Grandma and Grandpa Peaches

Vintage Valentine

2012-02-02T06:43:00.002-05:00

A Valentine but why? cause you and I are folks who like each other heaps and count on staying friends for keeps. This Valentine was given to my mom from her Aunt. I don't know what year. I highlighted the lettering in white because the foil lettering didn't scan well.

Today, I headed to see the surgeon in hopes to start to feeling better. I've been sick for several months and it's only been getting worse. I think the surgery will take care of things... I hope! Happy Valentines!!

I'm Not Old Yet!

2012-01-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

Another Email funny... I'm Not OLD yet!

$5.37! That's what the kid behind the counter at Taco Bell said to me. I dug into my pocket and pulled out some lint and two dimes and something that used to be a Jolly Rancher. Having already handed the kid a five-spot, I started to head back out to the truck to grab some change when the kid with the Elmo hairdo said the hardest thing anyone has ever said to me. He said, "It's OK. I'll just give you the senior citizen discount."
I turned to see who he was talking to and then heard the sound of change hitting the counter in front of me. "Only $4.68" he said cheerfully.

I stood there stupefied. I am 56, not even 60 yet? A mere child! Senior citizen?

I took my burrito and walked out to the truck wondering what was wrong with Elmo. Was he blind? As I sat in the truck, my blood began to boil. Old? Me?

I'll show him, I thought. I opened the door and headed back inside. I strode to the counter, and there he was waiting with a smile.

Before I could say a word, he held up something and jingled it in front of me, like I could be that easily distracted! What am I now? A toddler?

"Dude! Can't get too far without your car keys, eh?" I stared with utter disdain at the keys. I began to rationalize in my mind!

"Leaving keys behind hardly makes a man elderly! It could happen to anyone!"
I turned and headed back to the truck. I slipped the key into the ignition, but it wouldn't turn. What now? I checked my keys and tried another. Still nothing.

That's when I noticed the purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror. I had no purple beads hanging from my rear view mirror.

Then, a few other objects came into focus:
The car seat in the back seat.
Happy Meal toys spread all over the floorboard.
A partially eaten doughnut on the dashboard.

Faster than you can say ginkgo biloba, I flew out of the alien vehicle.

Moments later I was speeding out of the parking lot, relieved to finally be leaving this nightmarish stop in my life. That is when I felt it, deep in the bowels of my stomach: hunger! My stomach growled and churned, and I reached to grab my burrito, only it was nowhere to be found.

I swung the truck around, gathered my courage, and strode back into the restaurant one final time. There Elmo stood, draped in youth and black nail polish. All I could think was, "What is the world coming to?"
All I could say was, "Did I leave my food and drink in here"? At this point I was ready to ask a Boy Scout to help me back to my vehicle, and then go straight home and apply for Social Security benefits.

Elmo had no clue. I walked back out to the truck, and suddenly a young lad came up and tugged on my jeans to get my attention. He was holding up a drink and a bag. His mother explained, "I think you left this in my truck by mistake."
I took the food and drink from the little boy and sheepishly apologized.

She offered these kind words: "It's OK. My grandfather does stuff like this all the time."
All of this is to explain how I got a ticket doing 85 in a 40 mph zone. Yessss, I was racing some punk kid in a Toyota Prius. And no, I told the officer, I'm not too old to be driving this fast.

As I walked in the front door, my wife met me halfway down the hall. I handed her a bag of cold food and a $300 speeding ticket. I promptly sat in my rocking chair and covered up my legs with a blankey.

The good news was I had successfully found my way home.

Pass this on to the other "old fogies" on your list (so they can have fun laughing, too).
Notice the larger type? That's for those of us who have trouble reading.

P.S. Save the earth...... It's the only planet with chocolate!!!!!

VALENTINE'S Day CARDS and MORE

2012-01-19T07:11:00.000-05:00

Seems I'm getting ready early but thought I'd better post before I get too busy and forget again....Here’s a whole bunch of free printable Valentine’s Day cards and more, found on the internet. These are not just for kids, but for us big people too. Check them out and see what you can come up with for your valentine. Also remember to Put on your pop up blocker (what can I say, Most freebies have pop ups). Get your printer ready and print to your hearts content. (lol!) Happy Valentines! - Grandma Peaches

Crazy For Design   Superhero Valentine Cards - Fun for the Superhero in your life.(PDF FILE)

Mmm Crafts!   Wood you B Mine? Valentine card - Features a Squirrel on a wood looking card.

DLTK's Printable Valentine's Day Cards
Several variety of cards that Includes favorites such as Blues Clues, Pokemon, PowerPuff Girls, SpongeBob and more.
DLTK's custom Cards - custom make your own cards.
DLTK's Money Cards - for that special someone. Go to Custom cards for the valentine theme.

Free Printable Valentines. Net Valentine Cards   - You must accept the Terms of Use and then push the button to print out on PDF format

Activity Village Printable Valentine's Day Cards - With Angels, Bears, monster and Hearts. .(PDF FILE) There are more from this site. Gingham heart Valentine Cards ; and Mini Valentine Cards .(PDF FILE)

Valentine’s day cards       - Large variety of Valentine’s day cards to choose from.

MES Free Printable Valentine's Day Cards - A large selection of Customizable cards

Creativity Portal Printable Valentine's Day Cards .(PDF FILE)

Hoover Web design Printable Valentines Day Card Template .(PDF FILE)

Free Printable . Com Printable Valentines - Several variety of customizable cards , Quarter fold cards, Recipe cards, and more.

Free Kids Crafts - Printable Valentine Cards   - Six “Be Mine” cards with hearts

Tip Junkie Printable Vintage Valentine - Vintage looking Valentine’s Greetings a Bird sending message.

Free Valentine Day Cards For Print - These cards look like postcards.

Fresh Home free valentine’s day card printable - (PDF FILE) Vintage looking Valentine’s Greetings with Birds and hearts

Buttoned Up Free Printable Valentine’s Day Cards - You are the … Milk to my cookies, Peanut butter to my jelly, bacon to my eggs, coffee to my doughnut. Cute!

Disney Family Fun Printable Valentine's Day Cards - Several adorable valentines to print. There is more on this site for Valentines.   Puppy Photo Card for Mom       Heart Pop-Up Card         Cupid Card for Valentine's Day      Printable Valentine's Day Cards         Puppy Card for Valentine's Day
Cards to Print          Conversation Hearts for Valentine's Day
Printable Valentine's Day Cards - as well as black and white cards that you can color… Valentine's Day Card to Color Valentine's Day Cards to Print   also a Valentine's Day Card Holder

Printable Valentine Cards for Kids - vintage looking cards with Kittens.

MAKING FRIENDS Printable Valentine’s day cards   and more

Sometimes it takes just that special touch… These Valentine’s come in a variety of useable items

Such as :

BOOKMARKS

Valentine Bookmarks from Activity Village

DLTK's customized Bookmarks just like the cards you can make your own for Valentine's.

Owl Valentine Bookmarks from Living Locurto
Family Portal Valentine’s Bookmark Cards

Family Shopping Bag Mickey’s Valentine bookmarks and while you’re here pick up other valentine bookmarks.

PAPER DOLLS
Paper Dolls for Kids has Valentine clothing you can print out with your doll to give to that special little girl.

Joan Walsh Anglund Valentine paper dolls - That lucky little girl will love these.

Free Printable Paper Doll Valentine - This is a restored version of a circa 1960 Valentine, copyrighted by Forget-Me-Not Publishing

Millie the Paper Doll - Millie the Mouse has a Valentine’s day outfit.

Vintage Valentine Paper Doll Postcard Printable

Polly Pratt had a valentine Give it time to load on the Wayback machine.

Valentine Paper dolls from the Rice Babies

AND THAT'S HOW THE FIGHT STARTED

2012-01-13T15:04:00.000-05:00

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive.... so, I took her to a gas station.
And that's how the fight started…
****

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.
The woman said, "Unbutton your shirt." So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, "That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me" and she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.
She said, "You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too." And that's how the fight started...
****

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife asked, "Do you know her?"
"Yes," I sighed, "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since."
"My God!" said my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
And that's how the fight started...
****

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny?
Yeah, well I couldn't believe it.... he was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, "I AM NOT HAPPY!!!"
So, I looked down at him and said, "Well then, which one are you?"
And that's how the fight started...

Where do Red-Headed babies come from????

2012-01-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

After their baby was born, the panicked father went to see the Obstetrician. 'Doctor,' the man said, 'I don't mind telling you, but I'm a little upset because my daughter has red hair. She can't possibly be mine!!'
'Nonsense,' the doctor said'.
'Even though you and your wife both have black hair, one of your ancestors may have contributed red hair to the gene pool.'
'It isn't possible,' the man insisted.'????? ?'This can't be, our families on both sides had jet-black hair for generations.'
'Well,' said the doctor, 'let me ask you this. How often do you have sex??? '
The man seemed a bit ashamed . 'I've been working very hard for the past year. We only made love once or twice every few months.'
'Well, there you have it!' The doctor said confidently.
'It's rust.'

ONLY PEOPLE WITH PETS WOULD FULLY UNDERSTAND

2012-01-13T14:40:00.001-05:00

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door.
Dear Dogs and cats,
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate of food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the least.
The stairway was not designated by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years-canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog's or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!
To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:
To all Non-pet owners who visit & like to complain about our pets
1. They live here. You do not
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you it's an animal. To me he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Remember:
Dogs and cats are better than kids because they
1. Eat less
2. Don't ask for money all the time.
3. Are easier to train.
4. Usually come when called.
5. Never drive your car.
6. Don't hang out with drug using friends.
7. Don't smoke or drink.
8. Don't have to worry about having to buy the latest fashions.
9. Don't wear your clothes.
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college.
And... 11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.

Handle every Stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it, Pee on it and walk away.

DEAR ABBY ADMITTED SHE WAS AT A LOSS TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING!

2012-01-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

*Dear Abby, A couple of women moved in across the hall from me. One is a middle-aged gym teacher and the other is a social worker in her mid twenties. These two women go everywhere together and I've never seen a man go into or leave their apartment. Do you think they could be Lebanese?

* Dear Abby, What can I do about all the Sex, Nudity, Fowl Language and Violence On My VCR?

*Dear Abby, I have a man I can't trust. He cheats so much, I'm not even sure the baby I'm carrying is his.

*Dear Abby, I am a twenty-three year old liberated woman who has been on the pill for two years. It's getting expensive and I think my boyfriend should share half the cost, but I don't know him well enough to discuss money with him.

*Dear Abby, I've suspected that my husband has been fooling around, and when confronted with the evidence, he denied everything and said it would never happen again.

* Dear Abby, Our son writes that he is taking Judo. Why would a boy who was raised in a good Christian home turn against his own?

*Dear Abby, I joined the Navy to see the world. I've seen it. Now how do I get out?

*Dear Abby, My forty year old son has been paying a psychiatrist $50.00 an hour every week for two and a half years. He must be crazy.

*Dear Abby, I was married to Bill for three months and I didn't know he drank until one night he came home sober.

*Dear Abby, My mother is mean and short tempered I think she is going through mental pause.

*Dear Abby, You told some woman whose husband had lost all interest in sex to send him to a doctor. Well, my husband lost all interest in sex and he is a doctor. Now what do I do?

These are Memphis, TN's REAL 911 Calls!

2012-01-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

Dispatcher : 9-1-1 What is your emergency?
Caller: I heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the brown house on the corner.
Dispatcher: Do you have an address?
Caller: No, I have on a blouse and slacks, why?

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What is your emergency?
Caller : Someone broke into my house and took a bite out of my ham and cheese sandwich .
Dispatcher : Excuse me?
Caller : I made a ham and cheese sandwich and left it on the kitchen table and when I came back from the bathroom, someone had taken a bite out of it.
Dispatcher : Was anything else taken?
Caller : No, but this has happened to me before and I'm sick and tired of it!

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What is the nature of your emergency?
Caller: I'm trying to reach nine eleven but my phone doesn't have an eleven on it.
Dispatcher: This is nine eleven.
Caller: I thought you just said it was nine-one-one
Dispatcher: Yes, ma'am nine-one-one and nine-eleven are the same thing.
Caller: Honey, I may be old, but I'm not stupid.

Dispatcher: 9-1-1 What's the nature of your emergency?
Caller: My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart.
Dispatcher: Is this her first child?
Caller: No, you idiot! This is her husband!

Dispatcher: 9-1-1
Caller: Yeah, I'm having trouble breathing. I'm all out of breath. Darn....I think I'm going to pass out.
Dispatcher: Sir, where are you calling from?
Caller: I'm at a pay phone. North and Foster.
Dispatcher: ! Sir, an ambulance is on the way. Are you an asthmatic?
Caller: No
Dispatcher: What were you doing before you started having trouble breathing?
Caller: Running from the Police.

Patton staggered home very late

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Patton staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Kathleen.

He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful.

Managing not to yell, Patton sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding.
He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.

He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed..

In the morning, Patton woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Kathleen staring at him from across the room.

She said, 'You were drunk again last night weren't you?'

Patton said, 'Why you say such a mean thing?'

'Well,' Kathleen said, 'it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly ....... it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

AIDS WARNING !

2012-01-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

To all of you approaching 50 or have REACHED 50 and past, this is especially for you......... ..
SENIOR CITIZENS ARE THE NATION'S LEADING CARRIERS OF AIDS!
HEARING AIDS BAND AIDS ROLL AIDS WALKING AIDS MEDICAL AIDS
GOVERNMENT AIDS MOST OF ALL, MONETARY AID TO THEIR KIDS!
Not forgetting HIV (Hair is Vanishing)

(another funny sent to me by email)

NUN AT THE AIRPORT

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Email funny)
A NUN WAS SITTING AT THE AIRPORT, WAITING FOR HER FLIGHT TO MELBOURNE..
SHE LOOKED OVER IN THE CORNER AND SAW ONE OF THOSE WEIGHT MACHINES THAT TELLS YOUR FORTUNE AND THOUGHT TO HERSELF, 'I'LL GIVE IT A TRY AND SEE WHAT IT TELLS ME.'
SHE WENT OVER TO THE MACHINE, STEPPED UP ON THE SCALE AND PUT HER COIN IN, OUT CAME A CARD THAT READ, 'YOU ARE A NUN, YOU WEIGH 70KG, AND YOU ARE GOING TO MELBOURNE.'
THE NUN SAT BACK DOWN. SHE TOLD HERSELF THAT THE MACHINE PROBABLY GIVES THE SAME CARD TO EVERYONE. THE MORE SHE THOUGHT ABOUT IT THE MORE CURIOUS SHE GOT SO SHE
DECIDED TO TRY IT AGAIN SHE WENT BACK TO THE MACHINE AND AGAIN PUT HER COIN IN, AND OUT CAME A CARD THAT READ:
'YOU ARE A NUN, YOU WEIGH 70KG, YOU ARE GOING TO MELBOURNE AND YOU ARE GOING TO PLAY A VIOLIN.'
THE NUN SAYS TO HERSELF, 'I KNOW THAT IS WRONG - I HAVE NEVER PLAYED A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT EVEN ONCE IN MY LIFE.' SHE SAT BACK DOWN.
FROM OUT OF NOWHERE A MAN CAME OVER AND SAT DOWN, PUTTING
HIS VIOLIN CASE ON THE SEAT BETWEEN THEM.
WITHOUT THINKING, SHE OPENED THE MAN'S CASE, TOOK OUT THE VIOLIN, AND STARTED PLAYING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
SURPRISED AT WHAT SHE HAD DONE, SHE LOOKED OVER AT THE MACHINE, THINKING, 'THIS IS INCREDIBLE, I'VE GOT TO TRY THIS AGAIN.'
BACK TO THE MACHINE SHE WENT, PUT IN ANOTHER COIN, AND ANOTHER CARD CAME OUT. IT READ, 'YOU ARE A NUN, YOU WEIGH 70KG ,YOU ARE GOING TO MELBOURNE AND YOU ARE GOING TO BREAK WIND.' NOW SHE KNOWS THE MACHINE IS WRONG ,AS SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF, 'I'VE NEVER BROKEN WIND IN PUBLIC A SINGLE TIME IN MY LIFE.' BUT GETTING DOWN OFF THE MACHINE SHE SLIPPED, AND AS SHE WAS STRAINING TO KEEP HERSELF FROM FALLING TO THE FLOOR, SHE BROKE WIND..
ABSOLUTELY STUNNED, SHE SAT BACK DOWN AND LOOKED AT THE MACHINE. SHE SAID TO HERSELF, 'THIS IS TRULY REMARKABLE. I'VE GOT TO TRY THIS AGAIN.
SHE WENT BACK TO THE MACHINE,PUT IN ANOTHER COIN AND ANOTHER CARD CAME OUT.
IT READ: 'YOU ARE A NUN, YOU WEIGH 70KG, YOU HAVE FIDDLED AND FARTED AROUND AND MISSED YOUR FLIGHT TO MELBOURNE

Florida Court Sets Atheist Holy Day!

2012-01-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

(Email sharing again)
In Florida, an atheist created a case against Easter and Passover Holy days.
He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"
The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.."
The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."
The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."
The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.
Court is adjourned.."; You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

HOW IS NORMA?

2012-01-12T09:16:00.002-05:00

(Another Email Share)

A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 's Hospital.
She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?"
The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear.
What's the name and room number of the patient?"
The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay, Room 302."
The operator replied, "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room."
After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said,
"I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well.
Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal and
her physician, Doctor Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow."
The grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good news."
The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"
The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me shit."
TRUE STORY

SO, HOW DID YOU BREAK YOUR ARM ?

2012-01-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

{From my EMAIL and just had to share}
Even if you aren't a skier, you'll be able to appreciate the humor of the slopes as written by a New Orleans paper: A friend just got back from a holiday skiing trip to Utah with the kind of story that warms the cockles of anybody's heart.
Conditions were perfect...12 below, no feeling in the toes, basic numbness all over...the "Tell me when we're having fun" kind of day.
One of the women in the group complained to her husband that she was in dire need of a rest room. He told her not to worry, that he was sure there was relief waiting at the top of the lift in the form of a powder room for female skiers in distress. He was wrong, of course, and the pain did not go away.
If you've ever had nature hit its panic button in you, then you know that a temperature of 12 below doesn't help matters. With time running out, the woman weighed her options. Her husband, picking up on the intensity of the pain, suggested that since she was wearing an all-white ski outfit, she should go off in the woods and no one would even notice. He assured her, "The white will provide more than adequate camouflage."
So she headed for the tree line, began lowering her ski pants and proceeded to do her thing. If you've ever parked on the side of a slope, then you know there is a right way and wrong way to set your skis so you don't move.
Yup, you got it! She had them positioned the wrong way. Steep slopes are not forgiving...even during the most embarrassing moments. Without warning, the woman found herself skiing backward, out-of-control, racing through the trees...somehow missing all of them and onto another slope. Her derriere and the reverse side were still bare, her pants down around her knees, and she was picking up speed all the while.
She continued backwards, totally out-of-control, creating an unusual vista for the other skiers. The woman skied back under the lift and finally collided violently with a pylon.
The bad news was that she broke her arm and was unable to pull up her ski pants. At long last her husband arrived, putting an end to her nudie show, then summoned the ski patrol. They transported her to a hospital.
While in the emergency room, a man with an obviously broken leg was put in the bed next to hers. "So, how'd you break your leg?" she asked, making small talk.
"It was the stupidest thing you ever saw," he said. "I was riding up this ski lift and suddenly, I couldn't believe my eyes! There was this crazy woman skiing backward, out-of-control, down the mountain, with her bare bottom hanging out of her pants. I leaned over to get a better look and fell out of the lift." ....
"So, how'd you break your arm"?

Grandma and Grandpa's blog

2011-09-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

Okay so I (Grandma) usually post since Grandpa doesn't know too much about a computer. Anyways, I wanted to let anybody who does read my post that I have another blog. Not that I can even keep up with one. But perhaps soon I will. I have been creating some things and should be posting them. Just haven't got it done yet. Here's my new address for my other blog: http://gmapeaches.wordpress.com/
Please come and visit there too.

Inside my apartment

2011-07-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

One of my daughters that live up north wanted to see how the inside of my apartment looked. So I took a few pictures. You must remember that we are still moving in so some rooms are a little messy right now. It'll take time before I can figure out where to put things.

Here's the kitchen.

The desk area off of the kitchen

The living room

and bedroom

New Apartment

2011-07-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Saturday, July 23 we went to sign papers and they gave us the keys immediately. Yeah.. I was so excited. So for the past few days we've been moving in little by little. We almost have everything moved in. The place is really nice, just hoping I don't feel like an "OLD" lady. Even though it's for 55 and up, I see more elderly here..Perhaps the others don't get out to see each other. I'm still hoping to meet people closer to my age. One person told me that most the people that live here are living on Social Security or Disability. My husband and I aren't living off of either. Although I probably could apply, we live off his military retirement and his part time through a temp agency...which might become permanent employment. I had to sign a paper showing that I don't work or make any income....just shows how poor I really am. Here's the beginning of some pictures.. This first picture is right outside my front door. My daughter's boyfriend put my fountain in the atrium. I don't know if he was suppose to but it looks so pretty there. This is the view from my front door.

The atrium is ran by a lady who says she has lived here for 8 years. She keeps it really nice and says if I want I can plant in the garden but anything I plant becomes the property of the apartment. Haven't decided if I want to give up my plants. I may put them on my back porch and leave the front for the fountain.

Here's another view of the Atrium

I'll post more as I get acquainted with the place.

THE MOVE

2011-07-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

In a few weeks, Grandma and Grandpa will be moving to a community of people aged 55 and up. I don’t know if I’ll be back on for a while, before and after the move. But when I do, I (Grandma) plan on keeping a daily log of my new experiences. This way others will know what it’s like to live in a community like this. I’m curious. I was told it would be like living in a small town. There are over 250 units in this building. A coffee room, a dining room, DVD and VHS library, A large book library, An exercise room, A beauty salon, A junior size swimming pool, a small playground for the grand kids. There is also a number of activities to get involved with.. Crafts, Sit and Fit, dancing and parties. Sounds pretty interesting. Grandpa and I were very impressed with the place. I’m hoping to make some new friends since it’s been a lonely two years living in a new town.
We also waiting to hear if Grandpa got the job at the university. If so then It may not take long before I’m back and able to let you know how things are going…meanwhile, take care!

PLAY DOUGH FUN

2011-06-26T08:44:00.001-04:00

I’m all about playing with your child and having fun. Yes, Grandmas and Grandpas, you too can revert back to your childhood and play with your Grandchildren. Your never too old to have fun. It creates those special memories for your child. It’ll keep them wanting to spend that special time with their Grandparents.

Oh Parents, that also includes you. Spend time with your child now…give them that extra attention. It helps them know that you love and care for them and will give them a feeling of security. Make some time for family fun or even individual attention for one child a week (or month). Let your child know that they are important enough to you when you make time for them.

Homemade play dough can be introduced to your child around 2 years of age.. I think it’s always best to have adult supervision, especially this young.
Get out some tools that are just their size. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open at garage sales and discount stores for some inexpensive gadgets. Here’s a list of some things you can use to play with play dough

Child size rolling pins   (I’ve seen them sold for around $8.00, if you wish to invest in one.) or a dowel.
popsicle sticks.
Plastic knives
Dental floss or yarn, also used for cutting.
Cookie cutters
Garlic press
Old toothbrush
Potato masher
Pastry wheel
Meat ball tongs or melon scoop.
Glitter (be careful not to get in your eyes) can be kneeded into the dough.

For Christmas, add mint extract to the different colors….Green - Spearmint, Red - peppermint, White - wintergreen…..

Get creative and find some things around your house to use.   Most of these recipes are non edible. But most of the ingredients won’t harm a child if accidentally swallowed. It just might not taste good. If your worried your child will put it in their mouth use the edible dough. Most of all, just have fun.

NON EDIBLE PLAY DOUGH RECIPES

Basic Play dough
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp cream of tartar
½ cup salt
1 to 2 Tbsp cooking oil
1 cup water
Food coloring or dye…(you can even use the left over egg dye after dipping your Easter eggs.)
Mix flour, cream of tartar, and salt in a pan. Mix desired coloring with water, add with oil to dry mixture. Cook over medium heat until thick. Mix in coloring later if preferred.

Cooked Play dough Recipe
2 cups of plain flour
1 Tbsp. of cooking oil
1 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups of colored water
1 cup of salt
Place all of the ingredients in a medium size or large pan. Cook slowly on medium-high and stir it until the play dough thickens. Keeps best in the fridge in plastic containers
Takes less than 10 minutes

Cream of Tarter Play dough Recipe
2 cups of plain flour
2 cups of colored water
1 Tbsp. of cooking oil
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 cup of salt
Place all of the ingredients in a medium size or large pan. Cook slowly on medium-high and stir it until the play dough thickens. Keeps best in the fridge in plastic containers. This is similar to the traditional play dough recipe.
This recipe takes less than 10 minutes.

Kool-Aid Play dough
This is a super fast and easy recipe. With any of the Kool-Aid recipes the dough will be the color of the Kool-Aid mix and will smell like the Kool-Aid mix. Imagine the possibilities. Lime, Lemon, Grape, Orange, Strawberry, Cherry, Punch, etc.
If this play dough gets sticky after a period of non-use, add flour and knead until it's back to good condition.
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
1 ½ Tbsp cooking oil
1 small package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1 cup boiling water

Mix flour, salt, oil and Kool-Aid. Add boiling water; stir and knead until cooled and smooth. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container. This lasts well for a couple of months if stored in the fridge in a plastic bag.

Kool-Aid Play dough with Cream of Tartar
This play dough, if stored in an airtight container in the fridge will last months( up to 6 months ).
1 cup flour
1 cup water
½ cup salt
2 -3 tsp cream of tartar
1 small package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1 Tbsp cooking oil

Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Slowly add the water mixed with oil and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to dough. Let cool a few minutes and then knead until smooth.

Kool-Aid Play dough with Alum
2 ½ cup flour
½ cup salt
1 Tbsp Alum
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1 to 2 Tbsp cooking oil
2 cups boiling water
      Mix all together and knead well.

Gluten-Free Play dough
½ cup rice flour
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cooking oil
Food coloring, if desired
    Mix ingredients(except food coloring). Cook and stir on low heat for 3 minutes or until it forms a ball. Cool completely before storing in a sealed plastic bag. Food coloring can be added after cooled.

Alum Play dough
2 tablespoons of alum
2 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1 cup of water
2 tablespoons of oil
a few drops of any food coloring you wish
    Pour the dry ingredients into a pan and stir. Then, stir your food coloring and oil and water together. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients carefully while you mix them together. Afterwards, you will need to knead the mixture. This recipe is best stored in plastic containers in the fridge

Berry Play dough
Bag of desired berries
1 cup of salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 cups of flour
Boil the berries in 3-4 cups of water until they open up and color the water. Pour two cups of the water through a strainer to remove any berries. Allow the water to cool a bit.
Combine the dry ingredients in a non-stick pan. Then add the water and oil. Stir well until smooth. While still stirring, cook the mixture on medium heat until a ball forms. It should take approximately 4 minutes.
Place the dough on a lightly floured board and let it cool some more. Then kneed until smooth.

JELL-O Play dough
1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup of water
1 Tbsp cooking oil
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry. Allow the dough to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or plastic bag.

Coffee Play Dough Recipe
2 cups of used coffee grounds (dry)
A Half cup of salt
1 and a half cups of cornmeal
warm water
Mix all of the dry ingredients and slowly add warm water to get it slightly wet.

Gingerbread Play Dough Recipe
Mmm! Smells like Gingerbread cookies.
1 Cup flour
½ Cup Salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Spices - Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Nutmeg
Mix the dry ingredients all together. Add small amounts the spices you prepared to the mix until it smells great. Mix water and oil in a separate bowl, then mix together both bowls into a large pan. It needs to cook for two to three minutes, or until it is dough-like

Microwave Play dough Recipe
1 cup water
1 Cup flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 Tbsp cooking oil
½ Cup Salt
Food coloring
Mix all of the ingredients, except for the food color. Microwave it for about one minute and stir. Cook for about 30 more seconds. Keep repeating until the play dough is dough-ish. Knead the play dough and place the food coloring in. Its that simple!

Oatmeal Play dough Recipe
1 cup of Flour
any color of Food coloring
1 cup of Water
2 cups of Oats
Stir together the dry ingredients and mix food coloring and water gradually.

Pumpkin Pie Play dough Recipe
5 and a half cups of flour
8 teaspoons cream of tartar
¾ Cup oil
4 cups of water
1 and a half ounces of canned pumpkin pie spice
2 cups of salt
food coloring (preferably orange, or yellow and red make orange.. Test colors)
Mix all ingredients together in a heavy bottomed sauce pan and cook over medium heat. Heat until the play dough is doughy.

Rubbery Play dough
2 cups baking soda
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup cornstarch
Mix with a fork until smooth. Boil over medium heat until thick. Spoon onto plate or wax paper.

Oatmeal Playdough
1 cup flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 cup water
Gradually add water to flour and oatmeal in bowl. Knead until mixed (this playdough is sticky, but unique in texture.) Model as with clay.
Tip: Add cornmeal or coffee grounds in small quantity for texture.

EDIBLE PLAY DOUGH RECIPES
After you are done making things out of your play dough, you can eat them. These recipes are 100% edible and can be eaten immediately.

Peanut Butter Play dough
1 jar (18 oz. ) peanut butter
6 tsp honey
non-fat dry milk or milk plus flour to make desired consistency
Mix all together. Can decorate with raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, etc

Peanut Butter Play dough Recipe
3 and a half cups peanut butter
4 cups of dry milk powder
4 cups of sugar
3 and a half cups of honey
Mix together peanut butter and the sugar, and beat in honey and milk powder. This recipe takes about 12 minutes and is a nice change from traditional play dough

Alternative to Peanut Butter Play dough
This is good for kids who want the peanut butter play dough but are allergic to milk found in other peanut butter play dough recipes
½ cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp honey
½ cup flour
Mix all together

Comics for Seniors

2011-06-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

How Dinosaurs became extinct

2011-06-06T15:08:00.000-04:00

How Dinosaurs became extinct
(The very first "senior moment".....?)

Getting ready for Valentines

2011-02-02T16:14:00.001-05:00

My grandson and I made Valentine cards yesterday. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera available. We've been having power outages today and it's been a little difficult to be on the computer for very long at a time. At least I'm not snowed in like some of my children are. For those who are snowed in now would be a good time to get out your crafts and start decorating for Valentines.

Get out your red and pink construction paper, paint, crayons, pens and pencils and just get creative.

LOVE MONTH

2011-02-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

This month I'll be concentrating on Love, Romance and Valentine's. Today, I would like to invite you to tune into a contemporary Christian radio station “K-LOVE”. You can listen online, even if you can't find or listen in your area. What better way to start off a new month then with God's Love. My hope is that you have received Christ as your Savior and if not that you will search your heart to find him. There is no greater Love then God's Love!

Grandma and flare ups.

2011-01-29T10:29:00.000-05:00

My fibromyalgia is acting up again. I'm having a difficult time right now. Thursday I barely bumped my hand against the stove handle and it put my hand in terrible pain. I'm still in pain today from that. Not sure what all is causing my flare ups but my body feels like its on fire and my hands are extremely swollen. Even my feet and ankles want to go out on me. My husband hasn't been able to give me a back massage like he usually does every night because he goes to bed too early for me, due to his new work schedule. I wonder if that's why it's acting up. It's going to be hard watching Grandchildren this week. I sometimes wonder how many think I'm a hypochondriac. This is real pain. If you don't know enough about Fibromyalgia, educate yourself. And please learn that it's not just widespread pain but other health issues are involved Unfortunately I can't predict how I'm going to feel from one day to the next. I hate flare ups. They make me sound like a complainer. But the pain I go through most people can't understand. I try hard to stay away from expensive medicines the doctor wants to put me on. They usually only add to my problems. I think I have enough problems without the added ones. If I keep ahead of it "Advil" or "Aleeve" will work. I did hear that it's suppose to rain on Thursday. That also might be the cause of my flare up. I'm not sure when I'll be on here to post. But forgive me ahead of time if I don't post for awhile. I'll try hard to post as soon as I'm able.

This week at the Grocery Store

2011-01-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd let you know how well we saved this week. Our local grocery store doesn't double coupons but I still seemed to save a little this week. I bought a couple of woman's necessities, not that I need them but like to have them on hand for when others come to visit. Regular Stayfree Maxi pads cost 2.82 and I had a coupon for 1.00 off which made them 1.82. I also bought a couple of packages of Carefree mini pads (panty liners) They cost 92 cents but with a 50 cent coupon that brought them down to 42 cent a piece. Wow! Ed saw a Marie Callendar's Pumpkin pie on sale for 1.84 and we had a coupon for 1.00 off. That means we bought a full size pumpkin pie for 84 cents. WOW! Not that it'll help my diet but that was another good deal. We also found some SNUGGLE fabric softner on sale for 1.89 and had a coupon for 50 cents. @ 1.39 still is a good price. There were more good deals. Our total savings this week was $24.72. off of around $75.00 Just hoping to do a little better on my next shopping trip. I just love getting good deals! Maybe I'll have to travel to find a store that doubles coupons.

COUPONS!

2011-01-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

Wow! I sure don't seem to have much to say since the Holidays. I guess I'm just not in my normal routine yet. Sometimes I watch my grandchildren during the day but it's not everyday. Then there are the days my husband is home and we become too busy on his day off that other things get put to the wayside like this blog.

Speaking of my husband he got another call yesterday that this is his last week at his job. But hoping that they already have something else lined up for him. He works through a job agency. Problem is they only want temporary workers. Meanwhile I'm at home watching my grandchildren and trying to figure how to pay bills with little money. That's where the grocery bill comes in...

For those who have never used a coupon in your life. I ask Why??? It WILL save you money. My daughter seems to remember how I used coupons when she was a child. I would roll around the store with her in the cart and teach her all about saving while using coupons for almost everything I bought. Somehow, I must have taught her how to save money. I remember years ago, when we rolled up to the checkout, I often amazed myself.

Just recently my daughter reminded me, I hadn't used coupons for quite awhile and could kick myself for not doing so. I think I used them when she was younger out of necessity. Well, necessity has hit again and I could really use the help on saving money. The other day I saved $25.00 on my grocery bill and that was without double coupons. That's pretty good but I know that I can do better with some extra planning. I found that the stores in this town doesn't have double coupons and that I might have to travel to another city to go shopping. We bought the Sunday paper and received some coupons from there. Also printed some from online. I found that some stores "stack" coupons, like Walgreens and CVS. So I plan to hit those stores this week. My daughter wants to plan a special trip to the grocery store that doubles coupons on her day off. I can't wait. I love saving money and it becomes a game of seeing how much one can save.

If you haven't been to a coupon site visit Coupons.com. There are plenty of other sites that also print out coupons. So Google “Printable Coupons” and see what you might find. There are also sites that teach you how to save money with coupons, if you've never done so before. Saving really is easy, but it takes practice and work to become one of those people who can spend very little to get tons of groceries for next to nothing. I'll keep in touch and let you know how our shopping trip goes this week.

Christmas In the Military

2010-12-07T09:22:00.002-05:00

You can't imagine how hard it is for those who have to be away from home while serving their country. And for the families who have to be separated from their loved ones. My husband served over twenty years and I know from experience how hard it is for the wives (and husbands) and children of those who are serving. The loneliness and hardships that they must endure are more than most realize. They truly are serving their country too, because when you marry someone in the Military then you also are married to the Military. My husband and I (with our 4 daughters) served our country well. My husband and I spent too many days apart, even to the point where we felt like strangers when we were back together. This is the reason for so many failed marriages in the Military but My husband and I pulled through those times as well as our children. We had “dates” to get re- acquainted and managed somehow to get to know each other again. We played with the children....hide and seek, built snowmen, had snowball fights, etc. anything for family fun to build the memories and enjoy our time while they were young. Oh I could go on...But I wanted to show you what I found. I came across this Free Santa Letter with Dad in Military. You can contact them if you wish your letter to be in another theme. It's a Free Printable and I'm sure there are children who would really appreciate this. And don't forget to write to someone in the Military. They would really appreciate a card from “home”. Even if you never hear back from them, rest assured, they really appreciate what you have done.

Merry Christmas!

Grandma's FRAME-ABLE ART

2010-11-12T17:22:00.001-05:00

Printable AREN'T JUST FOR CHILDREN, Adult will enjoy these Printable Art in their homes during the Holidays. Frame-able art to get your home in a Thanksgiving mood.

Frame -able Art is also cute as a place mat, or other decoration for Thanksgiving. It doesn’t even have to be framed. But it you want to preserve any of these pictures, you may want to laminate them by covering them in clear contact paper, so they don‘t get ruined.

And don’t forget those cute little clip art pictures that you can find on the web. Some are large enough to print just as they are. Look for ones that will look great in a frame, like old postcard or vintage pictures. You can enlarge them using a graphics program. Now doesn't that inspire you to get ready for Thanksgiving??

Seeing other printable art on the web inspired me to make my own. So the above picture is my creation. I can't say it's the greatest but I had fun making it and it should inspire me to perhaps make more in the future.

ENJOY! Grandma Peaches

Halloween costumes

2010-11-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

In our family, we often find costumes that can easily be made. My daughter and her family decided to dress up as the rock band "KISS" this year. I think it turned out pretty well, considering that they didn't spend too much money on their costumes.

Z had his face painted as "Demon Child". I think it turned out alright. Notice the spider man costume will be reuse as a rock band costume.

Here's Z again. This time in almost full costume. A breast shield is now across his chest, hides most of the Spider man costume.

B has his face painted with a star (STAR CHILD).

His costume was pretty simple. The belt was black felt painted with silver spray paint. His dad cut out the stars pattern and it's held in place with velcro.

Here's most of Z's costume. Notice the dragon shoes. The upper part of the dragon shoes never got done but next year we'll have to start sooner on making the costumes.

Here's the family picture. With dad as "Space man" and mom as "Cat". I think it turned out pretty good. Can't wait to start on next years costume!! Z entered the costume contest and won as "most creative", this year. Wow! He won something two years in a row. Now to figure out what to be next year...

Grandma's newest addition

2010-10-13T12:20:00.005-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted last. My youngest daughter had her baby. This one is grand baby number nine. I still have a hard time believing that I have that many grandchildren. But this one is just as special as the first. Yes I know he's laying on a pink blanket. That's the hospital's doings, not ours. He is a boy! And His name is Thiago Lee. As you can tell, My daughter likes unique names. This picture above is one of the first pictures taken of Thiago as they wheeled him out of the delivery room to the nursery. We met up with the nurses and the proud dad in the hall. We lifted his four year old brother up to see him but I don't think he was as thrilled as we were. He wanted to know where his mom was. Dad stood by his new son as they did all the testing that they do after the baby was born. He is quite the proud daddy!

Keeping Christ in your Christmas!

2009-12-16T10:07:00.007-05:00

Back when I was a Sunday school teacher in a Baptist Church in Torrance California. I remember around Christmas time we had a play entitled “Keep Christ in your Christmas”

The idea was “What would you say to someone who didn’t know about Christmas? Perhaps they never celebrated Christmas at all. Would you tell them about Santa and all the gifts he would bring? Or would you talk about Jesus and his gifts he gave to you? Would you tell them of his birth? What would you do?” Perhaps that person was from another planet and had no clue what Christmas was all about. This is how we came up with the idea for the Christmas play that year.

These 2nd and 3rd graders made it there plan to keep Christ in there Christmas. I can’t remember the song we sang but I do recall that at the end the play it didn’t go as we planned but it turned out even better. They each had a poster with the letters that spelled out “Christmas” And at the end they said “Keep Christ” (turning over that half) “ In your Christmas” but the second half were not in order and had switched without the teachers realizing it. It always gets the attention of an audience. But we got our message across.

That was the same year that Grandpa and I went shopping for our stocking stuffers in a Christian book store. We didn’t celebrate Santa. Santa wasn’t even talked about back then because I wanted my kids to know the real meaning of Christmas. It wasn’t about the gifts. It was about family. And I wonder how many of my grandchildren realize the real meaning today? We won’t be with them this year so I can’t share my stories with my grandchildren but I hope their mothers will tell them about the birth of Jesus.

Perhaps you and your kids can make a birthday cake for Jesus. Just don't forget that It's HIS day.

MERRY CHRISTmas!
GRANDMA PEACHES

Let’s Make today a positive day!

2009-10-30T10:20:00.004-04:00

I had a teacher years ago. She was a wonderful and very special lady. One day she told the class to give ourselves a hug. One thing you can’t escape is the person you have to live with for the rest of your life. She stretched out her hands then wrapped them around her body and said “I love me!” and we all followed suit. It was a lesson on learning to love ourselves. This is something I still have a hard time doing today.

I was reading an article on losing weight and it talked about how to stop thinking so negatively of yourself. It was suggested to Write down things you say to yourself, read it back. Is it negative? Negative self talk will bury your pain. Offer yourself the same encouragement you would give to a friend. “My, you look so beautiful today.” I bet it’ll be hard at first to say that to a mirror and it may feel artificial but try to catch yourself when you start to say something negative and change it into a positive.

I remember when I was younger my mom would sing. “Count your Blessings” when I would start to sound negative. So writing down the positive things in your life is a good way to look back and see all the good things that God has done for you.

I will leave you with part of the song “Count your blessings” while I sit and write positive things in my journal….

“ When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. “

May God Bless!!!

THE BIRD

2009-10-17T13:18:00.003-04:00

Well I found an excellent graphic editor and crop the picture so you could view. Now if only I could focus on my camera but all I could see was sun glare and couldn't really see when I tried to Zoom. Oh well...I'm thankful for editing tools.

Here's the bird picture that I tried to capture when we were on our nature walk at Aquarena Springs.

See how the bird posed for me. Maybe he was just curious to know what I was doing. Anyways, It's always nice to be around nature.

Texas!!

2009-10-17T06:52:00.004-04:00

We have finally settled into our apartment down in Texas. Now it's a matter of trying to adjust to a small city compared to a small town. If anyone knows me, they know I don't prefer the fast pace of the city. I guess I'm a small town girl at heart.

One thing I do enjoy is nature. So at least, I can enjoy the parks. So one day, back in September, Grandpa and I enjoyed a walk at Aquarena Springs.

I took a few pictures. It was a perfect day.

I don' t know if you can tell but there is a palm tree in the center of the picture.

And here we have one of the glass bottom boats. We didn't ride since we didn't have the money, but we plan on going back there someday.

In this picture, I was trying to take a picture of a bird. He even posed for me, but all you can see is the Wetlands. So until I can find some photo cropping material, all I have is this picture. It's still shows the beauty of nature.

Grandpa and I really enjoyed ourselves. We even went into the gift shop and gathered some pamplets of other places to visit in the area. We had better take advantage of the time Grandpa has before he starts going to work. Grandpa hasn't found work yet but is hoping to hear something next week. Meanwhile he's looking.

Make sure you take a day to stop and smell the roses. We all need a day like Grandpa and I enjoyed.

Making Plans

2009-07-01T07:48:00.003-04:00

Now that we are finally settled in our house we will be taking an extended trip down to Texas. Right now our plans are to stay for three weeks and or so to see if there are jobs down there and to get our youngest daughter settled into a place. In the mean time our oldest daughter will be at our home here. I don't think I'll be posting for awhile since I'm not sure if I'll have use of a computer or anything for a few weeks. Hopefully I will have some pictures when we get back.
Our plans are if thing work out then G and G Peaches will be moving to Texas.
Wish us luck!

More on the New Home

2009-05-28T07:53:00.004-04:00

Here are more pics of our new home. Looking at the side yard we have a view of the Cherry tree which now has some buds beginning to look like cherries. I wonder how good they would taste in a pie? Here is a view of our kitchen. It turned out a little dark. But we seem to have more cupboard space. After combining two households we really did have a lot of stuff and all of our things fit after a little bit of rearranging.

These closets are in Grandpa and Grandma's room. The upper cabinets are so tall that this "Grandma" had to stand on a step stool and it still was too high for me to reach the upper cabinets. Or is it because I'm just too short??? Oh well, I did love the fact that I had plenty of storage. I need every bit of space that was available.

And here's the other side of the room. Yes the room is small but I still love it anyways. It's a tight squeeze but I'll make it do. Perhaps later I'll let my oldest grandson sleep in here. But for now....Grandpa and I need the peace and quiet and a place to escape, despite the fact that it barely fits a full size bed.... At least this room has a door!

Here's our dining room looking towards the door to the kitchen. To the right side is the door to the small bedroom that "Grandma and Grandpa" use.

Perhaps sometime this summer I'll have an Open House Party. I'll try to get some pictures of the house now that we're all moved in. Right now my oldest daughter is using my camera and I haven 't seen it for awhile. I guess she didn't realize I use it too.

NEW HOME

2009-05-28T06:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. Been busy with moving and now have 5 grandchildren and a daughter living with us so my schedule has changed. I love our new home. It might not be much to look at but it's really big and nice inside and I have plenty of relatives and friends that live near me. I can't wait to have a karaoke party this summer.

I'll show you the upstairs first. This is the kid's bedroom. We have a bunk and a twin in here now.

Here's my daughter's bedroom. She has room enough to have not only her bed but her TV and computer with two desk in this room. It even fits her big chair.

As you come down the stairs we have this interesting round window. The kids love to sit and look out at the birds and "spy" on the neighbors.

This is our large living room. We have a large sectional in here and it's big enough for parties.

Here it is from the other direction towards the stairs. You can even get a glimpse of the round window on the stairs from this angle. I'll add more pictures in another post later today.

Need your Prayers

2009-03-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

Having a hard time with things right now. I very emotional and am going through depression. Yeah, it's probably my change. I am going to be 50 next month.
My youngest moved down to Texas. My husband left with her to help her with her move. He should be back tomorrow. She took our little Zehavi with her. It's going to be hard. Pray that God watches over her as she starts her adventure as a single mom away from home.
My oldest daughter moved downstairs from us, with her four children. Her basement flooded a few days ago. They finally have their heat on but I had them here one night. I can't explain all that's happening around here but keep my oldest in your prayers... She needs alot of them. She needs to make wiser choices.
I'm ready to run away from my kids (who are now all adults) and spend time with my husband. But for now, I plan on going to karaoke tonight and I'm taking one of my good friends. I hope it gives me enough time away before I go nuts.

Winter

2009-01-17T20:09:00.000-05:00

It's been cold but thankfully we have been doing well this winter season. I keep telling myself that spring is around the corner. Spring is my favorite time of year...everything is so fresh during that time. It got very cold on Thursday night, but it was 19 degrees today. That's a little warmer then it has been the past few days. Hoping everyone is staying warm!!

Gift Card Packages

2009-01-06T07:27:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went to a late Christmas Party for our Majik Karaoke family. We each were to bring one man and one woman's gift. Ed and I ended up buying a gift card for our exchange. I decided I wanted to show off the gift card and make things a little fancier so I came up with an idea. A Suitcase would look good for a man's gift card and a mini purse for a woman. So I got out my crafts and the sewing machine.....
Here's how they turned out.

The only thing different was that I put a tag on them. I should of taken just one more picture then we would of had the finished product but I thought it was a cute idea and had to share some of my crafts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm busy, busy, busy, during this season. I've been crafting all week. I'll be back to start my blog hopefully after the holidays, if things go well. Here's wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and the VERY BEST this NEW YEAR!

JEANNE

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

2008-11-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

I'll have to wait for pictures as alway since I don't have a camera yet. My camera died several months back but Rachel and Erica took several pictures and neither one have a computer to send them to me. Oh well, we had a really enjoyable time up to Erica's. It turned out well. With Grandpa and I, Our four daughter's with their guys, we counted 10 adult and 8 grandkids. Erica had a full house with the eighteen of us. The kids had a great time seeing their cousins. I took Erica's boys home with me so she could go shopping for Black Friday. I also promised Amber that I'd watch Zehavi, so she could shop too. (Both went to different cities in different directions.)

So, I had half my grandkids in my one bedroom apartment, last night, spending the night. But it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The only catastrophe was when the younger ones ran into each other last night and banged heads. Grandpa took one baby to soothe while I took the other. They didn't even have a bruise.

Finally, after the parents left with their kids, the house was quiet by the early afternoon. That's when Grandpa and I took a much needed nap. We aren't as young as we used to be. Those grandkids sure do make you tired!

BLESSINGS

2008-11-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

Count Your Blessings

"Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done"

What a great song for Thanksgiving! I remember my mom singing this when we seemed to sound ungrateful or seemed selfish. Mom passed away in 2000 and just a year before, I had lost my mother in law. Both wonderful women with positive attitudes. I have learned so much from their examples but sometimes I tend to easily forget. I need to keep that positive outlook. How else am I going to be an example to my children or grandchildren? Even though It's quite hard when I live with pain everyday due to Fibromyalgia. Besides, I know my mom lived with pain every day and even though, she seemed to shine right through it by keeping herself busy and happy. This winter seems to be a challenge as I tend to stay homebound due to the arthritis in my back, So yesterday I borrowed my daughter's stair stepper. Now, hopefully, I'll exercise a little more this winter, since I can't walk outside. Maybe somehow I can find the beauty in everyday things, just like my mom did. Perhaps I'll write myself a list of things that God has given me, just so I can remind myself. Here's hoping that your day is filled with God's many Blessings!

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T17:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who served!
My husband (Grandpa Peaches) has retired after 20 plus years in the Military. Part in the Marines and the rest in the Navy. He was in the Marines when we were married and left the Marines when our first daughter was about a year and half old. After a few months of having a hard time finding work and living in his parents home, He returned to the military but this time in the Navy. He served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and later on the USS Lewis B. Puller. It was a hard life but somehow we made it through. I'll have to write more about our Military life, when I have the time.
Grandma Peaches

Cold weather!

2008-11-11T06:49:00.000-05:00

I've caught a cold so haven't been out much this week. It's been pretty cold outside and I don't really want to get outside in this weather. It was 20 degrees when I woke up this morning.
And it's suppose to be a high of 45 degrees today which is a little warmer than it has been the past few days. I guess it's that time of the year. Not yet winter but it feels like it. Hope your day is warmer than mine.

Grandma Peaches

Just another Sunday

2008-11-02T16:09:00.001-05:00

Today's Quote

My best friend is the
one who brings out
the best in me. - Henry Ford

Sorry I haven't been posting. With Ed and Amber both layed off, I find my days filled with family right now. Amber has been over every day with Zehavi.

HALLOWEEN

2008-10-30T21:05:00.000-04:00

The other day Amber and I looked through the internet, hunting for Halloween costumes for Rachel's kids. It amazes me at how many good costumes can be easily made.
I've been working on costumes the past two days. Everyone seems to be so commercialized and really I still find that home made is so much better and more unique.. I remember one year Amber won the towns Halloween costume contest with an idea I found online. I wish I still had that picture of her but not sure if I do. It was an old lady carrying a baby, kind of like the pictues below...

If you never have thought about making your own costume, try getting some ideas online. You might find some free or cheap costumes of your own.
We also have been looking at Halloween foods online, but I opted for something more appetizing. I made Pizza the other night and shaped it into a pumpkin before adding the toppings and putting cheddar cheese on top rather than mozzarella. So much better than store bought.
Hope you all have a SAFE HALLOWEEN!

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN TIME:

2008-10-25T14:29:00.001-04:00

Hello Parents and Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, babysitter, etc…
Many times we can’t think of what do with our children. If you don’t have a child of your own, then borrow one to enjoy for a day. It will give them great memories and give parents a break.
Here are some Web pages that may help entertain your child.....

REMEMBER:
THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS AND PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER!
SO HAVE FUN!

1. Create a Scrapbook of your day together. Take a few pictures of your day. At the end of your day create a page or two with your child.

2. Visit the local pumpkin farm with the child to pick out his or her pumpkin.

3. Have a child help with a Halloween lunch or snack...Perhaps "Ants on a Log" (Celery with peanut butter and raisins) or other simple recipes.

4. Decorate a Pumpkin, let the child be creative. Let him/her draw the face on the pumpkin or perhaps paint the face. According to the age, you may want to help with the carving. Don’t forget to make a pumpkin for yourself. If the child is just too young for the pumpkin carving let him watch while you carve the pumpkin. Talk to the child and explain what you are doing as you create.

5. Create some Halloween Decorations.
Perhaps some Egg Carton Spiders to crawl up your wall.

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=10815

Or some white plastic grocery bag ghost to hang from your ceiling or doorways.
Let them help put up the Halloween Decorations.

6. Write a story together. I remember when Amber, my youngest, and I would sit and write scary stories together. She was so creative. But this can be a project the whole family can do.
Choose a character, perhaps a pumpkin or Candy corn to come alive. Create the setting, such as graveyard, haunted town, etc. Now tell the story… Then save your story in a scrapbook. It will be a great memory maker and can become a tradition for each year to look back at past creations.

7. Watch a Halloween Movie together. Many movies are kid friendly such as “Monsters Inc“.,
“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” or “HALLOWEENTOWN”. Pop some popcorn and serve with an orange drink. Maybe put in some black lights in your lamps for some special effects.

8. Go on a Nature Walk. Taking a walk through the woods or hiking on a trail brings back some good memories of my children growing up. Most children love collecting the leaves, rocks, pinecones and other pieces of natures to bring home and display. Put all your collection in a glass bowl when you get home for a great centerpiece.

9. Let’s play games such as “Clue” or “CANDYLAND”. The idea is to provide family time and can be lots of fun.

10. Or how about a Dance Party to songs such as “Monster Mash” The kids would enjoy watching the adults dance and yes they may think you’re crazy but they really will enjoy this time together. It will make some great memories. The younger they are the better. Younger ones seem to join in the dance.

Never under estimate the mind of a child. Some of my best ideas came from the children in my life. They are very creative. Ask them if they think it may look better here or there. Or if this looks better this way or should I do this. (It will also make them feel important.) Most of all just have fun.

Grandma and Grandpa Peaches

2008-10-14T08:03:00.001-04:00

Ok, let me tell you how we got the name, "Grandma and Grandpa Peaches". The name came about when one of my grandkids associated his grandparents with the dogs that they own, not by last names. Instead of Grandpa and Grandma H., We became "Grandpa and Grandma Peaches".
Such a cute way of associating Grandparents.

< Here's a Picture of "Peaches" by my side around Christmas 2007. Well, Back when my husband was in the military, he would write to me and his pet name for me was "Peaches". When my youngest daughter was living with us she acquired a little chihuahua that was already named. So when she asked if she could have a dog and after hearing her name was "Peaches", it was like she was meant to be here.

Peaches no longer lives with us, Since it was my daughter's dog, I told her she need to either take care of her or get rid of her. She opted for the later and found Peaches a new home, since my daughter was planning on moving out. At the time we were in the process of moving to a small space and wasn't even sure we could keep the dog.
I missed Peaches so bad that after she was gone, I got a dog for myself. We now have a Cockapoo we named "Fiesta". Sometimes I regret it because "Fiesta" or "Fee-Fee", as we call her, isn't anything like "Peaches". Yes, Now we are called "Grandma and Grandpa Fiesta". But may we forever be in the hearts of some of our grandkids as "Grandpa and Grandma Peaches"!
We now live in a small one bedroom apartment. No children, Nor Grandkids to raise. Yeah! Just my husband and I. It took 29 years of raising kids and grandkids but they are all on their own right now. Let's see how long this last!.....(They know where to come when they really need someone.)