NANA'S BLOG

Grandbaby Update

2011-10-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Savannah is 4 years old and going to a pre K program at her school and learning lots of new things. She stayed with us along with her little brother Rugby for almost 2 1/2 weeks while Alysha and Michael went to New Zealand. We loved having them. We put a TV and hooked up the DVD player so they could watch movies in "their" bedroom, rented lots of movies from the library. We made cookies, taught Savannah to eat cookie dough (she's my granddaughter) and loved her reaction when they were done and she got to eat one, she said We made these?...
Rugby turned 1 while we had him. He is such a happy boy, he was almost walking (he is now!). We had so much fun with them, we went to the park and he played while Savannah was on the tire swings. I was worn out at night but both Earl and I loved having them.
Liam is 4 years old and also attending a preschool. He wasn't sure at first if he wanted to go, but he loves it. He is Mr. Social and is very loving and such a good big brother to Ben. Liam got binoculars for his birthday and he loves them. He is also a really good swimmer, he jumped off the diving board all by himself and swam to the side all by himself this summer! He is so fun to listen to when I call or they call to talk,he talks really well on the phone.
Ben is about to turn 2 on the 24th of this month. He is a smiler! Every picture you see of Ben,he is smiling and he is a great hugger too. Don't get to see these boys enough. He called the other day and sang the ABC song to me, I loved it! He did a great job. Hearing his voice just brightens my day.
Carrie is 2 1/2. She is just like a tiny doll. She says the most amazing things and cracks us up. She is quite independent and likes to copy her mom. She loves watching movies and helping mom in the kitchen. She came and stayed with us for a week this summer and we just loved it. We got our nails painted and she got polka dots on hers. She also got to watch movies, alot! She watched Cinderalla until I thought sure she was going to turn into Cinderella. She is a happy little girl and so darn cute. She has this adorable little voice that I love! She loves cookie dough too!
Logan is 4 and very much all boy. He stacked a bunch of things so he could climb onto his roof (a flat roof thank goodness) and get his baseball. He loves sports, loves to hunt with his dad and is loving. He can't wait to play baseball and do everything that Coleton (his older brother) gets to do. He came and stayed a weekend with us along with Bella (his little sister) and he really loves his papa and they watched movies together. He colors really well.
Bella will be 1 in December and is a little miniature doll. She just smiles and is so cute and a good baby. She just started walking. Danielle has these incredible hair bows (which I love) and she will just pull them off when you put them on her. She adores Logan and he can make her giggle like crazy.
Shylah and Coleton are JJ's children from his first marriage and they are great. I don't get to see them or interact with them as much as the little ones. Shylah started high school, I think and Coleton is in 5th grade. He plays all the sports he can, goes hunting with his dad and is a good big brother to Logan.
Shylah has high goals for herself and is a good student. Becoming a teenager, she is spreading her wings and learning all about "groundings" and such.
All of our grandkids are smart, talented and beautiful kids and we are so blessed! They truly are the Light of my life!
A special note about baby Brigham, although we only had him in our lives for 20 days, we are so blessed to know we can have him eternally. That has been a great comfort to all his family especially his parents. We feel his sweet spirit in our lives and know he is close by.

MY BUCKET LIST

2011-10-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

My Bucket List :
1) Go to Tuscany,Italy
2) Become a Certified Home Stager
3) Go to Hawaii (Haven't been since 1986)
4) Plant a Herb Garden
5) Take my family on a Cruise
6) Take my grandkids to Disneyland (Parents can come too)
7) Build a family cabin
8) Buy a pontoon boat
9) Open a small boutique
10) Own an IPad2
11) Get my passport stamped (before it expires)
12) Lose weight
13) Serve a church mission with my husband
14) Learn to play the piano/flute
15) Write a book

Nana's Update

2011-05-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I last posted. I am at work most of the time and all my pictures of the grandbabies are on my home computer, I need to transfer them to a flash drive so I can bring it with me to work and download pictures of them. They are all growing so fast.
Savannah is 4 and is getting to be such a big girl, she is doing good with her potty training. She talks very well, loves to color, loves to read books, loves playing with Rugby, loves to play in her little kitchen, she has always loved music, she loves doing her somersaults too. She likes being in Primary. She's getting to be quite the swimmer too.
Liam will be 4 in July and is also getting to be such a big boy, he is potty trained, did great with that, he is a great big brother to Ben, Liam loves reading, loves going places and doing fun things, riding his bike, climbing trees, eating M&M's that nana sends him, he likes Primary, I love the voicemails he leaves for me when he calls and I don't answer!
Logan will also be 4 in October. Yes, we had 3 grandbabies in 2007. It was the start of a wonderful experience. Logan is potty trained, and he never stops, doesn't walk, only runs until he is exhausted and collaspes, he loves sports, loves following Coleton everywhere and thinks he is bigger than he is. He is very loving, but also all boy and tough, he rolls with all his little scraps and bruises. He helped his dad lay sod recently, he helps Danielle with Bella and Bella thinks he hung the moon.
Carrie turned 2 in January. She is this tiny ball of energy and so smart (all of our grandchildren are smart!!!!), she has this cute little voice and you love listening to her talk, she loves to help Mommy in the kitchen and in her own little play kitchen, she loves watching videos/dvd's and is a very good little girl, she is so adorably cute!
Ben will be 2 in October. I haven't got to be around Ben very much. The first time I was able to meet him was when Brooke came for Brigham's funeral. Ben is this happy, smiley loveable little boy. I can't wait to get to know him better and love on him some more. He seems to think that Liam is a pretty awesome big brother, he has an independent spirit Brooke says, he loves books, loves to be busy, playing with his blocks, or cars and following Liam, he loves food! Loves bananas and is adorable.
Rugby is 8 months old and is such a happy baby, he laughs and plays and is very good natured, he is trying to crawl, loves to bounce in his bouncer and watch everything going on around him, he doesn't like for you to leave him alone, he loves attention, he loves his baths and big sister Savannah.
Isabella (Bella) is 5 months old and adorable as well. She is a beautiful baby and very good natured, she loves Logan and is starting to coo and jabber more, she thinks she is big enough to try and crawl, she's a momma's girl right now since Danielle has been taking her to work with her.
Brigham is always in our thoughts and prayers and an important part of who we are as a family unit. His spirit touches us and reminds us he is close by. We love knowing we can be eternal families and be together forever.
Shylah is 14 and is a big helper to Danielle. She is involved with track right now and texting and using her cell phone, she's been babysitting for people more and has high goals for where she wants to go to college, she is a good student.
Coleton is 8 will be 9 in October. (We have a ton of october birthdays). He is playing little league baseball and is a very good athlete, he is good with Logan and loves to hunt with his dad.
I hope to get pictures posted of each of them soon!
We have a family reunion planned for our family in June with all the kids coming and the grandbabies, I can't wait. We are renting a cabin/house and it is going to be awesome! Lots of pictures will come!!!!

Baby Brigham Returns to Heavenly Father

2011-02-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

Baby Brigham died January 27th at 11:30pm. Justin and Rebecca were able to hold him for the first time after all the tubes and machines were removed. His little lungs just weren't able to provide the oxygen he needed for his body and his lungs just weren't able to develop normally due to the diaphramatic hernia.
Justin commented that he made a couple of little gasps and then was gone. Justin said he felt that noble spirits were there in the room with them to meet Brigham and take him home. The nobility I have seen in my son and Rebecca is just awe inspiring and I am so proud of them.
His funeral was held February 1, 2011 at 10:00 with a beautiful memorial and then followed by the graveside service. This cemetary is an absolutely beautiful setting with well manicured lawns and flowers and palm trees. There is a section of the cemetary called "BabyLand" just for babies and that was just so sweet, tender and precious as well as heart wrenching.
Justin carried his sweet baby boy to his final resting place and it broke my heart as I watched him carry his baby son's body in the beautiful tiny white casket. to the cemetary.
20 white balloons were released into the air by family members celebrating the 20 days he was here on earth with us.
He touched many people's lives, including his nurses, doctors and other patient families.
His little girlfriend, next door in the NICU, Alana also had the same congential problem and just recently passed away last week.
These tiny precious spirits that have touched our lives will forever change us as well. Brigham will help us strive to be better, stronger, more faithful individuals so we may one day live with him again.
Justin and Rebecca have been amazing in their faith and the strength to do all they have had to do the past several weeks. Even though they knew there was this possibility, they didn't allow themselves to think about that, their hope was always for a miracle. A miracle has come in the form of the strength to go on, courage to face the sad days ahead and faith that they (we) can be together forever. Carrie is indeed another miracle in their lives. She will be their greatest joy and bring them their greatest comfort.

Brigham Update

2011-01-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

I got to spend the weekend with Justin, Rebecca, Carrie and baby Brigham. It was so great to finally meet Brigham. It was very hard seeing him hooked up to so many tubes, IV's and not being able to hold him. I was able to hold his hand, touch his head and hair (it's a beautiful highlighted blond color), or his feet.
He is still swollen from all the fluids they are giving him. His kidneys are working but can't keep up with all the blood products and fluids being added. He is on the ECMO machine, it is the heart lung bypass machine, it allows his lungs to rest and let the machine do the work. Eventually, he will need to come off the machine and learn to breathe on his own. He still needs to have surgery to correct his intestines and liver being in the chest cavity, those will be moved to where they are supposed to be, it hopefully will also relieve pressure on his lungs and the hypertension might subside. He has a long road ahead of him and so Justin and Rebecca are having others besides just family help with Carrie, bring in meals once in awhile and they are going to stay some with Rebecca's parents so they can cut down on the drive back and forth. It is about 45 minutes to an hour from their home to the hospital. Justin would prefer they be able to be at home, but they will give this a try.
To find out the latest updates, go to their blog at justinandrebeccagreer.blogspot.com

Brigham Justin Greer is Here!!!!

2011-01-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

Born at 2:03pm January 7th, (One week before my birthday) 6lbs 5 ozs, dark hair and lots of it!
So excited and happy for Justin, Rebecca and Carrie.
Rebecca did incredible! 3 1/2 hours basically from the time she got the Pitocin and had Brigham.
There will be up and down days as we watch Brigham progressing through his diaphramatic hernia problem. Surgery will be in the next several days and the doctors will continue to watch him carefully in the NCIU. He is intubated and on an oscillating ventilator.
Earl and I hope to go to Arizona in the next several days to help in whatever way we can.
It is so hard not being "there" and wanting to help.
I'm reminded of how fragile life is and when one of these babies comes, it truly is a miracle. Each and every one of them are created by our Heavenly Father and it is just incredible how perfect they are.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-22T12:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Well it has been awhile since I have updated my blog and lots of things have happened, so let's get started catching up.
On September 14th, Rugby Calvin Smith arrived. He is adorable and a very good baby, he likes to eat, sleep and you know the other part!
Savannah has decided he can stay, I think at first she probably thought he was just there for a visit, now she realizes he is permanently going to be in "her" house.
Then on December 10th, Isabella (Bella) Jilian Gonzalez arrived. She is also adorable and has a ton of dark hair and we are all hoping "blue" eyes.
We are also awaiting Brigham Justin Greer who is scheduled to arrive January 7th (inducing Rebecca if he doesn't come before then).
All of our grandbabies are doing great. Savannah turned 3 in February, Liam turned 3 in July, Carrie turned 1 in January, Ben turned 1 in October, Logan turned 3 in October and now we have Rugby and Isabella.
I will be downloading my pictures from my camera to my computer so I can download all the new pictures of everyone.
We will be spending Christmas with Justin and Rebecca this year, it's my year to have everyone at our house, but Rebecca can't travel this late in her pregnancy, so we opted to go to Arizona. JJ and Danielle and their family as well as Brooke & Will and their family won't be able to be with us this year, so they will definitely be missed.
We are planning a summer reunion all our kids and their families. It will be wonderful. We hope to go to Northern NM and rent a lodge/big cabin for everyone, take lots of pictures and make memories.
Stay tuned...........

Grandbabies and more grandbabies!

2010-08-24T15:15:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have updated. But, let's see Danielle is expecting a girl December 7th, Isabella for sure, but not sure of a middle name. I say Isabella Gonzalez is a mouth full already! Alysha's baby boy Rugby is due September 14th by C-section at 7:30am. Rebecca is expecting a boy due January 11th. Brigham Justin Greer. So excited for all these new babies.
We found out when Rebecca and Justin had their ultrasound that Brigham had a little problem. It is called Congential Diaphramatic Hernia, his diaphram has a hole in it and that causes problems for his lungs as organs move into the chest area that shouldn't be there and it doesn't give the lungs the room they need or the heart, it moves things around. There are alot more specifics, but I am just keeping it short. They will do ultrasounds at every visit and Rebecca will be seeing many specialists for the remainder of her pregnancy. She is considered a high risk pregnancy. Justin and Rebecca are being very strong in the wake of this news. We all know that miracles occur everyday and our prayer is that Brigham will be one of those miracles.

Ben is approaching 1 year old and Brooke thinks he will be walking very soon. He crawls everywhere but Brooke says he doesn't really get into everything like Liam did. Hee Hee

Savannah starts a pre kindergarten program on Thursday, she will ride a bus, wear a school uniform and go for about 2 1/2 hours everyday. She will go in the afternoon since the morning class had all boys and the teacher didn't want her to be the only girl. I soooooo wish I could be available to help in her classroom. (The teacher might not agree, but I think I need to be there). Liam will be doing a preschool coop program with other kids in their apartment complex and he should love that. He is a very social boy. Ben is a smiler and seems happy all the time. They are great buddies.

Logan wants to ride sheep, its called mutton bustin this fall. I'm not so sure. He is quite a tough little guy, but I love it when something happens and he is all "little boy" again, not so tough. He is so sweet and so smart.

Carrie is a little petite princess. She likes being mommy to her dolls and likes to help Rebecca do housework, cook, put dishes away from the dishwasher and help load the dishwasher.

I am going to get to have Carrie with me for a few days in September. I can't wait!
I definitely do not get to be with these babies as much as I wish I could be. They are all so wonderful. They truly are a blessing in my life. When I look at pictures of them, it just makes me smile..
More to come

Alysha is Having a Boy

2010-05-21T14:58:00.001-07:00

There you have it, Alysha is having a boy. We are so excited. Should be interesting to see how Savannah likes a little brother. She loves kitty's now and had a time out recently for laying on the kitty at her daycare providers home, she was just loving the kitty :).

And More babies coming!

2010-05-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

We got to visit Justin and Rebecca and Carrie at their new house over Mother's Day weekend. How fun it was! We got a nice surprise, Rebecca is pregnant and due January 11th. Carrie's birthday is January 23rd, so they will be almost 2 years apart.
Their house is amazing. Tons of space, lots of room for new babies and so nice. We are so happy for them and this "major" step into being homeowners.
I know Brooke and Will are now looking forward to being homeowners as well. Will graduated May 16th and is officially all done with school. Great job Will, way to hang in there Brooke, Liam and Ben.
So blessed with all our kids and their families.

More Babies Coming

2010-05-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Danielle is pregnant and due December 7th. Wow, can it get any better? Alysha will find out in a week or so what she is having and Danielle will find out in later June what she is having.
Ben is absolutely adorable and is such a happy boy, he always seems to be smiling and Liam is such a good big brother, they are so cute in pictures together, unfortunately that's what I have to settle for right now. I haven't got to see them together. I am so hoping to get to see them soon.
Will is done with school! Now the job search is on, or I should say it is continuing.
Everyone is doing great. Logan is pretty much potty trained and Savannah is working on that as well.
Carrie is a very busy, independent little girl, she is so petite and adorable. Earl and I are going to Arizona for Mother's Day and can't wait to see her and Justin and Rebecca and their new House!!
Happy Mother's Day everyone.

Grandbaby Adventures

2010-03-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Lately, I am having to post at work and so I can't access my photos to include on my posts.
But a couple weeks ago, I had Logan visiting and he is very inquisitive, asking Why and then you say because you might get hurt, he will then repeat, cause I might get hurt and I say yes and he repeats it again and again. He is a very busy boy. He is almost potty trained and he is smart, he decided after he had "pooped" in his pull ups to just take them off, NOOOOOOOOO, was my response and it was a mess, but we got it cleaned up. Later he and I were outside and I was pulling up old plants and throwing them away and while I was doing this, he got into an oil spill on the garage floor and when I came around the corner, he was crying and showing me his hands, he knew he was in trouble because I had told him not to get into that, then a little later, he was again on the other side of the house from me and I could hear water running and he was crying, well he had turned on the faucet and was soaked and he knew he was in trouble, so he cries before you have a chance to say or do anything. Pretty cute actually (after the fact).
He loves to come into the bathroom and read the newspaper with Papa, so does Savannah, and I am sure if Liam and Ben were here, they would be involved in this as well.
Liam is such a good brother, he is very attentive to Ben's needs and always trying to help Brooke when Ben is crying or upset. How I wish we lived closer and I could see them more often. Carrie too! All these babies are so precious and everyone of them have their own personalities and I just love hearing about all that they are up to.
Being a Nana is just the best!

New Baby Coming!

2010-03-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

Well, we will be welcoming another new grandbaby around September 22, 2010. Alysha is pregnant and we are so excited. I think they would love to have a boy, but mostly want a healthy, happy baby.
Justin and Rebecca and Carrie are "hopefully" soon to be homeowners. They have an offer on a beautiful 4 bedroom home in Maricopa, AZ. What a lucky young couple they are, especially with the first time homebuyers credit they can qualify for and the market in Phoenix is great for buyers, not great for Sellers.
Carrie is an adorable almost 14 month old.
Brooke, Will, Liam and Benjamin are doing well, anxiously hoping to hear about a job since Will graduates in May. We would love for them to live closer, but they may not be able to do that. Jobs are scarce right now. So we keep them in our prayers! Ben is adorable. He is already 4 months old! Liam is being a great big brother. I can't wait to see them together and I hope it will be sooner than later.
Danielle, Logan and JJ are all doing great. Logan is very busy, very smart and working on being potty trained. He loves to help JJ on projects at the house. Danielle is doing well in school.
Savannah recently got glasses and is doing great with them. We weren't sure if she would wear them without a fuss, but she has done great!
I will attempt to post some pictures.

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

New Year's Day began with a late breakfast of Alysha making pancakes for everyone. We then went to Grandma GiGi's for New Years dinner. Danielle, JJ and Logan, Justin, Rebecca and Carrie, Alysha and Savannah and me. Earl had to officiate a Division II basketball game in Hobbs that day, (who plays basketball on New Year's Day anyway???) so he wasn't able to play our new "provocative" game. We had a wonderful dinner and played games, a new game call "The Things", it was alot of fun. You answer a question with answers you hope no one will guess is you. So we did that for awhile and then the fun really began later that evening. As Danielle and JJ went home, Logan got sick and threw up everywhere in the car, so much so, they had to stop in Socorro and buy a new car seat since he couldn't stay in the one he had thrown up in, then Justin got sick, then Carrie, then Me, then Alysha, then Rebecca, then GiGi, then Danielle and it was not fun. Hopefully everyone will still be willing to get together next year and this won't become a "tradition" of getting sick after New Year's.
Carrie will be 1 year old January 23rd. She is walking everywhere, has 1 tooth and it looks like maybe another one coming through as well. She is dainty and very petite and absolutely adorable. We loved getting to see her! Logan who is 2, is a man's little boy, he is full of enegery 24 hours a day until he collaspes and goes to sleep, then he is ready to go again. But he is also incredibly sweet and loving and will melt your heart with his "I sorry, or I love you Nana". Savannah is almost 3, her birthday is February 13th. She is talking up a storm now and doing much better with her walking and balance. She loves to do somersaults on the bed and on the chaise lounge in their living room. She loves the nursery at church and loves music!!! She will even tell you in the car, I don't like that song, change that song when you are listening to the radio or a CD. Liam and Ben are much farther away and we don't get to interact with them as much as we would like. They are both adorable and fun little boys. Liam is 2 1/2 and Ben is 11 weeks old. They both have tons of hair, Ben's hair is a little bit wild as you will see if you check out Brooke's blog. I love how well Liam talks to Papa and I on the phone when they call. He always wants us to come play at his house.
I hope to have some photos posted soon of all the grandbabies. They are by far my greatest joy in life!

Christmas Cookies with the Grandkids

2009-12-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

This past Friday evening we attended a Marachi performance in Los Lunas. It turned out to be really good and Logan and Savannah really liked the music and dancing. Earl and I then took Logan and Savannah home with us, we got home about midnight and put the kids to bed and they both slept until about 7am. Saturday, Earl had a game in Hobbs, so it was me and the kiddos. I decided we would go to Walmart and get stuff to make cookies. Well, I put both Logan and Savannah in the grocery cart and we started our shopping, as I put items into the cart, they both wanted to hold "stuff", so that worked for a little while until they both wanted to hold the same items, and next they decided to throw the "items" out of the cart, as fast as I put things back into the cart, they threw them out, finally, I put all the items on the bottom of the cart. Then we get to the checkout and the conveyor belt, since Logan couldn't reach the counter, he just threw the stuff and also threw it at the cashier. She thought it was cute, so that was an invitation for Logan to step it up a nouch, he threw it "harder", finally we got it all unloaded and checked out. Once we get home, we unloaded the groceries, and got them all set up to roll out cookie dough and put them on the pan, they both had their aprons on, a bit too big, but cute nonetheless, they played with the dough and ate some, then we started to roll it out and use the cookies cutters, the cookies were all shapes, none that looked like the cookie cutter cut out.
But we got them on the pan and into the oven, while the cookies baked, we mixed frosting and added food coloring, they liked watching it change colors and they each got their own bowl of frosting, once the cookies were out and cooled, we began frosting and decorating them, Logan and Savannah would lick the knife and then dip it back into the frosting to put on the cookies and then we added sprinkles, we had them everywhere and then the ants came, the ants must like the kids to visit because there is always food on the floor for them, so I am trying to get rid of the ants, frost cookies, and keep the kids from stabbing at each other. I was able to get some pictures, but I need Earl to download them for me.
By this time, I was exhausted and so were the kids, so great nap time, NOT, they didn't want to sleep, just play, so they played and read stories and then we went for a walk and Savannah was doing great running and along came Logan and bumped into her and down she went headfirst onto the pavement and got a nasty bruise and scrape on her forehead.. Logan always is sweet and says sorry Vannah. All and all we had a great time and the cookies weren't bad either.

Benajmin Nelson Wittwer has arrived!

2009-10-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Nelson Wittwer arrived Saturday morning around 7am our time. 7lbs. 6ozs 21 1/2 inches long. He has lots of hair just like Liam did. Everyone is doing well. Brooke and Ben will get to go home tomorrow. I bet Liam is just going to have a ball being a big brother!
As you can see from the pictures, he is adorable and looks alot like Liam and Liam is very sweet with him, Brooke says. I love the sweet picture of Brooke with Ben on her chest both of them asleep.

No Baby Yet, Still Waiting.........

2009-10-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

As of today, the 23rd still no baby Wittwer. We are anxiously awaiting his arrival. I'm sure his mother is also anxiously, impatiently waiting his arrival. I can't wait to see how Liam responds to having a baby brother, it is one thing to have a visitor come over but for this "visitor" to stay will be interesting to watch. I think he is going to love this baby and be such a good big brother. He is a friendly litle guy and loves everyone he is around.
So watch for the news of baby wittwer's arrival and hopefully we will also have pics to post shortly thereafter.
Carrie is trying to walk and doing very well with that. I wanted to download the video Justin sent me on my cell phone showing her walking as she holds onto a little cart, but I don't know how to do that.....Help!
We are going to Logan and Coleton's combined Birthday party Saturday. Logan will be 2 and Coleton will be 7. I'll post pictures from their party when we get home.

Lots of October News and Birthdays

2009-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Brooke is due October 18th, we are excitedly counting the days. Liam is about to become a big brother! Savannah is going in for an MRI on October 15th and Carrie is wanting to be a big girl and start walking...Not yet, you're too little.
Justin has a new job. Danielle started back to school to get her teaching degree, Logan is turning 2 October 14th. Fall is here, leaves are turning and starting to fall. The air is cool and crisp and I love the evenings when the wind isn't blowing and everything seems so serene and peacefully calm. I like to sit outdoors and enjoy the coolness in the air and the backyard landscaping.
Shylah and Coleton are doing well in school. Coleton has a birthday coming up October 31st. This is a busy birthday month for our family.

October 9-Anita's BD (My neice)
October 13-Kevin's BD (My brother)
October 14-Logan's BD
October 16-Will's BD (My son-in-law)
October 16-Doris' BD (My step mom)
October 18-Sheryl's BD (My sister)
Baby Wittwer #2 is due October 18th
October 22-Alysha's BD
October 25-Lamar's BD (My brother-in-law)
October 30-Rebecca's BD (My daughter-in-law)
October 31-Coleton's BD

Happy Birthday everyone!

Starting back to work! New baby due soon!

2009-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

First, I am not expecting a new baby, just in case my heading was misleading. It's Brooke.... Well, I need to update a little. Since our family reunion in July, I started working at the title company I worked at about 3 years ago. It was a crazy first 3 weeks, we were very busy and I was trying to relearn everything, remember how to do things again, but I did it!
We enjoyed having Logan this weekend. He is a ball of energy and very smart and very "old" for his age, which isn't quite 2!!!
He entertained us and we had fun watching him. Savannah came over for a visit too as well as Cecily and her baby Madison, they also enjoyed being entertained by Logan.
All our grandbabies are doing great and growing fast. Brooke is expecting her 2nd boy October 18th. I think Liam is going to love having a little brother. He is a very kind little boy and very loving. He calls and says Hi Nana, I love you and Hi Papa and just talks a mile a minute. He is smart and enjoys life so much.
Carrie is trying to crawl and if you have checked out their blog, she is a budding pianist.
Babies make the world go round and make it a wonderful place to be.

Family Reunion, Birthday Celebration and Fun Times!

2009-08-05T08:59:00.001-07:00

This is my entire family. My two sisters, Michele and Sheryl, one sister Michele, and her family, one brother, Kevin and his family, my Dad and Doris and all my kids and grandkids. Sheryl's kids didn't get to come this time. Both Deanna and Kelly are expecting babies.

Savannah & Logan at the Zoo having a snack.

Papa and Liam at the park.

Liam playing on the slide.

Justin, Rebecca and Carrie in Ramah. We hike up a little ways at the "falls".

Liam saying "Cheese".

Liam in Ramah. I think that's Lincoln's foot.

Logan, Savannah, Brooke & Liam on the train. The train was fun and we went through tunnels too. The kids loved it when they rang the bell.

Brooke, Liam, Savannah and Logan at the Zoo.

Nana and Liam swinging.

Papa and Liam.

Liam posing with Geronimo, I think.

Carrie eating mom's necklace.

Carrie Elizabeth Carrie, 6 months old and sitting up by herself. She is such a fun, happy baby.

Papa & Savannah walking.

Papa, Carrie, Rebecca, Brooke, Liam, Logan, Savannah, Alysha, Justin, Nana and Danielle having fun at the parade.

Danielle, Logan, Justin, Carrie, Brooke, Liam, Alysha & Savannah

Nana, Papa and all the grandbabies.

Brooke and Liam arrived on July 16th and we were so excited to see them. They got to ride the rail runner from Albuquerque to Santa Fe with Earl's mom and spend the night with Alysha and then they came down to TorC. Liam is such a smart boy. He turned 2 on July 20 and we spent the morning at the Lake, went to McDonald's and got his first happy meal and played on the toys there. We also went to the pool and swam. Liam loves the water. Wednesday we went to Albuquerque and picked up Logan and Savannah for a day at the Zoo and Aquarium. It was alot of fun, very hot day, but we enjoyed their reactions to riding the train between the Zoo and Aquarium and the Botanical Gardens and seeing the animals. I rented a two seater stroller for Savannah and Logan and Brooke had her stroller for Liam. It was quite a workout. Long day and we were all very tired that evening.

On Thursday we went to Ramah to the Clawson reunion. All my sisters and brother came and their families and my 4 children and their children. We were missing JJ, Will and Michael.

We went to a pageant about the history of Ramah and the role Ramah played in the pioneer saga. We had Siu's baptism on Saturday morning and then there was a parade later that day.

We enjoyed eating good food, and having everyone together. We played a new game Jenelle brought that made us have to think. It was history based and very fun. I can't remember the name of the game. We managed to have 28 people wall to wall and everyone got along and enjoyed being with each other.

Hope you enjoy all my pictures. I am still trying to learn how to do different things, but it is slow going. I need my kids here to help me!

Is She Beautiful or What?

2009-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is the newest picture of Carrie Elizabeth, 6 months old, almost sitting up alone.

Some Sad News

2009-07-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Alysha had a miscarriage and we are all sad, but are grateful for her health and the blessing of knowing there will be other babies in the future. It's comforting to know how we believe in the miracle of life and how special these little spirits are when they are sent to us. Keep her in your prayers. We continue to have faith in Heavenly Father's plan for each of us.

Newest Picture of Carrie Elizabeth

2009-06-26T06:55:00.001-07:00

This picture speaks for itself. She's a doll!

Savannah visits Nana & Papa

2009-06-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

Savannah came and spent the past week with us while her babysitter was on vacation and her mom and dad went to Las Vegas, NV. We had so much fun. We picked peaches off the trees, went for walks, went to the park, played on the slide, picked pine cones on the golf course. We were busy busy. We enjoyed her immensely.
We will get to be with Logan, Carrie, Liam and Savannah and their moms and some of the dads for a family reunion in Ramah the end of July. I will post pictures this week of all our adventures and all the grandbabies.
Logan has a black eye from daycare. But he is doing good. His hand is healing great from when he got burned over Memorial Day weekend at Elephant Butte Lake.
All the babies are growing, Carrie can roll over and back again, Liam talks and talks and is so darn cute! Logan is talking and thinks he is bigger than he is. Savannah is talking so much more, she repeats whatever you say. Her favorite thing to say is "I'm stuck". .

Brooke is having another Boy!

2009-05-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

We just found out this morning that Brooke and Will are having another boy. They are being very secretive about the name and won't give any hints. This baby is due October 18th. So Liam is going to get to be a big brother. He already says baby boy. He got to hear the heartbeat this morning at the doctor's office and he could hear the thumping sound and then he would add his "Choo Choo", like it sounded like a train to him..... He is such a smart boy!
So........ looking forward to having all the kids and grandbabies for a Clawson family reunion in Ramah, in July, where I grew up. It should be interesting. If everyone can come we will have almost 40 people and it will be "tight" to say the least. But we can do it and have a ball! Siu, my niece is going to be baptized while they are here and we will get to celebrate Liam's 2nd birthday with all our family.

Savannah & Logan

2009-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nana was also getting a workout.

Logan walking along this board, he is practicing his balance beam routine.

Just resting after playing all morning. Savannah trying to stand on her head. We played in the sprinklers, we kicked and chased the ball, had a picnic lunch outside and then Savannah and Logan took a very long nap and Nana planted flowers that she got for Mother's Day.

A Few Updates

2009-05-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

I need to post pictures with my posts, I know....Let's see Carrie got her ears pierced last week and from what I understand, she was a trooper. She looks adorable!
She is about to have her "own" bedroom as Justin and Rebecca are going to be moving into a 2 bedroom apartment this next week. We are excited for them!
Savannah & Alysha spent the afternoon with us today. I stayed home today from church. I was sick yesterday and felt a little better, but decided to make sure I was over whatever it was I had
We had a good time together.
I am going to watch Logan next weekend while his parents have a fun weekend together, playing golf, having facials/massages with friends.
We wish we could have Liam come stay with us too.. One day, he is a little young yet, but one day!

Savannah's Visit to Nana and Papa's

2009-03-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

I got to spend the past week with Savannah. Her babysitter was on vacation, so she came and stayed with Papa and me for a few days, then I took her home and Wednesday night, Alysha and I went to see the play Mamma Mia at Popejoy in Albuquerque. I loved the movie and I loved the play. I really like the upbeat music and I sing all the time to the CD. Savannah and I made chocolate chip cookies and we both ate the cookie dough. She is so my granddaughter!! Usually I don't get very many cookies out of the batch, because I eat all the dough. She thought the chocolate chips were great and kept wanting more. I will post pictures as soon as Papa downloads them for me from my camera. I can only learn to do so many new things...I am doing better. Michael showed me his MP 3 player and I want one, so I can download my favorite music and go walking. I can't walk without it, why, Because I Said So........... (by the way, I loved that movie too).

Papa and Liam

2009-03-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Liam riding on Papa's shoulders at the Park. Papa got to visit with Brooke, Will and Liam

on his recent trip to DC. Nana didn't get to go......Next time!

Carrie Update.......

2009-03-15T17:46:00.001-07:00

Doesn't she make you want to eat her up....

Sleeping at a baseball game Justin was "umping".

The picture in the middle was when she was asleep

at home in her favorite "bouncy seat". The picture to the far right is Carrie sitting in her "boppy pillow", sort of like her own bean bag chair. Wow, she seems to be saying, look at me I'm a big girl!

Doesn't she look like a doll you could buy in the store?

2009-03-02T16:20:00.000-08:00

Another adorable photo of Carrie Elizabeth. She was blessed on Sunday. This was the blessing dress that Rebecca was blessed in.

Is she just too cute for words!

Avid Reader!

2009-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is Liam. He is studying for finals like his dad.:)

Isn't he cute? Looks like he has his own "reading" library. He loves books and Brooke says he loves to read more than play with alot of other toys. He is a really fun boy! He has a great personality and loves new adventures. He is also very sensitive. He will be 2 on July 20th. I can't believe it.

Carrie weighs 8 lbs now!

2009-02-20T18:03:00.001-08:00

We are going to get to see Carrie this next weekend for her blessing.
She is really growing as you can see with her weight.
She is up from 6 lbs 10 ozs to 8 lbs.........

Look who just turned 2!.....................

2009-02-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Savannah. This is Savannah having fun in one of the toys at Peter Piper Pizza on Saturday, February 14th.

She got lots of new clothes, hair bows, books, new riding toys and a doll house that Nana thought was pretty cool to play with!

Next birthday up for the grandbabies will be Liam's on July 20th! Then Logan's on October 14th.

We are going to Carrie's blessing on March 1st in Mesa. We are excited to see how much she has grown. We haven't seen her since she was about 48 hours old. She weighs about 6 lbs 10 ozs now, and maybe a little more since I last got that message.

They are truly a blessing in our lives!

Savannah & Nana

2009-02-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

I spent the last couple of days with Alysha. She had wrist surgery, so I stayed to help with Savannah. Here Savannah and I are playing while Mom took some pictures. Savannah is walking much better and was being very playful with me.

Savannah will turn 2 on February 13. She is having a birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza in Albuquerque. I will have pictures to post after we get back from the "celebration"..........

HERE SHE IS......Carrie Elizabeth Greer

2009-01-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

Her signature colors are"pink and brown".. She always has a "bow" too.

Getting her hair washed. Carrie holding her daddy's finger.

for the first time.

Nana and Carrie

Carrie"resting" before more pictures get taken.

Below.... Carrie being weighed.

6 lbs. 4 ozs. 20 1/4 inches long. She has lots of dark hair.

Justin also weighed 6 lbs. 4 ozs. when he was born. Pretty cool huh?

Carrie doesn't like being undressed, she cries until she gets her clothes on.

Adorable, very

stylish with her matching

bow and sleeper pj's.

Bright blue eyes and her

hands clinched tightly

together. She is only about 48 hours old in this photo. This photo was placed in our local

newspaper announcing her arrival.

More photos will be coming. Stay tuned..................................

Family...is a gift that lasts forever

2009-01-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

Holiday Updates

2009-01-06T15:49:00.003-08:00

Our greatest joys in life call us "Nana and Papa".

Here we have Alysha, Michael and Savannah

Here we have "Papa and the boys".

To the far right we have Justin and Rebecca and soon to be baby Carrie.

As you can see above we have Brooke, Will and Liam

To your left is Danielle, JJ, Shylah, Coleton and Logan

We had our photo appointment at 6:00pm, and the babies were beginning to wear out. But we thought, oh go for it and just take the picture. We can talk about them later. So enjoy! Aren't they the cutest!!

Had a nice Thanksgiving and now looking forward to Christmas

2008-11-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. With Thanksgiving just over, Christmas is around the corner. We will be so fortunate to have all 4 of our children, their spouses and of course our grandbabies with us this Christmas. We are so excited about having them all here. I haven't had little toddlers for awhile and so I am working to somewhat "childproof" my house.
When our kids were younger, I never really moved things we just would tell them they couldn't touch this or that and usually they found something else to play with. So I won't remove everything from our home, because of course, our grandbabies are going to be so well behaved and all :) It should be alot of fun and I will be posting pictures and comments as our time together unfolds.

The Wittwer Family

2008-11-13T10:36:00.003-08:00

Thought these were awesome pictures of the Wittwers, Brooke, Will and Liam.

Baby Carrie reacts to election results

2008-11-05T10:18:00.000-08:00

Baby Carrie gave her mom some "heartburn"and some contractions, last night. I attribute it to this being her way of telling us how upset she is with the election outcome. She was wanting to get out here and straighten things up. Wow, there were alot of upsets throughout the country.
I have heard people say how important this election was, well I believe every election is important!
I'm sure there are many that don't agree with me, but that is what is great about this Country. I have always been proud of this country and having been blessed to be born in this country. I didn't just become proud of this country as some have said.
I feel somewhat saddened that everyone refers to this as a historic election, I am assuming that is because a black person was elected. I feel by constantly referring to him being the first black president is just a continuation of divisiness. Why can't he just be the new president?
I wouldn't have voted for him regardless of race. The Democrats have alot to prove and I hope they hit the ground running, we can't waste anymore time, according to their assessment of things. Yes, the Republicans made alot of mistakes, but the Democrats need to stand up and own their responsibility in the country's current situation as well.

Looking for a new vehicle to carry my babies in.....

2008-11-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am starting to look for a new vehicle. I drove a Chrysler Aspen, A Chevy Tahoe, (I didn't like the Tahoe), A Nissan Armada. I need room to put all the car seats in, I need a DVD player for the babies to watch movies when they are coming home with me and when we go places...and room to carry all my flowers/plants, potting soil, etc., in the spring.
So send in your vote......

Cute Boy!

2008-10-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute boy about to celebrate his first birthday.

Logan's 1st Birthday

2008-10-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Shylah, Coleton and Logan!

Here is the birthday boy. Doesn't he look so full of mischief? He is a very good natured baby and full of energy. His birthday is October 14th, but Mom decided to do a family picture as well as his first birthday pictures. I understand that, getting everyone ready for pictures is a big deal! Getting everyone to smile into the camera is a big deal! Enjoy!

New Granddaughter Due January 29th!!!!

2008-09-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is an ultrasound photo of baby Carrie Elizabeth. Yea, Justin and Rebecca are expecting a Girl! We are so excited for them. That will bring us to two granddaughters and two grandsons! We are so blessed. I can't wait until we are able to have all 4 babies together. We hope everyone can come for Christmas this year, but it will be just a little shy of Justin and Rebecca's baby being born.
Savannah is now 19 months old, Liam is 14 months old, and Logan is 11 months old! Liam is walking, Savannah is making progress and will probably be walking soon too!! Logan will also probably start walking soon, he likes to crawl over anyone and everything. They are all healthy and sweet babies.
I especially love it when they reach for me and start saying "nana". It melts my heart. They bring sunshine into my life when I am with them.
Earl is going to get to see Liam in a few days. He has meetings in DC the end of September and will get to visit Brooke, Will and Liam for a few days before he heads home. He hasn't seen Liam since we went to Idaho last December for Rebecca's graduation and met Brooke in Utah.
Liam was 5 months old then. That should be fun! Take lots of pictures Papa and Brooke.
I will soon post some pictures from our recent family reunion in Ruidoso. Brooke and Justin weren't able to come and Sheryl's son Brandon and his fiance didn't come and Michele and her family weren't able to come, but next time we hope everyone will be there and all the grandbabies. I am way ahead in that category......Thanks everyone for bestowing that wonderful blessing on Papa and I.

Milestones in my own children's lives

2008-08-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be fun to compare Savannah, Logan and Liam to their parents at this age.
So, I got out "my" baby books from Alysha, Danielle, Brooke and Justin (though we are waiting on grandbaby # 4 from Justin and Rebecca, due January 29th), to see what they were doing way back when........
Some headlines in the world news when Danielle was born were:
Jimmy Carter was President of the United States
The Iranian Hostages were big news
Disco was a popular dance
Larry Byrd and Darrell Dokins were some big names in NBA Basketball
Kenny Stabler, Marc Wilson, and Charlie White in Football
Pete Rose in Baseball.
Rocky II and Star Trek were big at the movies
At 9 months old, Danielle weighed 16 lbs 8 ozs and was 28" long
Danielle turned over the first time December 2, 1979 (5 months old)
Slept through the night sometime beginning in November 1979 (4 months old)
Discovered her hands at two months old, Smiled when she was a month old
Laughed out loud when she was two and 1/2 months old
Began crawling at 7 months old, sat alone at 6 months old
Begin pulling herself up to things at 6 1/2 months old! Walked at 10 1/2 months old!
Had her ears pierced when she was 10 months old.
Loved baby kittens
Had Chicken Pox when she was 8 years old.
Very Happy and good natured baby, we always say, "we had more children because Danielle was such a good baby".

Some headlines in the news when Alysha was born:
52 US hostages still held in Iran, finally released in January 1981
Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States 1980, by a landslide. Republicans
were in control of the Congress
Popular entertainers were Kenny Rogers, Neil Diamond, Barbara Mandrell
Disco was still popular and western dance and music
Jim Plunkett, Quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, goes to the Super Bowl XV
Popular TV Shows: Dallas, Eight is Enough, Chips, 20/20, PM Magazine, Knots Landing
Fads: Jeans, Boots, midi length dress, straight leg pants, big pleats
At 18 months of age, Alysha weighed 24 lbs 1/2 oz. was 30 1/2" long
Had severe Colic for the first 3 months. Sucked her thumb forever (I think it was soothing)
Had Chicken Pox when she was 7 years old and she was very sick. She missed the "Stars" dance tryouts.
Turned over the first time when she was 5 months old.
Slept through the night when she was 3 months old, after colic ended!
Smiled for the first time when she was a month old. Laughed out loud when she was 3 months old.
Discovered her hands when she was two months old.
Sat up by herself when she was 7 months old.
Begin crawling when she was 8 months old. Started walking good when she was 11 months old.
Pulled herself up in her crib when she was 9 months old.
Begin helping dress herself when she was 22 months old.
First tooth when she was 7 months old. Held spoon by herself when she was 16 months old and begin trying to feed herself.
Had her ears pierced June 5, 1981 when she was 8 months old.
Sweet, sweet baby.

Some headlines in the world when Brooke was born:
Space Shuttle Columbia was scheduled to land at White Sands Missile Range March 30, 1982. This was a first for NM. This was the 3rd Space Shuttle Mission.
Ronald Reagan was still President of the United States
Popular songs: Eye of the Tiger, Endless Love, Arthur's Theme, Hard to Say I'm Sorry
Movies: On Golden Pond, Chariot's of Fire, Absence of Malice, Rocky III, Smokey and the
Bandit II.
TV Shows: Dallas, Police Squad, Code Red, Happy Days, Love Boat, Magnum PI, Dynasty, Too Close for Comfort, Dukes of Hazard, Knots Landing, The Fall Guy.
Dresses began to be shorter, most were still worn below the knee, demin skirts were popular, hair was worn, short, long, curly, straight. Perms were popular.
Weighed about 20 lbs 1 oz when she was a year old and was 28 1/2" long.
Had Chicken Pox May 2, 1988 (6 years old)
Brooke did not like being undressed when she was a baby, so everytime they would undress her at the Doctor's office, she would wet all over the examining table. Brooke has always been very modest!
Smiled for the first time when she was 7 weeks old.
Laughed out loud when she was 3 1/2 months old.
First turned over when she was 2 months old! Reached for toys when she was 3 1/2 months old.
First tooth when she was 5 1/2 months old
Stood alone and began walking when she was 11 months old. Learned how to climb stairs
when she was a year old.
First word was DaDa and was said to everyone! She would talk to anyone and if you didn't respond, she would keep talking until you said something to her!
Slept all night for the first time when she was 3 WEEKS OLD!
It's a Small World was the music on her mobile in her crib and she loved the song!
Favorite babyfood was applesauce, bananas, custard pudding and macaroni & tomato
Sucked her thumb!
She was Houdini when it came to keeping her seatbelted in her carseat, she was able to get out of it before I backed out of the driveway.
Blessed her on March 28th in Albuquerque.
Had her ears pierced when she was 2 months old. Brooke had her first haircut when she was 3 months old by Priscilla Craig, who also cut her hair for the next several years. The
awesome, WEDGE HAIRCUT.
A very happy, fun baby!

There wasn't a section for World News in this baby book...........
But, Ronald Reagan was still President of the United States!
Justin was our smallest baby at 6 lbs. 4 ozs. He weighed 12 lbs when he was 9 months old.
He was a very sick baby, but he had the best temperament, even when he was sick, he would smile at you. When he was 8 months old, we had tubes put in his ears (May 23, 1984) and he begin to thrive and grow. For the first time since he was born, he was able to drink two 8 oz bottles of formula and keep them down! The doctors were all amazed that he didn't have any hearing loss due to all the ear infections he had since he was born.
He sucked his thumb forever! It was comforting when he didn't feel good.
He held his head up for the first time when he was 3 months old
Turned over when he was 5 months old
Slept all night when he was 2 1/2 months old
Smiled when he was 6 weeks old. Laughed out loud when he was 3 months old.
Discovered his hands when he was two months old and his feet about 4 weeks later.
Sat alone when he was 8 1/2 months old
Began crawling when he was 10 months old. He was about 13-14 months old when he began walking.
Got his first tooth when he was 11 months old. Held a spoon when he was 7 months old and a cup when he was 11 months old.
He was 8 months old when he had his first haircut
Threw up all over the Relief Society President's beautiful black suit at church one Sunday.
He broke his leg in the church nursery when he was 2 years old. A table he tried to climb fell on him and broke his right leg in the upper thigh (femur) area. He loved to swing his leg with the cast on it, and try to kick his sisters.
Loves, loves, loves baseball, has always been good at it since we tricked our neighbor into believing he could catch a ball at age "2"!!! (The glove and ball had velcro on them...)
Loved to throw rocks at cars!
Had Chicken Pox when he was 4 years old.
A very easy going, happy baby.

Looking through all the baby books makes me sad, but also reminds me how fun each of you were and all your cute little antics. Time flies by, so keep your baby books current. I realized as I was looking through your baby books, that I didn't write down as much as I wish I had and didn't write more things in detail.
Soon to follow will be birthday parties.......at every age, as well as some other fun information.

WALMART, Who Knew It Could Mean So Much

2008-08-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we now have a Walmart in Truth or Consequences. You might say, big deal, you might say, too bad for local businesses, you might say, I hate Walmart, you might say these things and much more, but FYI, I don't care. I see this as a beginning of big things to come, more stores, more businesses, more restaurants, more reason to survive living in Truth or Consequences. I can say all this why? Because I live here and I have strong feelings about that fact.........

I will soon have a photo of our Walmart, but for the moment it is besiged with customers and I have heard that the lines are everywhere, people are flocking to this Walmart. It is the happening place here. Some people got there at 7:00am yesterday for their Grand Opening. I missed that event......So, stay tuned, you never know what else might be coming this way....

Babies at the Zoo

2008-08-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these pictures of Savannah and Logan at the Rio Grande Zoo. They took it all in.

Alysha and Danielle said it was very HOT. I read in the Albuquerque Journal today that they have a new white spotted Leopard baby cub at the Rio Grande Zoo, just recently and the curator is caring for the cub because it's mother won't take care of it. I haven't been to the Zoo in quite awhile. I always enjoy walking around and seeing all the new exhibits. I need to do that with the babies this fall.

Liam swimming

2008-08-01T18:41:00.001-07:00

We wanted to show Liam having fun swimming every day at the pool in Alexandria, VA. We missed him when I had the other two babies. Brooke says he loves the pool and loves getting in and out of the baby pool.

Liam just turned a year old on July 20, 2008.

Eating his toys

2008-07-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute? Logan is 9 months old and such a fun boy! He and Savannah played so good together. I think they liked being together.

Logan's Diaper getting heavy!

2008-07-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Splish Splash

2008-07-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

More cute pictures of Savannah and Logan's splish splash time in the pool!!

Two cute pigtails on a cutie!

2008-07-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Babies in the Pool

2008-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

The week of July 14, Earl and I were fortunate to have both Savannah and Logan for that entire week. We were wishing we could also have had Liam here. Well, both babies were very good. They slept all night, only threw up in their beds (all over themselves and the blankets) once! Thank goodness, I was never very good at throw up..yuck. They ate what I fed them. We played, we read books, we got into Nana's stuff, we went for walks, we visited Great Grandma Greer and we went to the Post Office, and we swam in our baby pool.
So, I am sharing some pictures of Savannah and Logan and their "tiny" baby pool and you can see they are having fun. We did this later in the day so the sun wasn't so hot and they wouldn't get sunburned.

Great Movie

2008-07-27T15:36:00.000-07:00

We just saw Mama Mia! I loved it, I loved the music and it was a very fun movie. Go see it if you get a chance. Meryl Streep is really great in this movie. It made you laugh almost the whole movie! I love movies about longtime girlfriends and how they maintain their friendships over the years. They have so much fun together!

A Good Memory Tag

2008-07-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

I copied my daughters, but if you check out my blog please do this!!

A good memory tag!
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew/know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Another Grandbaby Due in January

2008-06-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

We are so excited. We will have our 4th grandbaby in January of 2009. Justin and Rebecca are expecting a baby. I will say right now, I think it is going to be a girl!! Rebecca will find out her due date next week at her first doctor's appointment. We need to even out the numbers, two girls and two boys! Sounds great. I also think twins would be great, that way Lori and I can each have one....:)
Earl is back to work after a long campaign. I am going to start working out, so I can keep up with all these grandbabies. We hope everyone will get to be here for Christmas this year. We hope to also have a family picture with all the babies in it.
Savannah is growing so fast. She is 16 months old. She will be having eye surgery June 19th. She is crawling and learning lots of new things, she even said Nana, yes, Nana!!!
Liam is almost 11 months old. He is also growing so fast. He will be a year old next month, how time has flown. He is a cutie and you can view more pictures of him and Savannah on their parent's blogs. Logan is almost 8 months old. He is also a cutie and growing fast, he has a great disposition. All the babies have the sweetest personalities, they are fun and happy babies.
When the world gets crazy, and I would say it is crazy right now, these babies are the bright spot of my life! They bring me joy, happiness and hope for the future. We know these babies have been saved to come forth at this time because of their valiant spirits. They will need to be valiant throughout their lives to counter the temptations of the world and the evils around us. But, we know that Heavenly Father has sent each of us here for a purpose. It is up to us to find that purpose and to help these young babies also know their purpose and potential within themselves.

NEW MEXICO POLITICS

2008-06-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning, well disappointedly we did not win the Primary election for Congress. We worked hard, we did a grassroots campaign, but unfortunately, it was not successful. We did not raise millions, we did not raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, we were conservative. That is what people said they wanted. They wanted to rein in Congress's spending which is out of control.
What people seem to need is a constant flow of commercials, radio advertising, and tons of direct mailings to be able to "learn" about the candidate. People, in my opinion are too lazy to actually search out for themselves and learn about the candidate. They instead rely on paper materials, TV commercials and feel good radio advertising. Most of the people that vote, do not educate themselves. It's like in the grocery store, the products that are placed close to the check out line, these are last minute enticements you might be inclined to purchase because you are waiting and looking at them and decide, I probably need this....I think people act the same way in politics.
For the first time in my life since I have been old enough to vote, I will be voting for a Democrat, maybe more than one. I am not being sour grapes, I am actually being informed. I am an educated voter, I always have been, so when I make this statement, I know for certain why I will be voting for a Democrat or two and not for a Republican.
People have said all throughout this campaign, they want change, well actually, they don't. Why do I say that, because they vote for the SAME OLD THING, the same type of person they just said they hated and for someone who won't support what they said they wanted.
Frustrated is how I feel. The better man did not win this time around. But in the end, I still have the Best Man and for that I feel tremendously blessed.
We have met some wonderful people and I am also grateful for that. I have also seen many things that I am not very proud of, including, how people act and how fake they are. I have said from day one that not everyone has Integrity. Integrity isn't sold on a store shelf, you can't buy it, you either have it or you don't. You can't turn it off and on like a light switch. I can share with you, that not one of the other candidates in the 2nd congressional district race had integrity...
Now, I look forward to a new grandbaby next year and watching all "4" of my grandbabies grow up. Hopefully we will have the kind of leadership they deserve for their futures!

The Stories I Could Tell

2008-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

If you have never campaigned, well you do not know what you have missed. It has its moments. It is alot of hard work, lots of driving, lots of fast food because you don't have time to stop and prepare food, taking clothes to the laundry because you aren't home long enough to do laundry.
But....you get to meet some great people, do some crazy things and see lots of places you might not have been able to see or "want" to see otherwise.
We had a Matanza, that is a barbeque, but in spanish families, it is called a Matanza. We also had a hot air balloon there, a couple of minature pigs, lots of good food and people.
I even kissed a "PIG", yes, that's right I kissed a PIG. I was told I had to kiss a pig to get their votes and we want votes so.....I will be posting pictures of this in the near future. Be sure and check that out.
My grandbabies are growing so fast. I can't believe how much they are all growing, Savannah is 15 months old, Liam is 10 months old (almost), Logan is 7 months old (almost). They are the light of my life. I wish I could have all three of them together to play, and have fun and tell stories to them. We hope to get everyone home for Christmas this year. Justin and Rebecca are really "baby hungry" and we are expecting that they will tell us one day soon that they too are having a baby. Not yet, but I'm sure it will be in the next year.
I will post pictures of each baby soon and of course me kissing a PIG!!

Campaigning and Grandbabies News

2008-04-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, can't believe it has been almost a month since I last posted.

We are busy on the campaign trail. Traveling alot of miles across this district and meeting lots of interesting people.

We are missing Brooke and Liam in this photo...Wish you were here!

All our grandbabies are growing, growing...Savannah is now 14 months old. She is trying to crawl and working with her occupational therapist with many of her motor skills. She has a mouthful of teeth and now eats just about everything. She will have her eye surgery on June 19th. We will all be relieved when it is over and her progress will be remarkable is what they tell us. Liam is 9 months old and can stand up in his crib, army crawl and according to his mom, he loves to swing, loves to go outside and see everything, he loves to put everything in his mouth too. Logan is 6 months old, rolling over, thinking he is big enough to crawl, and is eating baby food now. All three babies have the sweetest personalities and are so easy going...They are the light of my life.

Mother's Day Favorite Things

2008-03-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

A few of my new and not so new favorite things

Coconut Body Butter-The Body Shop

Strawberry-Raspberry Orange Julius

Flowers-Flowers-Flowers

Time to Plant Flowers outside

Waterfalls/Fountains

Chloe Narcisse Cologne

Pedicures/Manicures

Facials

Summer Clothing

Microfiber Cloths

Q-tips to apply eye makeup

Candles, Candles,Candles

Buttercream Vanilla Air Freshners

Pearls, I love Pearls

Babies, I love my grandbabies

Greer Does Well at State Republican Convention, Places 2nd on the Ballot

2008-03-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy last several weeks. We met with delegates throughout the second congressional district and prepared for the State Republican Convention. This convention was held Saturday, March 15 in Albuquerque, NM. This was an important step as it allowed those who received 20% of the total delegate vote in the district to get on the ballot.
Earl received 33 delegate votes and tied with another candidate, a drawing took place and Earl won 2nd on the ballot, another candidate received 40 delegate votes. We are pleased and excited that we are doing so well with our Grassroots for Greer message.
Our children have been a great help, Danielle was elected a delegate in Valencia county and attended the State convention along with Logan. That was the first time she had been a delegate. Alysha and Savannah are a tremendous help traveling around with us and keeping us informed of all the articles in the various newspapers across the district, Brooke is maintaining our website and Liam is at her side giving his input!! Justin is also a part of things even though he is far away, he and Rebecca are helping with their prayers and supportive words.
We are working hard to raise money and continue with our message to the voters. Earl is a constant in a sea of chaos and people are listening.......

Campaign Update

2008-02-17T17:53:00.000-08:00

We have been busy on the campaign trail. We are traveling the 2nd congressional district which includes 18 counties. This weekend the county conventions began. We attended two on Saturday and one on Sunday. Savannah and Alysha were able to go with us and what a treat that was. We were sure wishing we had, Liam and Logan along with us, as well as their parents. What fun that would have been.

Greer for Congress Campaign hires young consultants

2008-01-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

Grandbabies Help Campaign

2008-01-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well, we are busy running for the U.S. Congress. Earl is running for the 2nd Congressional seat in the southern part of New Mexico. It includes 18 counties and as you may have guessed, it is a large area to cover. We drive alot..... we continue to meet new supporters ... and we are working hard.
As you will see from these cute pictures, we have great support from our young future voters. They love their "Papa".
We are encouraging them to become involved a little earlier than most!

Spending time with Savannah and Logan

2008-01-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

I spent the past several days babysitting Logan and Savannah. We had a great time. I hadn't forgotten how busy your days are caring for babies, but it was still alot of work. Both needed bottles at the same time, so I put them in Savannah's crib and held bottles for both of them. They were really good napping at the same time, we read stories, changed diapers and even braved going on some errands. I am getting very good with these new car seats and buckling in babies and getting them out as well.
I was thrilled when someone actually thought they were both mine, I must look better than I thought I look (younger maybe?)
We were wishing Liam was with us too. That will be so fun when we get to have all three of the babies together and maybe even more when Rebecca and Justin have a baby.......

Coleen's Favorite Things

2007-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

This is just an update of some of my favorite things:

Coconut or Brazilian Nut body butter (The Body Shop)
Pampered Chef utensils
Microfiber Cloths
Buttercream Vanilla candles(Pier 1)
Christopher & Banks
Facials/Pedicures/Massages
Vanilla Steamers
Josh Groban CD's
Photographs of my grandbabies
Digital Cameras
Lunch with Friends
Going to the Movies
Calm days without any wind
Nissan Armada (I want one)

Rebecca's graduation

2007-12-30T19:11:00.000-08:00

We were able to attend our daughter in law's graduation on December 13, and 14. She completed her nursing degree in record time. She will take her "final" test on January 17th and then will begin her new job January 22nd. She is amazing!
It was fun being with Justin and Rebecca and seeing their very cute apartment and how they have decorated it together! They have done a great job.
We experienced our first taste of real snow and cold weather of the season. It was very cold in Idaho and they have alot of snow.
We were also able to stay with my sister in Salt Lake and visit with her family. They also had alot of snow!
Danielle and baby Logan came with us and what a good baby he was throughout the entire trip. It is about a 14 hour drive.
This was the first time Justin and Rebecca had seen Logan and that was special!
We met Brooke & Liam Tuesday morning on our way home, they are in Utah spending Christmas, so Danielle was able to meet Liam and Brooke was able to meet Logan. It was fun seeing both these baby boys together. We think they look alot alike, especially the dark hair and lots of it!
Justin and Rebecca are spending Christmas this year in Arizona with Rebecca's parents. Brooke and Will and Liam are in Utah with Will's parents.
Earl and I will spend Christmas in Albuquerque with Alysha and her family and Danielle and her family.
Have a wonderful 2008 eveyrone!

Visiting in Alexandria with Brooke, Will & Liam

2007-12-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to get to go and visit Brooke, Will and Liam for about 10 days. We did so much and had alot of fun. Liam is such a good baby and has such a cute personality. He is really growing too. We took him to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and he slept through the whole thing, we had him all bundled up, we froze, but he was nice and toasty warm. We went shopping, baked goodies, went to a movie, and just had a great time.
We even enjoyed a little "early Christmas present opening". Papa and I bought Liam a Baby Einstein activity center, it is like a walker, but has a saucer bottom and toys all the way around the top with a seat that will turn 360 degrees. The first time we put him in it, he went wild for all the different toys to play with! It was so fun watching him enjoy it.

Welcome Logan Earl Gonzalez

2007-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, he is finally here, Logan Earl Gonzalez, born October 14, 2007 (his due date) at 6:39pm in Albuquerque. Mom and Logan are doing great. He weighed 8 lbs. 10 ozs. and was 22 1/2 inches long with lots of dark hair as you can see. He is such a sweet baby.

Papa & Nana with Liam & Savannah

2007-09-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

Aren't they so cute and adorable. We loved being with everyone in Utah. It was fun and I was so glad Justin & Rebecca got to see the babies and be with all of us.
Justin was a proud Uncle.!

Elaine & Danielle

2007-09-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Elaine is the lady with Danielle. She hosted the shower at her home and did a wonderful job. Doesn't Danielle look so cute. She is so ready to have this baby! The hot weather is hard on a pregnant lady, her ankles were swollen and it was pretty hot that day, so we were all feeling for her!

Baby Shower for Baby Logan & Mom Danielle

2007-09-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well to update everyone, we had a baby shower for Danielle and baby Logan on Saturday at Elaine Smith's home in Los Lunas. Danielle and Logan got some cute things, lots and lots of diapers, wipes, a walker, a stroller, pack and play, the crib bedding, (dinosaurs), some of the cutest clothes ever, socks, rattles, pacifers, baby bath stuff, gift cards, blankets, a privacy nursing wrap (where were those when I was having babies), bottle warmers, bottles, wonderful stuff.
They have the greatest stuff for moms and babies today. Thanks to everyone who got to come and gave such wonderful gifts.
Here are some pictures from the shower:

Grandbabies, and they are "Grand"

2007-08-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to get to be with Will & Brooke for a few days prior to Liam's birth. Brooke was feeling good, so we went shopping, out to lunch and waited for the big day. Liam took his sweet time arriving. He was wanting to make a "grand entrance" and that he did. After a long labor, which by the way, Brooke did great and was a champ through all of it, Liam arrived after a C-section was performed.
His is such a beautiful little boy. His coloring and eyes and hair all remind me so much of Brooke when she was a baby. People used to tell me that she looked like a "China doll".
It was special to be there for my first grandson, our second grandbaby! He is already such a special little boy and we are thrilled to share in his parents joy.
We are excited for Liam and Savannah to meet and have pictures with the two grandbabies. They are both so sweet, so cute and adorable, and I know most grandparents really say that, but it is TRUE! They could be poster babies for "Cute".
This blog is dedicated to my grandbabies and there is one more baby coming this year, October 14th, a boy, he will be called Logan Earl Gonzalez and we are excited for him to join our family circle.
Savannah and Liam have truly touched my heart and brought so much joy already to my life...You cannot doubt that they are truly straight from the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Can't wait for all the fun times that lie ahead!!!! Stay tuned.

Hello from DC!

2007-07-18T18:34:00.001-07:00

This picture is from the night I arrived. I went to dinner with Brooke, Will (and Liam) and then walked along the pier in Old Town Alexandria. Doesn't Brooke look great? We're just waiting for baby Liam to make his appearance. I am anxiously waiting my first grandson! I'll be in touch.

2007-06-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

We are excited for Danielle and JJ who are trying to purchase their first home. We should know something this week. That would be so wonderful for them, with their new baby due in October. The house needs alot of work, but JJ can do almost anything and would do alot of the work himself with help of family and friends.
We are going to Ft. Collins, CO to visit my sister while Earl has a Basketball camp at CSU. It is a WAC camp and we hope Earl might be offered a Division I contract to officiate Division I BB.
I am getting excited about my upcoming visit to my daughter Brooke's. Her baby is due July 13, but she would be happy if the baby decided to come "early". We can't wait to welcome this new baby boy.

2007-06-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

I am excited to work on my new blog and share events happening in my life with all my new grandbabies coming this year. We already have our sweetheart Savannah who is now 4 months old! Liam due very soon (July 13) and I get to go visit Brooke, Will and baby Liam for a few days in Virginia, and Logan due October 14th. Wow, 3 new babies in one year. Won't we have fun next Christmas if everyone gets to come home with 3 toddlers all under 2!!!!! I better get to work childproofing my house.
I look forward to learning how to do more on my blog and have fun posting pictures and sharing all the baby stories!