Back to the everyday...

My husband and I were able to spend Christmas with our daughter and grandson in North Carolina. As our son-in-law is deployed, we hoped our visit would help brighten the holidays a bit for her. Our son-in-laws' family  also joined the festivities. Though our son-in-law was sorely missed, we had such a WONDERFUL time and were able to catch up on the many milestones our grandson has achieved his first year of life. Tomorrow will mark a week since we returned home. It was back to work for my husband today and life is returning to "normal" post holiday (whatever "normal" is!). Although the old adage says, "There's no place like home", we sure to miss that sweet little face and pitter patter of little feet!

Thankful, tired, & soon-to-be Retired!

Whew, the past month has been a blur! My daughter and grandson spent the last 3-weeks with us. My husband flew to a SC destination where our daughter met him and they proceeded to make the long drive to Texas. We enjoyed their visit SO much! I quickly remembered how much energy a 7-month old requires...I must get in shape to be a Nana! Coincidently, I'll soon have more time to focus on fitness and domestic projects because....I'm retiring!!! My employer offered eligible employees the opportunity to retire as a way to help address projected budget constraints (the caveat being retirement must occur by August 31st). Needless to say, retirement came a bit earlier than anticipated, but all the pieces just fell into place. So amid the joy of family festivities, I hustled to submit retirement paperwork. August 4th, I joined my daughter and grandson for the drive back to their home. I kick myself for not taking photos of her vehicle...it just may have set a new Guiness Book of World Records for the most stuff CRAMMED into a mid-sized SUV :))). Day 1 ended in Texarkana; Day 2 in Memphis, TN where my grandson was introduced to more family; Day 3...Memphis, TN to New Bern, NC. Let me tell you, that was a LOT of hours in a car, but  fun nonetheless! I was able to spend a few days at my daughters' then flew home August 9th. Life in the fast lane...gotta love it!

Until next time, take care...Along the way!

A week in photos...

My daughter and grandson arrived at our house exactly one week ago today. The week has been a blur...a six and a half month old will do that! Here's a few photo highlights from our week...

Knotty Nana...

It's true...I've been a knotty Nana! My grandson and lovely daughter will be coming home for a visit  next week. I wanted to have a new blanket or two on hand for our little guy's "tummy time". Thought I'd try my hand at a no sew fleece throw. I know, I know, this project's been around a while...I just jumped on board. I knocked out this little blankie this morning. Let me tell ya, I was a knotting fool! Don't think I've ever tied that many consecutive knots in my life!

Although we're eagerly anticipating the arrival of our babies, the timing is bittersweet as our son-in-law will deploy shortly after his wife and little son leave for Texas. We'll miss him, and ask for your continued thoughts and prayers not only for our son-in-law, but for all those serving in our military and their families...they sacrifice SO much for us all!

Thanks for stopping by, Along the Way!

Call me Nana :)

My husband and I have entered a new phase in life, we're grandparents! Our daughter and her husband welcomed their first-born, Jackson Ryder into this world on December 31st. Jackson was born on his mom's birthday, but hold on, there's more. December 31st was also Jackson's Great, Great Grandfathers birthday as well as a nephew, making him the fourth family member to have a New Years Eve birthday. I was able to spend 2 weeks with the new little family at their NC home...an experience that definitely goes into the "life changing" journal.