As always, Christmas will be here before I feel like I am ready! With Tara's help I finally got a few cookies baked and decorated. Caramels and Opera Creams are done...now if the shopping and gift wrapping could magically complete themselves it would be fantastic. For some reason everything took me longer this year, I felt like I was in slow motion.

Grace and Tara were home today to get Grace's photos taken. She was tired and like a deer in headlights when we got there, but after she warmed up a bit she had her usual bright smile. I hope that she got some good ones!! I think that we took more stuff with us than we did for Tara's senior pictures !

Kelsie doesn't get off until the 22nd and goes back January 3. That certainly isn't enough time for me to get my fill. I miss having her around, but I'm sure that she will be ready to get back to school. She is studying for finals and I haven't spoken to her in a while...on the weather map it looks like they got quite a bit of snow, and she has a long walk to class...hope she is staying warm!

Carli is at the half-way point of PT school already! The time is flying. She had an appointment with Dr. Stallings in November and everything still looks good! He always discusses what chemo side effects to watch for, which puts the damper on things for me. I don't think that it bothers Carli, though, which is good. I always tell her it's my job to worry about her!! Hopefully now that she isn't in school I might see her from time to time. She wants to learn how to make caramels...we'll see how that goes :O)

Doing a musical for Christmas Eve with my choirs at church. The kids are so cute and learn things so quickly. They look so cute dressed as lambs, shepherds and angels.

Our kids will all be home for Christmas. Tara has to work the day after, and this is our year with Carli and Jeremy. I can't wait. Christmas morning is the most special time, opening gifts and having brunch together. I feel like a little kid when I think about it! THat is the thing that makes me sad when I think about getting older and my girls wanting to stay home with their families for Christmas morning.

I think often about those who have lost loved ones that they miss even more during the holidays. I miss my dad and baking him goodies. I am so thankful that we had great holidays when I was growing up. I don't know how my parents did it, but they made them really special. My dad would dress as Santa and hitch up our pony to the sleigh and take kids for rides. What fun!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas!

We had a wonderful time in Washington, DC this past weekend. My sister Susan's husband works there during the week and we took her so that she could visit for the week. We walked around the monuments on Friday, met Carli's friend Rachel for dinner that evening, and the only ones complaining were the adults! Grace never once cried the entire weekend. She is such a trooper!!

Saturday we walked the streets of Georgetown, had a great lunch and were really tired until we finally got back to the hotel.

Sunday we visited Amani Au Ju which is a store that sells items made by women in Nairobi that are learning the sewing trade. Many of these women are single and raising families, and are refugees from places like Rowanda. We had visited the Nairobi store when we were in Africa. Such a neat place, and you now that your purchases are really helping to change lives.

Then we walked around old town Alexandria. Very beautiful and could be a great place to shop. Will have to go back with either girlfriends or daughters...husbands who don't shop are not very much fun!

It was an absolutely beautiful weekend...the weather couldn't have been better...Grace was the perfect baby...and it was nice to be away without an agenda.

Homecoming at Grove City College

Didn't realize it has been so long since my last post! I thought that life would slow down in my old age, but that's definitely not the case!!

The best thing taking up my time is darling Grace Catherine. Oh my, the joys of grandmotherhood! She is an absolute delight and I love every minute that we can be with her. She laughs and giggles all of the time...she really can't be related to me because she wakes up laughing! I don't think Tara's her mom, either....

We have had weddings the past couple of weekends and have had fun seeing old friends and being with close friends that we wish we could see more often. The weddings were both beautiful and remind us of how important our wedding vows really are, even after 31 years!

Tara, Carli and Kelsie were together at Grove City College this past weekend for homecoming. It was neat to hear them talk about their weekend together...and it was so nice to realize that after they grow up they really do like each other!! We kept Grace Friday night and then Carli took her to GCC Saturday afternoon. Lots of fun!

I tried to add photos from their weekend, but the blog site isn't cooperating...maybe I will do it later...if my forgetful mind can remember...

Don't know why, but it won't let me add any more photos. I'll have to do another post with Grace's wedding photos and Kelsie's move-in day photos. Sorry!! Just tried again to edit this post...won't work...will post some more photos later :)

For all of you prayer warriors...please pray that Carli's insurance situation works out. She only has 4 more months on COBRA which still pays for f/u regarding her lymphoma. The only other insurance that she can find is one through her school...they have to take her...but they won't cover any preexisting conditions for at least a year. This puts me into panic mode. This is when my very small mustard-seed size faith is really put to the test. Please pray that we can come up with something that won't leave her uncovered...

Took Kelsie back to GCC today. A total of 11 years (1 year with 2 girls at once) there...I think that we should get some kind of prize...a reduction in tuition would be nice...

She is living in the school apartments this year. It is further away from campus, but is a beautiful walk over "Rainbow Bridge" and up many steps by the chapel. Absolutely gorgeous this time of year...I'm sure she'll just love it when the snow flies!! She has her own room/bathroom, which is so nice now that she's a senior and knows lots of other students. Maybe she will be able to concentrate more now and pull her QPA up a little. A mother can always hope...

I can't believe that summer is over (more or less)!! Going back to school is always a daunting task this time of year. My stomach hurts just to think about it. It is always so crazy trying to get all the students medical issues straight and care plans written and staff notified. Would be nice if it could be done by the first day of school, but I'm always doing good if it is under control by October or November.

Last week was such sad time. Good friend Carol Leunk passed away unexpectedly. I will miss her smile and encouragement at church. What a special lady. I only hope that some day my kids and friends can have the wonderful memories that we all have of Carol, and that they can say that I served God with my whole heart.

As you can see, Grace is growing and changing! She is such a good baby, and such a cutie. She loves the pool and just hanging out. She will be here again this weekend as Todd's brother Brian is getting married. Looking forward to them being here-I really miss the little sweetie!

Carli and Jeremy celebrated their first anniversary, and Todd and Tara celebrated their 6th! We will celebrate milestone #31 this week. WOW!

Kelsie has been busy traveling. She had a wedding in PA this past weekend, and today she leaves for Cincinnati to visit with friends that she made while in Italy. Can't keep her down on the farm....

Speaking of staying in Wayne County-my oldest brother, Gary, and his wife Sally bought the house 2 doors down from us!! They will move from Connecticul sometime later this year. Will be nice to have all of my siblings in Ohio!

Celebrated the recent marriage of my niece Kristen yesterday with the Kohler family. It is so nice when we all get together-I can't imagine families that fight when they're together. Life is just too short for that.

Lots has happened since my last post. Visited Kelsie at Camp Friedenswald and was so impressed by the staff and Kelsie's opportunities there while being a volunteer. She loved being a counselor and also had the opportunity to work in the office using some of her marketing skills. She was offered a job next summer...guess she made a good impression! Mom's prayers really do work :)

Thought I would post what Carli wrote on Facebook to a girl who is completing her chemo for Lymphoma:

It may seem like the very best day of your life to date, but Rhi you are going to have so many more that will top tomorrow after this!! SO excited for you and praising God that all has worked out so wonderfully for you. What makes me even more thankful is how you have walked out of this "adventure" with a smile. It takes very specia...l people to be able to do that, and girl, you top them all :)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34See More

They have never met, but have a special bond called cancer. It is amazing the people that she has "met" and encouraged along the way. It is so true that "all things work together for good to those who love God"...in some way, at least, you can always see the good that comes from a terrible situation.

We had a great week on Hilton Head Island. Kelsie's friend Lilly came along and they were so easy to have along. We basically hit the beach with a good book and that was the extent of the activity that we did!! It was HOT...even the ocean and the pools were too warm!! But all in all a good, relaxing time. So needed...

Tara called yesterday and Grace rolled over for the first time! After she did, Tara said that she looked at her with a look that said "what am I doing HERE? I don't even like being on my tummy!!" so fun watching the milestones of her first year.

I can't believe that July is over half over. My mom used to say that the older you get, the fast time flies...I thought she was crazy, but now I realize that she knew what she was talking about!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of meetings (being on more than one board at a time is a crazy thing), getting together with friends, and having our extended family visit. Ted's nephew and family and my niece and kids spent time here the past week. It is fun to watch their children grow, and I wish that I could impress upon them to take time for the little things....

I am excited that I am going to see Kelsie at camp this week. She will be coming home the end of the week, but she wanted me to see her at camp. I can also check some things out as our church is responsible for Women's Retreat at camp this September. For anyone reading this, the retreat is a great get-away weekend on September 17-19. Ask me for details!! We have a great planning committee and hope to have a weekend that is uplifting and full of fun.

I am going through baby withdrawel! Now that Tara is back to work, it is harder for her to visit. I have had so many meetings and appointments that it is hard for me to go down. What's a grandma to do???? Please keep Tara and Todd in your prayers as there are some difficult things going on in their lives right now. On a good note, Tara's best friend Lisa just got a job in Columbus. Her husband is in Afghanistan, and she will be moving to Columbus within a couple of weeks. That will be so nice for the two of them to be so close!

Carli had her PT class here yesterday for a day filling with boating, tubing and laughing. What a bunch of nice kids. They stayed well into the evening and we really enjoyed them. They had just completed 2 very difficult weeks, and needed some time to relax and have fun.

Our poor dog is not doing very well. Kelsie wants to say goodbye, so we are doing our best to keep him going. We have had him for 15 years, so will be sad when we finally have to say goodbye. Amazing how they seem like part of the family.

Update...Todd is doing better and back to work, we had a great time in Hilton Head with Todd, Tara and Grace, and Carli is feeling good. Whew.

Jeremy quit driving truck and will now be working locally for a while. Working on some construction type projects, so that should keep him busy and happy! I'm glad that he won't be on the road so much. Right now he is in Michigan helping his dad build a new house. Carli is going up for the holiday weekend to spend time with Jeremy's family.

Tara starts back to work on the 6th. Please pray that her child care situation works out. I really wish that I lived closer...I am going through baby withdrawel after being with them for a whole week :)

When it rains, it pours...and not just with the weather!

We were at Else Marie deVrie's graduation party in Somerset, PA when Tara called and said that Todd was in the ER. So...we came home, packed our overnight bags and went to Columbus to stay with Grace. Todd ended up having an appendectomy, and it was a goo thing that he did. Hopefully he will heal quickly as we were supposed to vacation together next week in Hilton Head.

Carli had a rough week last week, but they are thinking that it was a problem with her inner ear that made her sick. She is feeling better this week, but very tired. Hard to figure if it is just the stress of school and long hours studying, or if we should be worried. Her doctor was going to do a CT this week if she wasn't feeling better. Hopefully she is being honest about how she feels. Last weekend she just didn't look good...I'll check her out again tomorrow!!

Kelsie is doing well at Camp Friedenswald. This week she is working in the office...hopefully putting some of her marketing education to work for Camp. Last week she worked in the kitchen...I would've loved to be a little mouse watching her help the cooks!

Ted and I saw "Fiddler on the Roof" last night at Playhouse Square. Always such a moving musical...love the music. We really have enjoyed the productions that we have seen there-highly recommend it.

Fun holiday weekend with all three girls home, at least for a while! Kelsie left for Camp Friedenswald on Sunday after church. She will be working there for 8 weeks. Carli is hoping that she will be as passionate about Camp as she is!

Grace was dedicated in church on Sunday morning along with another Grace (Hochstetler), Madison Yoh, and Landen Ediger, who was only 11 days old! What a touching service. So glad that our pastor, Darrell, was willing to do that on his last day as pastor of our church. We will miss him and his wife, DeeDee.

I predicted that this week would be nice and warm, and then next week would be cold and possibly rainy. Happens every year the week after school is out!!

She is so much fun! I am so turning into a crazy grandma! We are looking forward to her smiles and coos. She will be dedicated to the Lord at Salem on Sunday morning. Will be our pastor's last Sunday, so will be such a bittersweet day. We love Darrell and his wife DeeDee and will miss their love and leadership.

The top photo is just showing Carli's sense of humor, however weird! Wish I could fit into a flowerpot...

Fun filled weekend starting with a Mother/Daughter breakfast at church honoring our pastor's wife. Was Grace's first trip to Salem!

Saturday was full of visitors, then went to Ted's dad and stepmom's on Sunday. Grace sure had a big weekend meeting all of the family! Then on Monday we went to visit my sister, Susan, in New Philadelphia. She got lots of hugs and kisses.

Monday night I decided to let Tara sleep, and I got up (or rather stayed up) with Grace all night. Whew. I found out why you have your kids when you are young!!

Today I feel really old as our baby is "21". I cannot believe that Kelsie is that old and is now a Senior in college. Wow.

Carli update!

Carli had another chest x-ray and checkup with Dr. Stallings and all is clear!! She is now over 2 years clear!!! She didn't remind me about her appointment b/c she said that I would worry...boy, she knows me well. She showed up at my school and said that is where she was going, so I only had a couple of hours to stress!

Parent's weekend at Grove City...was a great time. Carli and Jeremy were there, too, as she was running in a Marathon on Sunday in Pittsburgh. Kelsie directed her sorority in the All Campus Sing, and they did a great job. We also made a quick trip to the Outlets...always a good time.

Missed my grandbaby...she'll change before I get back to hold her again!

This is just too much fun! To all of you crazy grandparents out there...now I understand! Now I understand why everyone says that it is just the best. The young parents will never know what you are really feeling, and how you pray that they will be good parents and give their kids what really matters...faith, their time, love, and lots of hugs from grandma and grandpa....

Grace Catherine Anderson has arrived! She made her appearance at 4:57pm and is 7#12oz and is 20.5 inches long. She has a head full of curly reddish hair, and is the cutest baby in the world! The emotions were almost overwhelming the first time we met her. It is so weird thinking that our baby had a baby! Brought back many memories and emotions that were deep inside.

Tara had an uneventful labor and delivery which was a wonderful thing. Now hopefully they will be able to get some sleep tonight. Let the fun begin!!!!!

OK-the scoop-Tara is going in tomorrow morning at 6am to be induced. So, hopefully by tomorrow afternoon/evening, Tara and Todd will be parents and we will be grandparents! How exciting!

So...my creative and somewhat crazy friends have come up with new names..."Teddy Gram and Gram Cracker". Maybe "grandma" isn't so bad after all :)

Just talked to Tara...no baby yet!! She is feeling good, but very ready to get this show on the road! She has everything ready to go, and needs one more grocery store run, and then baby Grace can come any time.

I will try to post here ASAP when baby Grace makes her appearance. Hopefully it will be SOON!!

Carli heard from Rhiannon and her tests are clear! She will "only" need 6 chemos. I am not sure if she will be receiving radiation, though.

Tara is now officially off work. Her blood pressure was up, so her doctor doesn't want her working any more. She is ready to have this baby!! If she doesn't have it by next week she might be induced. It was nice of baby "Grace" not to appear this week as Ted and I decided to go on our planned spring break vacation. We have had the most relaxing time ever...and I think that was a good thing as once this baby is born we will be very busy!!

It is hard to even imagine what it will be like to have a grand baby. Eveyone says it is the best...guess we'll find out real soon! If anyone has any suggestions for fun names other than "grandma" and "grandpa", please let me know! We do have some time before she will start talking... :)

It is so hard to wait and be patient! My devotions today were about Isaac and his wait for a wife and then a child. The Bible says that he pleaded with God. How many times have I done that? I still plead that Carli's tests will continue to be free of Lymphoma...that our new grandbaby will be healthy...that the delivery will be a smooth one...that Kelsie will find direction for the summer and beyond...that Jesse will be able to continue with school and graduate with his class...

There are so many other things. Sometimes I wonder if God gets tired of listening to me as all I seem to do is plead. I need to remember the thankfulness part and the adoration part. I don't seem to take the time for that...

Carli has been the object of show and tell and discussion at school. They have been studying different effects of chemo and things that she can definitely describe and show. She still has quite an ugly scar on her chest from her port..and she had to describe how it feels and show it to everyone so that they understand when they see a patient with the same thing. She is also having problems with the muscles in her legs, which is also a chemo side effect. Another one of my pleadings to God is that she doesn't have long term effects such as heart damage and fertility problems. She takes it all in stride and keeps such a good attitude.

I haven't gotten an update recently on her internet friend from Shelby who has Lymphoma. Need to ask Carli about her.

Awaiting the birth of baby Anderson-and Kelsie coming home for Spring Break-and a wonderful Easter celebration at church. Exciting times!

My mom used to say that the older you get, the faster time flies...I used to think that she was crazy, and now I know how wise she really was.

OK, these commercials by P&G are getting to me...the ones about moms...I think I cry during almost every one! The Olympics are exciting as always and I am losing sleep. Thank goodness they are only 2 weeks long. I cannot imagine being the parent of an Olympian..I was stressed out by Solo and Ensemble contests, musicals and track meets. Hard to imagine what these parents are feeling.

Also hard to imagine the parents of cancer children who are losing their battle. Just read a blog that notified us of a teen's battle that is finally over. It is comforting to think of her in the arms of Jesus, but I cannot fathom her parent's grief. Please pray for the family of Kristen.

Carli is communicating with a 21 year old from Shelby, Ohio who is going through treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. How cool it is for the internet to be such a positive tool for them to talk and for Carli to be able to share her journey. Last night she needed to know what she took for mouth sores, and thank goodness I had saved her medication bottles. Don't exactly know why I saved them, I just did. I guess now I know why I'm such a pack-rat. Hopefully with Carli's encouragement and suggestions this gal will know that there is someone who understands and can help. It is really lonely going through the process sometimes. Our church is going to send her cards of encouragement. How cool to get cards from folks that you don't even know. Carli even got things like a quilt (thanks Kathy) from people that she's never met. Today's sermon was on I John and how we need to mirror God's love...so many folks are doing just that. And so is Carli by being a support to this gal she's never met.

We are having a baby shower for Tara this Saturday. She is getting very excited and has the nursery ready to go. It is so funny to hear her tell stories about Todd's reactions to what he is learning...he has never really been around babies and has a lot to learn :)

Kelsie has decided to live in the apartments at GCC next year. I think that is a good move, as she is having a tough time living in the dorm after being in an apartment in Italy. Her classes are going well, and she is looking for an internship for the summer. She is involved in her sorority and having fun. She will be the director for the all college sing which is on parent's weekend in May. It is a lot of fun with singing and choreography by the different groups. Always a good time.

Can't wait to see the sun again....

Where did the last month go?

A lot happened...Christmas was great with family and friends...missed having Carli here on Christmas day, but she and Jeremy came home on Saturday, just in time to open gifts and enjoy the huge Kohler family get-together, then the Gerber family fun on Sunday.

Ted and I went to Lansing, Michigan for New Year's Eve/Day to be with friends Jane and Craig. So good to see their new home and see them getting settled into new lives in Michigan. Also got to visit with Jane's mom and see Riley at work. Very fun.

The not so fun part was the passing of my friend, Lois. She had a good Christmas day, and her boys were able to spend her final days with her. What an uplifting memorial service...such a message of salvation...but it was so hard to lose her. I miss her fun emails, her phone calls and her laughter...

Ted and I got to spend a week in Aruba with friends Mark and Jackie. Nice to see the sun again! Living in Ohio, we tend to forget that the sun still shines in the wintertime! It was beautiful, not what we expected, but warm and windy. The beaches were beautiful with clear blue water. An off road jeep tour and snorkeling were the highlights.

Now back to reality...hundreds of emails, phone messages, many responsibilities at church...and I haven't even checked my school email messages yet.

Please still keep Carli in your prayers. She is having some health issues that make a mother worry. Probably nothing, and since she just had a good report from Dr. Stallings, I am not quite so worried. But, as I say, it is a mother's job to worry about her kids, no matter how old they are!

Kelsie is also having issues reentering college life since her trip to Italy. I think that once she gets back in the swing, she will be OK, but it has been hard. Again, it's my job to worry-just wish I was better at giving my girls to the LORD...why do I always have to feel in control, when I know better than that?

OK-there's a chocolate theme park in China...sign me up! (Just saw that on the news...I'm glad that there wasn't anything more pressing to tell us about...). Sometimes it is hard to get upset with our lives here when so many are suffering in Haiti. We can't even imagine what those folks are going through. Hopefully the relief efforts will have some real effect real soon.