It's been a VERY good year!

Since there is a little over an hour left of my birthday, I couldn't let it pass by without pausing to talk about what a phenomenal 53rd year of my life it's been. In the last year I've been blessed with two granddaughters, traveled to England, Wales, and Ireland, seen lots of great theater, watched our winery become better known (little by little), found more time to knit, read some really good books, watched my gardens grow, stayed healthy (at least until recently), laughed a lot, cried only a little, and shared it all with good friends (thanks Carol and Doug!), loving family, and my beloved Edmund. Not a bad year at all. My 54th year will have to go some to top all the above.

Today was lovely, sunny, warm, and shared with my family both near (at dinner) and far (via phone) - all in all, a perfect day. God is very good and I am very thankful; 'nuff said.

Spring into a good book!

Spring is officially here as far as the calendar goes, but the weather has been so up and down lately. We even saw a few snow flurries today! ENOUGH WINTER, ALREADY!!!! However, the daffodils are up and bobbing their heads in my backyard which is enough to make you smile just by looking at them.
Speaking of smiles.... our grand-munchkin, Sydney, is getting bigger and more fun each day. She discovered her hands this week in a big way and has been having much more fun with her board books as a result! She likes grabbing for the things on the pages even though it's puzzling to her that they don't come off in her hand.

Spring Break Top Ten

There a many things to love about being a teacher. Spring Break is one of them. It comes at a time when you really NEED it and can also fully appreciate it as well. Here are my top 10 reasons to love Spring Break:

1. Sleeping in is totally the best thing... even if you don't do it every day.
2. You can find time to do things that "normal" people do, like bake a batch of cookies.
3. It is totally okay to wear jeans every day except Easter Sunday.
4. You can catch up on long overdue items of "personal importance" - like doing your taxes!
5. It is okay to stay up late reading a book or knitting or whatever your heart desires because you can always sleep in the next morning (see #1)
6. The dog gets to go for more walks than he normally does.
7. You can take an afternoon to just hang out with someone you love - no schedules, no deadlines... nice!
8. The weather, although sporadic, is generally nice enough to convince you that winter is nearly over.
9. You can catch up on your correspondence... both snail mail and email.
10. Sleeping in.... did I mention sleeping in????

We hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break... wherever and however you managed to fit one in!

Easter Fun

Miss Sydney Grace Jameson in
her very first Easter dress.

Easter morning we were greeted by a very interesting snowstorm that threatened to make the day feel more like Christmas and continued on and off throughout the day.

After Church (which was lovely with all the music and lilies you could wish for) and a stop in at the Immanuel Youth Group's Easter Breakfast (complete with the famous Egg Bake and French Toast Sticks), we headed for Gret and Leon's to celebrate with some great food and relaxing fun.

The photos that follow don't begin to capture all of the day. I even discovered something new about my daughter.... she had NEVER seen the Disney classic, "The Swiss Family Robinson!" I can't begin to imagine how we overlooked that part of her childhood! So, of course, Leon and I (who are "experts" on this film) had a blast telling her what was coming next as we watched it on the Hallmark channel. What a hoot! Do you all remember the ostrich race? Or the rather hilarious battle vs. the pirates (who spoke no language anyone could recognize) that included a tiger pit? Well, friends, it is high time to revive this classic!

Sydney stayed dressed in her Easter finery long enough for me to snap about 50 adorable shots of her... no, I won't post them all here. But I will put up several.

A pretty table set for a feast.

"Whoa...here comes grandma with that camera!"

"Okay... I'll smile for one...and then
maybe she'll go take a photo of Bailey!"

"What do you mean I'm too little to look for an Easter basket??!"

"So who gets all my candy? Daddy?! That's not fair!"

"Well, forget it then.... I'm going to take a nap!!"

Finally, no holiday would be complete without a shot of the cooks. Gret and Ed were in their very best form as they prepared roast leg of lamb, grilled potatoes, Waldorf salad, oven-roasted asparagus, and carrot cake. Last November they had fun comparing their tummies... but it would appear that Ed has regained his lead in that category, too, as measured (sort of) in the kitchen on Sunday!

We hope your Easter was happy in every way!

The Man I Hope We Have the Courage to Elect!

If you haven't seen the speech yet, set aside 38 minutes from your day and listen, really listen, to the speech Senator Obama gave in Philly on Monday night! Amazing! Powerful! Earnest! I've read his book, seen his positions, and am impressed with his aspirations for our country. This is a man I feel I can trust. In an ideal November, he'd invite John Edwards to be his running mate... now THAT would be an election to be excited about!

Too Much of a Good Thing... or "Get Me an Ark!"

It's raining again.... second day.... puddles everywhere. And it's going to rain tomorrow too. Makes all talk of drought vanish... but automatically causes worry throughout our beloved state of Missouri!
So how much is too much?
Well, the folks in Piedmont, MO had to leave town today... that's too much. And my co-worker had to stay home today to keep his basement drained... that's too much as well! We are tired of that pitter-pattering on the roof.... and wondering when the sun will shine again.
However, my flower beds are starting to burst into life.... daffodils, tulips and all the irises are poking their green fingers of spring up through the dirt... just checking to see if it's okay to show up.
And I am wearing a rain coat instead of a snow parka.... and getting to use my flowered umbrella. So there are trade-offs! Spring will arrive in two days!

Meanwhile... drip, .... drip, ..... drip, ......drip.......

"In your (almost) Easter Bonnet..."

Here's photographic evidence that the perfect hat makes a fashion statement complete! Sydney celebrated Palm Sunday by wearing her outfit from Grandma Jameson to church and then came over for a photo shoot! At 10 and 1/2 weeks, she's already got all sorts of charming poses for the camera. Since I just couldn't seem to choose a favorite, I decided to collage them all... I just love Photoshop! So here is Sydney in her almost-Easter bonnet!

Coming up for air!

It's time to admit I am a bad blogging example. Yes, I admit that I daily check my kids' blogs for the latest news of their lives, but I almost completely neglect to post my own. Perhaps, as I rationalize this, it's because my life is not presently as exciting as theirs with all the newness of babies and family activity.
But that's not really the case. Lately, it seems as though I run to work, put in my 8-10 hour day, and then come home to collapse for a bit before starting it all over again the next morning. Thus, the treadmill of life cycles on.
In fact, I am only writing this as this moment because I have caught a rotten head cold that makes lying flat in bed something close to "sinus water-boarding" - so I am sitting up and writing as I enjoy breathing for a bit.
So what's new here? Not much as far as the Staudes go.... but we are here, we are counting the days 'til spring and, hopefully, will have more "cold-free" days to come! " - Carpe Diem!

Another Snow Day and a Birthday

The "massive" snowfall that resulted in our "snow day"!

To quote an old family bit of wisdom.... "That's ice!!!! That's ice!!!!"

We're at home again today... the phone rang at 6:15 (as the sleet was falling) to tell us that we would not have school. While snow days are one of the so-called "perks" of teaching, we are now into the "make them up" phase since our school saw fit to only build one day into the actual calendar and today marks our third snow day. The funny part is that I am almost embarrassed to have such a day. If you've ever looked at my daughter Kate's blog, you will see that Sheyboygan is up to their heineys in snow... they have piles and piles of it EVERYWHERE. My grandson has gotten very few days off even with all the white stuff. But pictured here is what constitutes "snow day" level precip for St. Charles... we are total snow wimps!

Perfect "Snow Day" fare... Homemade Corn chowder!

Happy birthday Ed! You only get better!

On the upside, today is Ed's birthday... and a special one too... his "star" birthday of a sorts... born in '54, today he turns 54. So he got a day off as a gift. True to form, he decided to cook something new for his birthday.... so we will be enjoying a delicious corn and pasta chowder and two of his own homemade French-style baguettes for lunch! The guy just gets more and more talented at the stove as each year goes by!

That brings me to the final thing on my post for today.... and I owe this to my daughter Kate. Thanks to all of Ed's great cooking (and to my total enjoyment of the results)... there is much more of me to celebrate his birthday than I really care to admit. Katrina had the idea to post her weight goals on her blog and ask that her readers help her "stay on track". It struck me as a marvelous idea. (possibly because I don't have all that many readers who will be motivated to guilt me into working out....) but anyway.... I have much more weight to lose than Kate does.... and thought that perhaps just seeing it staring me down when I open my blog will motivate me to hop on the treadmill a bit more frequently. So it's up there..... and I would greatly appreciate a gentle and loving nudge from any of you who notice my numbers stuck in one place for too long! And on that note.... Have a Nice Snow Day wherever you are!

Snip Snip & a Day for Dead Presidents

Presidents' Day.... an odd day... more of a day for sales and sleeping in than a real 'holiday'. However, on NPR today people were discussing whether we were to consider honoring ALL Presidents or just Lincoln and Washington on this day. The general consensus was that not ALL of our past Presidents have been worthy of a day in their honor... so we should stick with the two whose birthdays are during this month. Hmmmm.... can honestly say that until today I really hadn't thought about it too much.

We spent our weekend out at the vineyard trimming vines and generally relaxing. We have 29 rows all finished and just the Nortons to finish up. All the early bloomers are ready to go. It was a nice long weekend and a GREAT Presidents' Day.... no matter which President we want involved.

A Very Special Day for Sydney and All of Us!

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...

Proud parents with sponsor Kathy Chapin.

Leon, Gretchen & Sydney Jameson

Grandpa and grandma Staude with the Jamesons

My girls and their girls... Gretchen & Sydney, Katrina & Rhylah.

All our Kids & Grandkids! What a happy day!

Today was a very special day for our entire family. Sydney Grace Jameson was baptized at 10:45 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Our whole family was together for this event. Kathy and Jon came from Michigan. Carol and Barry Jameson were there from Colorado, and Kate, Nate and kids all made it (in spite of the snow) from Wisconsin! What a day! We had a brunch at the Jamesons following the service. It was a wonderful and unforgettable day! We are so happy everyone could share it with us!

Trimming Time Again...

Spent the entire day at the vineyard today... it's trimming time. Hopefully, the lack up crop due to last year's April freeze will mean a great harvest this year. And by the looks of the piles of trimming we're accumulating, it will be. Some say the amount of wood you cut away can be weighed to predict the coming harvest. We've never tried it, but all the while I was out there today I kept thinking, "Please don't let the buds freeze again... or the drought come again!" We've haven't had a full crop since we put in the 2nd acre of grapes, so I am hoping against hope that we can see that this year at long last! It would be nice. No photos...just the sound of clippers clipping, wind blowing, and the sun shining. Can spring be too far away?

Sydney Comes to Dinner

Last night, Sydney and her parents came over for dinner. This was a deliciously relaxing LONG weekend for us. Three-day weekends are the BEST! They are almost as good as snow days for unwinding... In my book, any work week without a Monday is worth cheering for!

This photo was taken by my son-in-law, Nathan, who is one superbly talented photographer! When I look at it I just want to know "What is that little girl thinking?!"

A Morning Spent at a Rally

Had an interesting day.... Got up early today and went to south St. Louis for a John Edwards Rally. While the man is currently running a distant 3rd in the Democratic primary races, he has some very interesting ideas about what America could be if it lived up to its true ideals. I find his willingness to confront the machine of corporate America refreshing... I hope more people will take the time to hear what he has to say. I was fascinated to watch him one-on-one talking with citizens from the crowd who wanted to say a few things to him. He listened to them with focus and took the time to respond to them and then listen some more.

Sydney Gets Visitors!

Grandma Carol Jameson and I show off Rhylah (3 mos) and Sydney (8 days).

Rhylah:"Okay, Sydney, it's my daddy with the big camera again! Just wave and smile and he'll go away."
Sydney:"Got it! Hey, you're right; this photo shoot stuff is a piece of cake!"

It's been a whirlwind of a week. However, this weekend was extra special! Sydney got visitors from the West and the North. Leon's mom arrived on Friday to get her first chance to cuddle with her first grandchild and then Aunt Kate and all Sydney's cousins arrived to admire her on Saturday!

What fun! Lot's of photos by Uncle Nathan ensued and he was good enough to share some with me. I'll have more to go up in the days ahead!Cousins Sydney and Rhylah already look like they are putting their ideas together for how to outfox Gabriel and Asher.... watch out, guys... there's girl power in the family now too!

Day 4: Changing Each and Every Day!

Every day brings new and better things with little Sydney Grace. She's been home for 48 hours now and everyone is doing great! I am having 3 days of "prime grammy time"! It's wonderful!The photos tell the whole story... so just enjoy!

More Joy in the New Year!!!

January 3rd was a very special day in our family. We welcomed our newest grandchild, Sydney Grace Jameson, into the world! She arrived a bit by surprise at 5:14pm... all 7#2oz. and 20.5 in. of her!!! She had been "scheduled" for next week... but this little lady has a mind all her own when it comes to schedules. (We'll have to see if that continues as she grows up... hmmm....)

Everyone is doing great! Gretchen and Leon are loving every minute of cuddling with their little girl. From the top of her fluffy little head (dark hair!) to her cute little toes... we love every inch of her!

Papa Staude holds his newest grandbaby.

Look at those fluffy brown curls!

The happy Jameson family!

Cocoa is MAGIC!

One of the most fun things we did while our grandkids visited us was taking Gabriel ice skating at Steinberg Rink in Forest Park. There we discovered the magical powers of COCOA! Gabe started out clinging to Papa and the side rails... and after one exhausting trip around the rink which took easily 30 minutes, he GOT IT! Then, after a "cocoa break" - he went back out onto the ice and he REALLY got it! My grandson can now ice skate! It was SO much fun!

Christmas Joys

It goes almost without saying that this Christmas was a very special one for us. We had the whole family together for an entire week of fun and laughter. There's nothing quite as good as having little ones around to make the entire holiday seem much brighter and happier.

Gretchen and Leon continue to await the arrival of their little girl. Will it happen in the New Year or before? We wait and see. Meanwhile, everyone was home and happy and healthy!

This goes into the record books as one of our top Christmases ever!

Things You Can Learn from the Flu

In no particular order... these are things I learned in the past 24 hrs.

10. Germs are no respecter of persons.
9. Tossing up one's cookies is less fun than baking cookies.
8. You can't do crossword puzzles or grade papers with a flu-induced headache.
7. Daytime television is a vast wasteland.
6. Dogs can't catch the flu; so they make good company while you have it.
5. Yogurt for 3 meals a day is boring.
4. Flat Vernors is a flu victim's best friend.
3. My husband is the best sympathy giver there ever was!
2. After 8 hours of nausea, eating a slice of bread is like having steak.
1. Thinking you dodged the flu a week after your spouse had it is a piece of fanciful but false logic!