A Brief Grand Update

Posted on June 11, 2016 by dinahoverlien

I was recently featured on a fun blog called Grandma’s Briefs. It sounds really cool to say “I was featured”, but the truth is anybody who has grands can have a moment in the spotlight. All you have to do is request a questionnaire, fill it out and submit it.

Lisa is doing something great with her platform. She has created a fun, supportive and generous community of people who encourage each other. I’d say that’s a good use of internet space right there.

For a look at my briefs, click here.

In the meantime, I thought I’d share some pics of the six. PB and I recently spent some time with these grand little people. We’re talking about one 4-year-old, two 3-year-olds, two 2-year-olds, and one 1-year-old.

That’s 120 fingers and toes, y’all.

And I love each and every one.

Here they are, in alphabetical order.

Because the oldest one shouldn’t always get to go first.

This is Charlie. He likes to build towers. Really tall towers.

This is Eli. He likes to ride his bike. And he loves Lightning McQueen with all his heart.

This is Ella. She is a fairy-princess-ballerina and she can pull it off.

This is Evie. She can say “cheese” better than anybody.

This is Hudson. He constructs complicated buildings with secret rooms.

This is Ruby. She wants to play basketball for the Gophers. (Maybe.)

This is how it is when you are the littlest one and all the big kids are outside having fun while you’re stuck in the house with Opa and Nonnie.

More Winter Than We Need

Posted on February 2, 2016 by dinahoverlien

“There seems to be so much more winter than we need this year.”
– Kathleen Norris

I agree, Kathleen.

Especially today.

As the headline yesterday said, “Blizzard To Pummel State”.

Well, the pummeling has commenced.

What’s keeping me sane during this Groundhog’s Day snowstorm?

“I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel so bad.”

Today I will shut my shades, sip my coffee, and share some of the things that are saving me right now.

My own little corner in my own little room.

This is where I go to find out what I’m thinking.

I never really know for sure until I pick up a pencil and start writing.

My bullet journal/planner extraordinaire.

New in February: rainbow colors!

Raspberries and blueberries on my cereal.

I can close my eyes and taste summer.

Extra time for reading, studying, and writing on a snowy day.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.” 1 Timothy 1:17

Waking up to this cutie every morning.

There’s nothing like the sound of her little voice calling, “Opa! Nonnie!”

Listening to the “What Should I Read Next?” podcast on my hand-me-down iPod.

And Sandra McCracken’s “Psalms”.

This is Mark. Mark the Bookmark. His feet stick out the top of the book I’m reading.

He makes me smile.

I tried to find more Marks to give as Christmas gifts, but not one could be found in the United States of America.

I saved the best for last.

These guys. Half a dozen grands. How I love these six little people.

They are wild and sweet and irresistible.

These are a few of my favorite things.

Is it still snowing?

Meet Ruby

Posted on June 27, 2015 by dinahoverlien

Allow me to introduce a brand new bundle of sweetness.

Ruby Sims Locke was born today!

The only thing cuter than a fresh born baby….

…is watching big brothers get a first look at their sister.

These Guys

Posted on June 20, 2015 by dinahoverlien

These guys don’t know what’s about to hit them.

In a matter of days, their world is going to shift dramatically.

These rough and tumble boys will soon be promoted to “big brother” status.

Baby Sister is coming!

So move over Thomas the Train —

make room for princesses and tea parties and sparkly pink stuff.

Watch out cars and trucks —

get ready for hair bows and tutus and baby dolls.

Little Sissy has a lot to teach these guys —

it won’t be long now.

Spring Cleaning

Posted on April 19, 2015 by dinahoverlien

Here’s a sure sign of spring.

Flip-flops and capri shorts and hanging out on the deck.

So that means it’s time for some spring cleaning.

Luckily, I had a little help this weekend.

We polished the mirrors.

We dusted the end tables.

We vacuumed the carpets.

Evie pointed out where I missed a spot.

She’s helpful like that.

Then we organized the cupboards.

With all the extra help, the chores were done in no time.

Maybe I worked her too hard.

9:30 a.m. is a little early for an afternoon nap.

Curly

Posted on September 20, 2014 by dinahoverlien

This is Charlie.

He has a beautiful head of curly hair.

I will not take him to Fantastic Sam’s for a haircut.

I repeat:

I will not take him anywhere for a haircut.

Ever.

Once upon a time, this Nonnie took it upon herself to take Charlie’s big brother to get a big boy haircut.

Alas, the baby curls were gone, never to return.

Not doing that again. No siree.

So we are reveling in Charlie’s curls.

There are curls on this side:

And this side:

And all over the back side:

I heard that Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s mother dressed him in dresses and didn’t cut his long curly hair until he was six years old. I might cave in if Charlie has long curly hair when he’s six. (That’s a warning five years in advance, parents.)

Right now, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Starting Five

Posted on August 9, 2014 by dinahoverlien

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared photos of my grands. I’m still amazed that five grandchildren have graced my life in the past two and a half years. Since I have writer’s block and can’t think of anything to say, I will default to my little team of kiddos. There’s always something to say about them.

Here’s my starting five line-up:

Hudson, AKA Hud Bud.

He is our starting center, because, well, he started it all and he’s used to being in the center.

Strengths: Tall, most experienced, smart and in-charge.

Needs to work on: Passing the ball and not beating up on teammates.

Elijah, AKA Eli.

This guy is our power forward. Don’t get in his way.

Strengths: Size, strength and having his own personal gym.

Needs to work on: Not crying when he gets fouled.

Eleanor, AKA Ella.

This little lady is a force on the court.

Strengths: Enthusiasm, spirit, and determination.

Needs to work on: Control. And how to dribble while holding three purses.

Charlie, AKA Charlie-boy.

He’s our speedy point guard.

Strengths: Quickness, especially if there is a dog nearby. And well-defined muscles.

Needs to work on: Being a little more aggressive. In a nice way.

And last but not least, Evie, AKA Evie-girl.

She rounds out the team by being the other guard, but she’s secretly holding out to be replaced so she can become head cheerleader.

Strengths: Always looks good on the court.

Needs to work on: Lowering the decibel of her screams.

There you have it, folks.

It looks like a good season.

Opa and Nonnie are cheering them on!

Eli’s Prayer

Posted on August 28, 2013 by dinahoverlien

Dear Lord,

please be with my Nonnie.

She misses us.

Amen.

Four Babies

Posted on August 14, 2013 by dinahoverlien

This morning my daughter Katie and I thought it would be nice to take a walk around our town square. We talked about packing up the kids, stopping at the coffee shop, and then strolling into a few of our favorite shops.

But there are four babies at our house. What were we thinking?

By the time Eli and Ella were fed and dressed, Hudson was getting up.

By the time Hudson was fed and dressed, Eli and Ella were falling asleep in their swings.

Then Charlie needed to nurse.

Somewhere in there, I changed three poopy diapers.

By mid-morning, Hudson was ready for a nap.

Then Eli and Ella woke up and I gave them each a bottle.

When Hudson got up (he didn’t really sleep), Charlie was nodding off in the swing.

Then Eli and Ella spit up, so I changed them into their second outfit of the day.

It wasn’t long before Hudson was hungry for lunch.

About then, Charlie woke up and just wanted to be held.

Eli rolled over onto his stomach and couldn’t get back over, so he cried.

Ella rolled over and smacked Eli, so he cried louder.

Then I changed some more diapers.

After lunch, Hudson really needed a nap because he didn’t actually sleep before.

Then Dan, Anna, Kelsey, Sam and PB walked in and played with the babies.

Katie and I took a nap.

Maybe we’ll try again tomorrow. Maybe not.

How many chances will I get to hold four babies in one morning?

An iced caramel vanilla latte topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup can’t compare.

Not even close.

Meet Charlie

Posted on July 27, 2013 by dinahoverlien

May I introduce you?

Everybody, meet Charlie.

Charlie, say “hi”!

He’s a honey.

How many times can one Nonnie fall in love?

Apparently over and over.

Although I’m here to help my daughter and her husband keep the household intact during this transition to a family of four, it’s clear that my main function is to be Hud Bud’s buddy. Today, I woke up extra early so I could jump in the shower and get my make up on before Hudson woke up. I sure didn’t want to scare the little guy.

We had a great morning. We played with toys, we tickled and laughed, we sang “Twinkle, Twinkle” dozens of times, and read the first page of ten different books. We went outside, picked up rocks, and tried not to get all wet in the sprinkler. I had a blast. By then it was 7:30 a.m. I could have kept it up for at least another couple of hours, but a trip to the farmer’s market sounded like fun, so we packed up the diaper bag and took off.