at the piano and play my two new THRIFTED pieces of Christmas sheet music.Yesterday I thought I felt well enough to make the three dimensional stars out of music I found in an old Christmas Ideals magazine. I woke up this morning to notice that they match NOTHING that I have. Oh, well. Not

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-61133980921284268882011-11-18T11:43:00.004-05:002011-11-18T12:33:37.917-05:00

Goodness. Where have I been?Let's see..,I haven't left the house since I came home from Daughter's home on Monday. Hmm. Took a nap, woke up and pretty much went straight to bed.Tuesday evening we finally got a call from THGGM's kidney doctor.Now I'll back up here to tell you that THGGM had a wee bit of a problem this summer. Our primary care doctor sent him to see a specialist. The

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-27395019675381052512011-11-14T22:20:00.004-05:002011-11-14T22:37:47.694-05:00

Over the weekend THGGM was able to put up the wallpaper in the kitchen.Here he is installing two shelves to go over both windows.It's coming together nicely. I'd show you, but catching any natural light seems to be a thing of the past.Although I'm sure it is terrible for ones health, the smell of the new vinyl wallpaper gives me that "Christmas morning new doll" feeling!So, I'm going to pull out

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-5950625524726069362011-11-14T21:24:00.003-05:002011-11-14T22:06:28.146-05:00

We watched several episodes of Caillou today. Kado was running a fever and Feintsje is teething.Famke had a stuffed snake wrapped in a blanket which she insisted was her baby. Kado wanted a baby too so I gave him mine. I took a nap when I got home and I am going to bed very soon.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-14866565183674240002011-11-13T20:24:00.003-05:002011-11-13T20:35:40.413-05:00

Certainly is hard to get a picture in here, but I tried.As you can see, THGGM is working hard in the kitchen as I photograph the bathroom.I still have to hem the valance.The plate rack was found at the thrift store Saturday.THGGM painted it white and I added the plates I found - all three for ONE dollar. The blue and white stripe ticking was in my stash. It all came together really well, and we

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-46943550524583944142011-11-12T23:13:00.002-05:002011-11-13T00:19:11.713-05:00

I would play this game every day just to hear Kado say "orange circle".

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-11687129708040918502011-11-11T23:29:00.006-05:002011-11-11T23:41:27.618-05:00

Um. Yes.More pictures of Feintsje.He and I carried on one of the more meaningful conversations I have ever had in my life. It didn't even require words.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-76670979072816331782011-11-11T22:54:00.003-05:002011-11-11T23:42:56.828-05:00

So.Today it was just me and Feintsje.When his smile began to taper off, all I needed to do was snag his favorite toy and place it around my camera lens.Just passing along one of my little secrets!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-9581706981451682952011-11-10T22:39:00.004-05:002011-11-10T22:58:37.573-05:00

It snowed today.Those giant "Charlie Brown" size snowflakes.Jonge was excited to see his breath.Most of our leaves blew off in the high winds yesterday. While Famke and Kado pretended they were drinking coffee, I pretended that I was drinking hot chocolate.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-85263414890959007082011-11-08T15:30:00.002-05:002011-11-08T18:27:02.966-05:00

Feintsje's first tooth appeared today!This picture is from yesterday.A day in which he freely and with wild abandon chomped down on anything and everything that came near his sweet little mouth.In only three short months we will be celebrating the birth of our fifth grandchild, a granddaughter.I am sooo excited!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-80173880677276145312011-11-08T11:01:00.002-05:002011-11-08T11:28:07.494-05:00

Kado discovered an entirely new world in the bathroom doorknob yesterday. Notice how he introduces himself. Then, he puts on a "Wiggles" show. This was also the first day that Kado refused to nap for me. Just so you know, I tacked Kado's untaken nap onto my sleep. Never even woke up once until 10:00 this morning. And I thought that the time change was supposed to make getting up easier.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-56185520841461607372011-11-06T22:38:00.004-05:002011-11-06T23:08:36.892-05:00

THGGM was able to get quite a bit done in the kitchen this weekend. It has been a slow process. But I am happy to report that there is no more vine-y print wallpaper over there.And all the stuff from the walls and shelves over there are on this great shelving unit that THGGM found in Wisconsin last week. I'm getting SO excited to arrange things on those shelves just how I want them, but I'm

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-60056353666171777412011-11-05T23:17:00.003-04:002011-11-05T23:24:58.572-04:00

Look! THGGM went back to the antique mall and bought me the polka dot piggy bank.Although he was thinking of saving it for Christmas, I questioned the unknown grocery bag in the trunk and he gave it to me right then.I think maybe because he realized I was not going to give up until I knew what was in the bag (i was thinking halloween candy). Isn't it cute?Isn't THGGM sweeter than a bag full of

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-75272839658947268532011-11-03T23:06:00.011-04:002011-11-04T00:04:30.256-04:00

My wonderful Wisconsin cousin Sue took us to the beautiful town of Lake Geneva on Thursday.Lunch was at a restaurant that served the most fabulous butternut squash soup. Someday I'm going to make this. It was unforgettable.Enjoy the pictures! And really, you should go to Lake Geneva someday. Oh, and since I can no longer get the words to line up with the pictures - I'll ask up here, does

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-21155500467540710682011-11-03T22:43:00.007-04:002011-11-03T23:05:57.752-04:00

This is an apple orchard somewhere in SE Wisconsin.It was truly a beautiful place.Were I wealthy enough to buy a place like this and hire help to maintain it, I would.Then I would sit hard and sip apple cider while watching the leaves turn color.Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE fall? I do.And that last picture? Of the red tree?Sigh...

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-7192256620190658462011-11-03T22:34:00.003-04:002011-11-03T22:43:19.748-04:00

Today my 'up north' sister came to town with her two and 1/2 year old grandson.From my house we went to Holland to thrift shop at Ditto. My finds? Six WONDERFUL things for 50 cents.Two decks of 'author' cards, a restaurant mug, a red and white checked place mat, and two pieces of Christmas sheet music.I was thrilled. I am cheap. Cheap thrills. That's me!Then the three of us went to Olive

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-20392516652780132102011-11-02T22:54:00.004-04:002011-11-03T16:16:47.158-04:00

Last week Wednesday THGGM and I were driving to Wisconsin.It was SUCH a lovely trip. A bit murky on the way there - note the shorter buildings in the Chicago skyline.This Wednesday was spent chatting with Feintsje, who has become VERY talkative lately.As long as he can look around and watch what his siblings are doing he is one happy baby.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-31896983034776653542011-11-01T23:03:00.003-04:002011-11-01T23:11:48.248-04:00

Last week I found a GREAT Dutch girl cookie jar. She looks just like me, don't you think? She does. Trust me.Of course, I had to rearrange everything to fit her in.Slowly but surely I'm adding things to my Simply Thrift blog, if you care to look.Everything takes time. But you already knew that.It seemed when I came here tonight that I had something somewhat profound to say. Apparently, I was

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-6503975490363512932011-10-31T23:11:00.003-04:002011-11-01T13:18:53.638-04:00

Daughter sent me this picture.I spent the day with the grand kids, but didn't actually SEE them in costume.However, I sent along some really great candy from Cracker Barrel. Which, I might add, I did NOT sample.All their lives they have been Trick-or-Treating with their good friends. Sooo happy that the tradition continues!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-80670869179882731492011-10-30T10:48:00.002-04:002011-10-30T10:58:24.342-04:00

THGGM and I have returned from a lovely trip to Wisconsin visiting amazing relatives.The weather was fabulous. Still a lot of fall color to behold. Amazing antique finds at unbelievable prices.But it would have been a great trip even if the weather were awful, the antique shopping sub-par, and the fall color drab.Why?Because we are related to the nicest people.Of course, I took A LOT of

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-62112674336813020662011-10-25T19:58:00.003-04:002011-10-25T21:02:31.904-04:00

Only TWO months until Christmas!What are you doing on the computer?Get busy!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-38187566162913518392011-10-24T23:27:00.009-04:002011-10-25T00:16:57.348-04:00

Now the little boys have the cough that the big kids had last week.THGGM had today off. It was his appointment to have a kidney scan. He is always very brave about appointments and goes all by himself. As for me, I went to Daughter's house where those who did not have to go to kindergarten had a pajama day and watched A LOT of Caillou. Jonge and Famke carved their pumpkins with mommy on

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-8087675527317079232011-10-24T21:09:00.005-04:002011-10-24T21:27:16.179-04:00

A few more pictures from our weekend.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-67415382748322740862011-10-23T22:36:00.014-04:002011-10-24T21:29:07.409-04:00

So much happened that I cannot sum it all up in one blog post.But it would seem that what we all enjoyed the most was going to the beach.Most of these pictures were taken at Oval Beach along Lake Michigan in Saugatuck.Today I remembered to bring both of my cameras. So of course there are many pictures.Jonge was impressed that he and Famke could have fun in the sand without taking anything along

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-50646519219078976372011-10-22T22:20:00.002-04:002011-10-22T22:32:06.957-04:00

This is how we have fun on a Saturday evening!I'm SURE that Jonge and Famke think that all we do is eat at Wendy's, shop at Michael's, watch "Toy Story 3", and read "Good Night Richard Rabbit". Really, it's not such a bad plan...

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-14267125953184253262011-10-21T22:16:00.003-04:002011-10-21T22:42:27.506-04:00

Jonge and I made these leafy trees from coffee filters dyed with food coloring. We HAD to do this since almost all of the trees in our yard still have green leaves. It IS fall, isn't it?Famke crafted with us, but she didn't want to follow OUR plan. Famke marches to a different drummer. I would post a picture of her art work, but it didn't photograph well. Famke experiences great joy from

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-56708203932846395812011-10-21T11:13:00.002-04:002011-10-21T12:01:17.183-04:00

Feintsje is such a happy baby!

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-9202923106023193492011-10-20T23:36:00.007-04:002011-10-20T23:55:13.517-04:00

Someday there may again be time to post about things other than grandchildren.But that will be a sad day for me.I love these little people, who are little for such a short short time.Feintsje had a wonderful time talking to his Pake this afternoon.For the past two weeks Pake has gotten out of work at 2:00 pm. I absolutely LOVE this at 2:00 pm. Not so much at 4:00 am or when he goes to bed early

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-10524560132703533142011-10-18T14:27:00.007-04:002011-10-18T14:49:50.336-04:00

SEE?! Do you not also think it odd that six (SIX!) guys wanted to rake my leaves?Since then, there have been a couple of very windy days, which resulted in the loss of these magnolia leaves.But the rest? They seem to be glued on tight waiting, I am sure, for it to become snowy and wet.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-92002673879056919422011-10-17T23:53:00.002-04:002011-10-18T10:33:36.134-04:00

Feintsje is a sweety.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-47884551440507798842011-10-16T19:58:00.003-04:002011-10-16T23:34:50.058-04:00

THGGM spent most of it painting, papering, and sprucing up the bathroom off of our kitchen. And I must say, it looks wonderful. THGGM has gotten very handy in his old age. He even showed me some wallpapering tricks that my dad taught him. My weekend was spent noticing odd things.Nothing odd about Friday though. I got to have Feintsje all to myself all day long. A new favorite game of his is "Hey

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-3102321066787020722011-10-13T14:10:00.006-04:002011-10-13T18:49:36.982-04:00

Yay! We got a new dishwasher!It is soooo quiet.And the dishes are actually clean after the first go-round.Of course, we recycled the box.These pictures are actually from the second day of cardboard box play.There's been more fun had with it since. They did require a second box to keep out Zeke. This was Famke's idea, as putting up with two boys in need of diaper changes at various times during

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-85292574135190693662011-10-10T22:13:00.003-04:002011-10-10T22:22:01.821-04:00

Here we all are, another year older!One more addition, and one on the way.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-12446528971863272602011-10-10T21:58:00.003-04:002011-10-10T22:12:01.114-04:00

Lately THGGM has been hanging out with some tired looking Beppe.Oh well. Whoever she is she seems to be enjoying herself.Oldest Son took these pictures with my camera. He did well considering the subjects he had to work with.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-36340656981173890322011-10-10T21:29:00.004-04:002011-10-10T21:57:07.197-04:00

Daughter and Son-in-law and their children, who you already know by now.These are the 'candid' shots. They are actually looking at daddy's camera, waiting for the green light to count down.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-61116156623602875562011-10-10T21:25:00.002-04:002011-10-10T21:28:56.030-04:00

And this is Oldest Son and Dil1.I thought I had more pictures of them than I actually do.My daughters-in-law are two of THE most photogenic people I know.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-70895630392319171582011-10-09T17:13:00.004-04:002011-10-09T17:27:16.792-04:00

Youngest Son and Dil2, expecting a baby girl in February.

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-56892140297730172082011-10-08T23:21:00.004-04:002011-10-08T23:59:44.609-04:00

Forty some years ago, when I was but a middle school child I used to spend the night with a friend who had the coolest clock I had ever seen. I looooved spending the night because when I could not sleep, I would watch the girl swing back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.So for forty some years I have been looking for a clock like that. At antique malls, thrift stores, and all those

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-52253831668008127512011-10-08T22:29:00.006-04:002011-10-08T23:19:54.444-04:00

Family picture day today!More to come...

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-89563228081210514492011-10-06T15:01:00.002-04:002011-10-06T20:16:29.247-04:00

I found the really great ring on line. From the Etsy shop of luv4sams, if you would care to check out a wonderful site.Shortly after I bought it I went to the Fulton Street ARTisans Market and got to see great amounts of her work in person. WONDERFUL! If you are looking for unique hand made gifts I'm sure you could find something for EVERYONE on your list. Seriously. Check her out.Really

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734549.post-80416894223400673452011-10-05T23:07:00.005-04:002011-10-05T23:39:44.019-04:00

The signs have been around for quite sometime, but today it became very clear to me. Famke is a fabulous storyteller. Now that her older brother goes to Kindergarten every afternoon, and her two little brothers are good nappers, we get some time to spend together. And she ALWAYS has a story to tell me. Like all good storytellers, she knows her audience. There are two stories in particular

Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17065893613028995685noreply@blogger.com4