Introducing Miss Madelynn Lou Stahl

Madelynn Lou Stahl

November 16, 2012



We have a new addition to our growing family. Born to Alexandra and Kody Stahl--
Miss Madelynn Lou Stahl made her entrance to this world @ 12:30pm on November 16th, 2012. She weighed a whopping 5 lbs 1 oz. and measured 19" long (although we would find out later she was actually only 17"). Her Mother Alex, had a very difficult pregnancy and hard delivery, but she was a trooper and finally helped Miss Madi make her much awaited arrival. Madi was a month early. Alex developed preeclempsia and had to be hospitalized for almost a month prior to Madi's delivery. Alex spent almost a week in Indianapolis at the St. Vincent hospital for women. After some very closely supervised weeks, the Dr. decided he could wait no longer, particularly for Alex's health.
Madi has been a most welcome 'distraction' for this Great Grandma. I love babies and she gives me the opportunity to hug, hold and kiss a beautiful baby girl.
So glad God chose our family to place Madi in.

Thankful Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving this year was fantastic.

Get out the Cranberry sauce and Gravy. Bring along the pumpkin pie and whipped cream (one bowl just for Amanda). We are celebrating Thanksgiving !
As usual there was more than enough food and plenty of laughter and happy faces to be found. I can not imagine being in a family other than ours. The one thing that is a requirement when entering the 'fun' zone is earplugs. The noise can be deafening at times. There are many little great grandkids running around along with Mom and Dad's grandkids that talk non stop. We are so blessed to have a family that is so supportive of one another and truly enjoy each others company. We cherish the times we can spend together. This was our first Thanksgiving with out Dad. I was a bit concerned about how well it would go, but I was needlessly worrying. I have this concept I like to tell people. Worrying is a waste of time. There are some things in life you can not change, or control. When you worry you are wasting time that could have been put to better use and actually make life better for yourself or others. So this year we celebrate Thanksgiving in memory of Dad.

Once again there is something going on ... I'm just sayin'

Grandma and her oldest Granddaughter (Mom and Amanda)

Maybe they will cook us up something good

Shelley, Malia and Matthew creating something with the Mardi Gras Beads.

Luke giving Sammy and Kaleb some instructions about his game.

Of course after dinner we always have a little football courtesy of Matthew

Last but not least there are the naps that have to be worked in. Collin this year provided us with the Flying Ace Shoes Exhibit (which included a non returnable hat)

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Luke's SES Program

Luke is 4th from the right in the front row

Master Luke had his first elementary school program last evening. He is in Kindergarten. The adorable 'costumes' were constructed of paper. On one side were turkey pictures the children had created. Each child had on a headband made to look like turkey feathers. The whole program was delightful. The songs were short and many of them had motions the kids had memorized. One particular song was especially endearing.
Enjoy the song- click here. Be sure and watch the little ones move their legs back and forth.
After the program was concluded we visited his classroom. The hallway decorations were cute as we approached his room.

This is Luke's 'Deer' turkey

Luke's Pilgrim

Luke in his 'costume'

This was the beginning of several years of our watching another grandchild grow. 

Great Job Buddy... Grandma and Grandpa love you!

Being Marshall

(F-Dianne, Susan, Barbara-B-Jane and Me)

Wow.....what an enjoyable time we had in Marshall Michigan.

We (Jane, Barbara and I) have two cousins (Susan and Dianne) that we are very close to.
Growing up, Susan, Jane, Dianne and I spent so much time together. If we weren't at their house, they were at ours. I do not know any cousins that were closer than we were. Barbara being 6 years younger was subjected to spending time with the adults! Sorry Barbara ! We 'cousins' played dress up, discovered boys, learned how to roller skate and mixed up concoctions (not going there- we might still get in trouble). Susan and Dianne lived on a farm that we explored and used for our amusement. Just one hint: Green apples really do need to ripen. We cousins worked in the haymow, rode a disagreeable pony, ice skated in a cornfield and went to sock hops. We spent our lives together, from very young to our growing up years. I can not express how blessed we were having cousins that we could evolve and mature with.
After graduating from high school and marriages, we have not been in touch as we would like to have been. During the celebration of my 60th birthday party, we all decided we would remedy the problem. We decided on a time, and a place to share memories and make new ones (Barbara included this time ! ). It could have been in my backyard where we spent time together, but we chose to take the route of exploring a city. Marshall has a quaint, charming, picturesque atmosphere. There were leaves on the sidewalks, absolutely perfect weather and most importantly- 5 women sharing their lives with one another again. We relished the opportunity to interact, intermingled and reaffirm our commitment to one another. We are family ! We are there to support and encourage one another. We enjoyed the city of Marshall, but most importantly it was our enjoyment of each other.
We are so thankful for our steadfastness, faithfulness and devotion to family.
 

Little Missy

Malia is such a joy to watch. Recently we were persuaded to baby sit for her.
Golly Gee...if we have to !
Just as they were getting ready to leave, she decided she had to put on her own shoes. I am supposing Duct Tape is also required to make sure your shoes do not fall off?

Jennifer called to see which one of 4 photos I liked the best.

This was my choice. Isn't she just the cutest little child.

We are so glad she is our little granddaughter.

Oliver Twist

"Oliver"

This year the Visual and Performing Arts Summer Theater presented "Oliver" on June 25 & 26,2010.  The were many young people from 7th grade on up complementing the cast this season. It is astonishing how they learn their lines, actions,songs and placements in just 3 short weeks. This year they were limited by being able to practice on their stage until the last week. Props were completed in just 2 short days by a talented group of adults that are so supportive of the young peoples desire to participate in this play. Efforts by all the adults and youth are so greatly appreciated by the parents, family members and the community. Our very talented grandson had the part of Mr. Bumble. A very different role for him to act from what he is used to. He had to be mean! The make up person made Spencer age for his role. Wow...Spencer, is this what we have to look forward to?

The proud Mom and Dad and of course young sister with Mr. Bumble (Spencer)!

Metal Man

Who is faster than a speeding bullet?

Who has a body like Iron?

Who goes very fast from here to there?

No it isn't Superman, and it is not Iron Man, and it is not Spiderman.

It is Luke. . . Metal man.

Luke played T-ball this spring on the Braves team. This was his first attempt at playing an organized sport. Of course Kyle (Dad) helped with the coaching, while Mom and the rest of us, occupied the stands cheering him on. He was very excited to be playing a big boy game such as baseball. His sisters are 15 and 14, so he is constantly wanting to be just a tad bigger.

Mom and Dad thinks he has natural ability to be a great sports contender. So does Grandpa, Grandma, Alex, Cassidy, Lauren, Uncle Rick, Aunt Jennifer, Spencer, Malia and Great Grandma Wagoner. Guess that means the little guy really does? ? ? 
Watching our grandkids participate in a variety of challenges is always entertaining as well as gratifying. We love watching them grow. 
Luke took his turn as 'catcher' when the time presented itself. I think he is one handsome catcher!

And now. . .  Metal Man! (with his mom)

Luke as a little little boy loved watching House Hunters on HGTV hosted by Suzanne Whang. We weren't sure why he liked her so much, all we did know was he would stop everything he was doing to watch her speak. When we found out Rick and Jen were adopting from China, we hoped Luke and Malia would have a great relationship. Our wishes came true. They love each other and have such fun. Here they are holding hands and walking together as we were leaving Luke's ballgame.

 

Watching Peter Grow

We have a young rabbit living in our back yard. He (I have named him Peter) has been visiting several times a day to eat the "bird" food that has fallen on the ground. At first he was very small, hardly noticeable with all the birds and squirrels around him. I was quite intrigued with the small little tuft of tail he had. It actually looked like a cotton ball attached ! As the days have passed by, Peter is beginning to grow. Much to our disappointment. We like watching the little bunny, and often times the chipmunk that shares the goodies with Peter. There are timew when Mama and Peter enjoy a run in the yard, going at top speed. Tom and I have delighted in watching Peter as he hops and eats around our feeders. Soon Peter will be off to start his own family, if Mr. McGregor (our neighbors) doesn't catch him and transport him to a different area of our county.

Peter - growing up

Will mow for gas

Tom and I went to Hobby Lobby today to pick up some pictures we had matted and framed. On our way to get them we checked the price at the gas stations along the way. Our return trip home we had determined we would stop at a gas station that had the lowest price. I couldn't believe what was parked at the gas pump. Ummm...I don't ever remember seeing a lawn mower parked for a fill up. I had to jump out and grab this shot. I am sure he was a local fellow. My question is - - did he need a license for his mower?

200

200th post

Wow.......I have just completed my 200th post. It has been exciting and enjoyable to belong to the blogosphere world. A huge Thank You to my wonderful daughter-in-law (Jennifer) for creating my interest in this adventure. I surely did not know what I would have to say, but as it turned out, I have plenty and then some to say. I relish the challenge it affords me. My first post was painstaking slow to achieve, but I finally figured out something to say on it. Thanks to all who take the time to read and share in my little corner of the world.