Saturday, February 23, 2008

We're in a Mess!

Well, as you may already know, we have been involved in a home improvement project or shall I say Steve has, since January- remodelling our main bathroom. It's been a slow process since Steve was sick and then left for a week to go to Germany.
As soon as we returned, we were back to our busy schedules- Steve was in meetings the first 3 nights we were back plus going back to work so there has not been a lot of free time to finish the job. As I'm writing right now he has been trying to finish painting and laying the tile floor into the hallway. That meant moving the washer and dryer into our bedroom yesterday so now I have a dryer for a nightstand. And since they are not hooked up, that means no laundry for a few days. I know when it's all finished it will be worth the mess but right now it's not fun!!
Steve is ready for the job to be done- he's quite tired and sore from using muscles he didn't realize he had anymore! I am my usual helpful self by keeping the dogs and myself out of the way! Sometimes I feed him if he really looks weak and in need of sustenance. But he has the dog's water dish nearby, so what's the problem!

We really need to get back to normal since next week starts a very busy time- we're getting ready for the Easter Journey which has become a major outreach for Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene here in Salisbury. It began about 3-4 years ago and has grown into an all church program this year so that more people will be reached in the community. I'm pretty excited but it does take a lot of time and effort so March will be very busy. Please keep us in your prayers for the next several weeks.

Other news in the Scott family is the arrival of a new great niece- Hannah May Austin who was born Monday, February 18 to our niece, Angela and her husband Jon. Now they are a family of 5, with big brothers, Caleb and Johnny. Congratulations guys-we love you and are rejoicing with this miracle from our Lord.

Continue to keep Chris and Min and boys in your prayers. They have all been sick and hopefully are on the mend. Pray that God will direct their paths these next several weeks as they are facing some tough decisions and times.

We are always enjoying our time with Randy and Jamie each week. (Sorry, Mom and Dad Ellis) Being with them is always fun. We are very proud of them as they are continuing to pursue God's best. Pray for wisdom for them as they make daily decisions regarding the direction of their lives.
Check out these pictures:
Over 50 years of bathroom flooring to cover!
Our new tiled floor! YAY!
The following are 2007 Easter Journey scenes:
The new Scott addition: Hannah May Austin (named after great grandma's middle name May)
The other 2008 Scott Baby! Baby Will
My beautiful family the last time we were all together, July 2007
before Chris and Min andLuke left for Germany. (waiting for Baby Will)

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Welcome Home, Shad Point Scotts!

Well, we made it home a week ago today!It was a very sad good-bye to Luke, Will, and Mindy. Needless to say, I had to get out quick before I(Judy) lost it! Then we get to the airport and another sad goodbye to our son, Chris, who we may not see for almost a year and a half! I'm surprised the airplane could take off from the airport, with the "heaviness"of both Guka and Me-Me's hearts!

Once we landed in Philadelphia, it was a mad rush through customs and 4-5 other checkpoints before we could get to our gate for Salisbury. We just made it but our luggage did not- but a nice man delivered them Sunday morning so all was well! In the meantime, Judy had to try to find some old makeup around the house in order to get ready for church!


The time difference took a little getting used to this week. When we arrived home Saturday night at 5:30pm it was really 11:30pm Germany time. We went to bed by 8 and I woke up at 1:00am thinking it must be time to get up! Finally, after waking every hour, we got up at 5:00am Sunday morning. I went back to work Monday even though I was scheduled off just because I was so wide awake, I decided to save my vacation day for another time! After a few early nights to bed, I think Steve and I finally adjusted to Eastern Standard Time again.

It was great to be back with my church family. I really missed everyone and it felt good to be home. I just wish I could have brought the rest of our family home with us! Although, it is difficult to be so far from Chris and Mindy and the boys, I'd rather they be together and us missing them rather than Chris being far away from his family. I have to keep reminding myself of that perspective to keep going!


It was wonderful to see Randy and Jamie and to spend some time with them this week. I am very thankful they live close by and we can see them. Sunday dinners after church have always been our tradition- a special time of the week for our family to get together and "catch up." Steve and I always look forward to this time.


Last night, we invited Randy and Jamie to dinner because I wanted to try out a new recipe that I ate at Chris and Min's. Some of the other army wives brought dinner one week and this was a favorite- Shrimp and Feta Cheese Bake. You can find the recipe on foodnetwork.com
It was delicious and we had a good time!


We are sorry that it has not been a good week at Chris and Min's since we left. Chris had one more week of leave and with nice weather they were looking forward to getting out, but unfortunately, our Lukester got a stomach flu. Me-Me wanted so badly to hop on a plane and go back to help but it looks like his parents can handle it, so I refrained! But if I can find another excuse, I just might be there!

Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Randy & Jamie with their Germany gifts!

Judy serving her Shrimp Bake dish to Steve

Our handsome son tasting Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Will on his first Valentine's Day

The sweet Lukester missing his Me'Me and Gu-ka!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Sad Buh Bye to Baumholder!

Well, sadly, it's our last day in Baumholder. Guka and Me-me are returning to the states tomorrow and leaving our precious, cute, adorable grandchildren and their parents. It has been a wonderful visit that I'll always cherish. To be with Luke these last several weeks, to hear him call us by name has been awesome. My heart just melts whenever Luke smiles and looks at me.

Today, it is a beautiful sunny day, which has not been the norm while we have been here. Since the day, Guka arrived, it has either snowed or rained. We rented a van on Monday and at least were able to travel around the area a little. On Monday we went to Ramstein Air Base and ate at a Chili's.

On Tuesday we drove to Landstuhl hospital for an appointment and then went over to Kaiserslaurten to shop. On Wednesday, we travelled to Trier, which is a very old German city. It was raining when we first arrived, but we were able to find a nice private dining area at a restaurant and by the time we were finished, the rain had stopped. We checked out some shops and a beautiful cathedral. It was a lot of fun and we were happy Guka was able to experience some of the local culture.

Yesterday, we stayed at home and prepared a special meal since Chris and Mindy had invited their friends, Chaplain Keith Andrews, his wife Monica and their sweet children, Mary Katherine, Elizabeth Anne (twin daughters) and another baby Will. Chris had asked Keith to perform a private dedication service for our Baby Will. It was a wonderful evening as we shared together in fellowship and prayer as Chris and Mindy vowed to teach Will to know and love the Lord.

Today, we are going to walk into Baumholder and walk around the town. Since the sun came out yesterday, we of course, had to return the van and now do not have a vehicle large enough to hold 2 baby seats and 4 adults.

Tonight, we will celebrate Chris' 30th birthday with a steak dinner and some of his favorite dishes. I can't believe it's been 30 years since Steve and I became first time parents!!

Tomorrow, Steve and I leave for the U.S. and back to normal life. There will be a big void but thanks to the internet and web cam we'll keep in touch.

The weather Guka brought!
MeME and Luke for a rare cuddling moment
In front of restaurant in Trier
Cathedral in Trier
Guka with both grandsons
All of us at Will's dedication
Celebration of Chris' 30th birthday

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Gu-ka's a Hit!!

Guka (Grandpa) arrived on Friday, 2/1/08 at 6:00am Germany time. Chris drove through a wicked snow storm (accompanied by Me-Me) at 4:45am- it was about a 2 hour drive. Once we reached the autobahn, it was smooth sailing. It was a little scary at first since there were big trucks all stopping and not even attemping to move and cars sliding down hills backwards right before we were able to get on the autobahn. I must say Chris did a magnificent job driving and I did a lot of praying!

When we arrived on Post, Luke was a little hesitant to meet Guka in person since his only recollection was on the web cam. Once Guka opened his suitcase full of gifts, it wasn't long before Luke was his best friend. He hasn't left his side since. It's so cute- he just looks with adoration with those beautiful blue eyes and repeats "Guka, Guka" over and over. Me-Me has definitely taken a back seat but that's ok.

Every night Chris and Mindy have a routine before bedtime, reading some books with Luke and praying. Last night,(Guka's first night) Luke would not participate until Guka came over and read with them! It was so funny.

During these last weeks, the funniest times were when Lukes has "time-outs." When he gets in trouble, Mindy sits him on the loveseat for 2 minutes, then explains why and makes him say he's sorry. It's all we can do to look at him while he's sitting there. We usually have to leave the room because we can't keep from laughing! I want so badly to take a picture but it would defeat the purpose of the punishment so I have to refrain! It is priceless!
Guka's introduction to Baby Will
Guka & MeMe with their pride and joy
Guka's first intro to Luke since Web Cam Days
Guka and his new best friend!
Guka, Meme and the Lukestar!
Bedtime Routine with Guka and Family
No wonder Luke loves Guka. Looks like
bribery to me!
Hope you enjoyed the pics. We are having a great time!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Guka is Coming!

This has been my third week here in Baumholder with my son, Chris, his wife Mindy and their beautiful family. It has been one of those interesting weeks with a newborn and experiencing life on an Army post!

Monday morning at 8am sharp, the door buzzer rang and the construction workers had arrived to replace the doors and doorways in the whole building. Of course, their first project was our apartment! It wouldn't be so bad except the bathroom door is right at the door entry way and they had blocked it! Not a good thing for a woman with my size bladder! Needless to say, I had to interrupt them several times to get into the "water closet." Then there was the constant drilling all day and once they replaced the door, they nailed 2X4's across the doorway so we had to bend over to get in and out! It is now Thursday and the drilling and dust have been constant from 8 to 4 every day. A great first week for our baby's adjustment at home.







Luke and Will are doing great. Luke is a sweet big brother and is very proud of the new addition to his family. I'm sure he will be a great helper to his Mommy and Daddy as the days and weeks go by. I've been trying to awaken early each morning this week to give Mindy a break so she can get some much needed rest. It's been great to see firsthand what wonderful parents Chris and Mindy are. They put me to shame! I have so enjoyed being with them and wouldn't trade this experience for anything!

I am so excited that "Guka" is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see him and also to see Luke's reaction to actually meeting "Guka" in person. He's been talking to him every day on the web cam. I also can't wait to see "Guka's" reaction to his two grandsons. I know he will be ecstatic.

Sadly, I only have one more week to be with Chris, Mindy, Luke and Will. I can't even think about what it will be like to leave them so I will try not to think about it and enjoy every moment we have left.

Several of the ladies in Mindy's FRG support group have provided meals and gifts this week. It's been very enlightening and heartwarming to see how supportive the other army wives are here on post. It really touches this mother's heart.

Well I will post a few pictures and count the next 18 hours until I am reunited with "Guka!"


Isn't he beautiful?!


This is monkey and Elmo bonding!


Luke helping Grammy fold the laundry!


"He ain't heavy, he's my brother!"


Side by Side!


I'm the luckiest grandson, ever!


Bright Eyed Will


Chillin' Will

Monday, January 28, 2008

Life on the Other Side of the World

You have been reading about the life of Gammy or Me-Me ( How did Luke know it is all about Judy? ) while in Germany visiting Chris, Mindy, Luke and Will. If you haven't noticed, Steve has been missing in all the pictures. Are there marital issues,... won't his parole officer let him leave the country, ... what could it be?
Well, here's the well kept secret. Steve has had to stay close to the bathroom for 3 weeks. Wait... before you panic, he does not have some exotic intestinal virus. Actually, Steve and Judy have talked about remodeling the bathroom for several months due to a leak that caused some flooring issues. Steve's job, while Judy gallivants all over Europe, is to paint, tile, and replace anything else that gets in his way. All was going great until the first day....and all the problems of an older home that were hidden were brought to light. Finally last week, just as our precious Will was born, Gu-Ka caught the flu and was knocked down for a few days. Knowing the projects completion came before his health, Steve persevered. Tuesday if all goes according to plan ( yeah, like that will happen! ) he will put the vanity, sink, and toilet back in. Then Wednesday becomes last minute clean-up and the bathroom will be completed.
Thursday, whether the work is done or not, I fly to Germany to finally meet my newest grandson and further spoil Luke. I can hardly wait. I got my International Drivers License today so I can't wait to try the Autobahn. As you can tell I am getting excited now after all these weeks of waiting.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Welcome to our world, Will!

Just a quick news update which I'm sure is probably not "news" now. Baby Bee came into our world on Thursday morning, at 4:05am, January 24, 2008 and was named William Stephen Scott. We will call him Will! He weighed 9 lbs and was 21 inches long. To say the least, it has been an eventful couple of days.

Mindy went to her dr's appt on Wednesday afternoon. We put Luke down for a nap and Grammy spent time with the Lord. I was in the middle of praying earnestly with the Lord re: when this baby was going to be born. I reminded Him I only had a little over 2 weeks left and prayed that Wednesday would be His day! While I was praying, Mindy comes in the door and asks-"Are you praying? Because I'm leaving in a few moments and will be induced and this baby will be born in a few hours!" Well, I took time to praise the Lord and then helped her pack, prayed some more for them and Luke and I here at home. It was an exciting day waiting for the arrival of Will- and sure enough Chris called at 4:45am Thursday morning (German time). On my time table it was still Wednesday 6 hours earlier! I thought it would be neat that Will was born on Jamie's birthday but also on his dad, Christopher's original due date 30 years ago! But either way the date has meaning since January 24 was my grandfather's birthday! I just love God's timing. There are so many examples of how perfect everything turned out and how all our concerns were taken care of by His wonderful care. I just have to give Him the glory and praise and am so grateful for our Heavenly Father's blessing on our "dear ones."

On Thursday, Chris came home and Luke and I drove back to Landstuhl to meet his baby brother. It was a beautiful, sweet time. I had packed a bag so I could stay with Mindy if necessary and Chris and Luke could return home. So, Chris and Luke had a good night's rest and Mommy Mindy, Grammy, and Baby Will did not! We were up all night taking turns with wide awake and restless Will- but it was still a special time and again I am so grateful.

We are all home tonight, Friday and now its Daddy Chris' turn to "bond" with his son, Will. Mindy and I are hoping for some rest.

Here are some special pictures we want to share. Thank you for all your love and prayers. Be praying for Steve (Guka) who will be joining us a week from today! YAy!















Just a comment on this photo- Wednesday night I was trying to sleep on the couch but try to be near the phone when Chris called. I was so "wound up" and couldn't sleep and this clock in the kitchen was ticking so loud it drove me crazy. I ended up climbing on the counter to take the clock down and put it in Chris and Mindy's bed and closed the door. When I arrived home today, It was on my bed with this note. I just love that Scott humor!