Norman's Birthday Party

Susan and Paula fixing food and giving tours.

Paula

Bedroom---Mrs. Campeses in mirror

Family Room AKA 2nd bedroom 

Cookie and Paula looking out balcony

Outside Apartment

Dining Room and outdoor Pool

Indoor Pool

Christine and John

Susan

Bitsy and Marietta

Dorthy and Norman

Shelly and cousin Lisa

Uncle Norman turns 90 on his birthday, but this was a celebration of his strength in over-coming a stroke and illness this summer, too.  He and Bitsy moved into these beautiful Villas in O'Fallon, Mo this summer so we all got tours of their new home, too.  It was so good to see these good friends/cousins and their children.  Love them and so happy we got to see each other at a joyous occasion

Lamps

 I bought two matching lamps a few years ago from Target like the one above.  One has broken---no longer having an electrician in town, I was forced to give the broken one to Good Will and tried to find two new ones.
Moving the one good Target lamp to the sunroom, Rachel said she would take Grover's old lamp (which had been out there) for Kyle's study.

So I went to Pier One, World Market looking for new lamps---they were all made in China.  I decided to bite the bullet and go to a good furniture store where I just bought my Stickley (made in USA) sofa.  The only American made lamps they had ran $1500 EACH---a little over my budget.  The saleswoman suggested I try Craig's List. . .

Next, I went to a local lighting store.  When I told her I was looking for floor lamps not made in China, she said, "Then, I will have to show you the door."

My next stops were thrift stores---high and low end---nothing.

Finally, I looked on line and found two lamps which were not perfect, but. . .

They will do---solid, not terribly expensive and American-made.  But, it got me thinking of how few NEW lamps I have bought.

From Grover:

From Mom:

From yard sales:

Leah saw my new lamps and said, you aren't going to leave the cellophane  on them are you?  I laughed remembering how my mother kept it on for YEARS to save the shades.  But, then, that was a time when new furniture immediately got slip covers, too!

Happy Birthday, Brett

 Happy Birthday Brett---we went out to a local pub for dinner.

 Libby is decorating a placemat and obviously shocked Grandma knows how to take photos with her phone (left my camera at home)

 After returning home, Brett opened his gifts from the Warrens and

 From us.

 

 Then, he was sent on a "treasure hunt" to find the rest of his presents.

 Like a new whoopie cushion

 And a rocket!

 We lit the cookie cake, sang happy birthday and

 (rooted for the Cardinals)

And then. . . .I think Brett is starting to look like me don't you?

Grandparents' Day

 It was our first time to attend Grandparents' Day at St. Elizabeth's.  Kyle dropped me off with Libby in the Early Childhood Center, took the boys across the street to their school, then went home to pick Dave and Rachel up.

 Meanwhile, I got to help Libby (and the rest of the table) with their Halloween craft---a pumpkin with legs.

 While Kyle parked the car, I brought Libby over from ECC and Rachel went to get the boys, Dave reserved our pew space.

 
It always brings back memories of sitting in church with my Grandma and Grandpa Wicker.  Grandma always had mints, gum, a kleenex but more importantly a fluffy arm around us.  It is actually one of my favorite childhood memories.

 Davis gave the closing prayer thanking all of the grandparents for coming.

Then, we posed for a photo after mass.  Kyle got the car, picked up Dave while Rachel and I ran upstairs to the boys' classes to meet their teachers and see their friends.

 Davis had a wonderful portfolio of his work and a sweet card saying "Happy Grandparents' Day! My love for you grows and grows!" By the time we got to Brett's class, they'd begun presentations on "My Christening Day" and we didn't want to interrupt.

 On our way out the door, Rachel showed me the room she and a friend re-modeled into a reading nook.  (The tree Rachel made covers some pipes and ducts)

 After school, we met Miss Rochelle who is Brett's Behavior therapist---here he is rewarded with a bowling game.

The next day (Brett's birthday), our after school activity was going to Davis's guitar lesson.  He and his teacher played a duet for me!

We had a great Grandparents' Day!  I hope some day these kids have similar warm, fuzzy feelings for us like I have for my grandparents. Grandmothers: Vennie Watson Wicker with Vivian Maupin Long.  Grandfathers: Roy Milton Long with James Wesley Wicker.