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Having a One-derful time
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 02:44PM 
TG and me with five of the eight
A few weeks ago, our grandson Guy turned one year old.
We all went to Knoxville for his birthday party, which was held at the home of Brittany's dad, Scott, and stepmom, Karen.
Their house is beautiful and they were so gracious. There was a mountain of fabulous grilled meat, including chicken and ribs. And there were cowboy beans and mac and cheese and other succulent delights.
There were loads of balloons
Baby Guy began walking several weeks ago and was toddling all over the place.
Ember, who will turn five in December, is an even bigger big sister than she used to be.
Since Andrew is a pilot, the theme was aviation. Brittany had thought of everything. In the foyer, she had custom-made cookies arranged atop an old suitcase.
Passenger Guy, Destination One Year
There were clever touches such as a wheeled cart containing an assortment of single-serving chip bags, with a sign reading In-Flight Snacks.
On the kitchen island was another sign designating the area as the Fueling Station. Adorable.
Many of Brittany's family members were there, and it was good to see all of them again.
Ember was caught up in the spirit of things
TG and I traveled to Knoxville the day before, arriving around dinnertime, and enjoyed a pleasant evening meal and a restful night of sleep.
At our age, approaching big events slowly and deliberately has become paramount. Nothing sudden. IYKYK.
The others -- the Chericas (Chad, Erica, Rhett, and Elliot a/k/a Skippy) and Maudag (Mike, Audrey, and Dagny) -- got up early on Saturday morning and made the four-hour trip in time for the party's one o'clock start.
There were in-flight snacks
After lunch, Andrew and Brittany presented Guy with his smash cake. There was a single candle on top and at first it startled him and there were a few tears.
But the candle was blown out and then removed, and Guy extended a curious hand and extracted a hunk of cake and frosting, and tasted it, and quickly got into the spirit of the occasion.
Cupcakes were provided for everyone else and it was such a good time.
Guy was wished a happy birthday in such cute ways
Then the party repaired out to the patio where Andrew assembled all of Guy's birthday presents and everyone was chatting and visiting.
A kiddie pool and some water toys kept the smaller children busy for a good while.
Our handsome Andrew is a proud and loving dad
Towards the end of Baby Guy's birthday party, after Audrey and I had folded all of the gift bags that we could, and smoothed all the tissue paper that was salvageable, something about which I am obsessive at every party, I insisted on getting some pictures of me and TG with the five of our grandchildren who were there.
The mini-shoot resulted in some great pictures and I'm so glad that we did that.
Well hey little feller
Later, TG and I plus Maudag, who were staying at the same hotel as us, returned there so that Mike could check himself into his room and Audrey and Dagny into theirs.
Andrew joined us with Guy and Ember, and we got coffee and all sat in the hotel lobby for a few hours, talking and visiting some more.
Brittany had thought of everything
Brittany went home as she had some school assignments that needed her attention, and she welcomed the hours of silence.
After a quiet evening and another good night's sleep, all of us from Columbia got up, got ready for church, packed up, checked out of our rooms, and went to Sunday morning service at Temple Baptist Church, where TG and I and our children were members for several years in the '90s.
Guy was fascinated by this balloon display
We saw many old friends and even a few family members there, and it was a great service with beautiful music and excellent preaching, and we enjoyed it.
After that the children were cranky with fatigue and hunger, so we all descended on Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen for lunch.
There was a brief wait to be seated but once we were, the food was delicious. Everyone got full. Then it was time to head home.
There were a few tears as the candle was extinguished
Before the trip got really good and underway, we all stopped at the new Bucc-ee's Sevierville location, to change clothes and get cold drinks and prepare for the drive.
The trip through the Smoky Mountains was uneventful and we reached home around eight o'clock that evening.
Speaking of the Smokies (sort of), a day or so before we left for Knoxville, my dear friend Marsha had a birthday.
This cake is really quite good
She was recovering from surgery and was off work for several weeks, so one day when she was feeling stronger, we had her over to have a proper celebration.
Audrey and Dagny came too because they also love Marsha.
We had refreshments -- I'd made chicken salad -- and after that, we had some gifts for Marsha. She said she had a good time and wished us well on our trip to Tennessee.
Before our trip, we celebrated our friend Marsha
Marsha loves Tennessee, loves the Smokies, and would like to live there after she retires. She goes to Pigeon Forge on vacation every year and really gets into the whole vibe.
That's why for one of her gifts, I gave her a throw pillow with the white tri-star design of the Tennessee state flag, only set in orange, because like my own Andrew, she is a huge Vols football fan.
(The Volunteers are the teams of the University of Tennessee. Go Big Orange.)
Go Vols ... Go Big Orange
But back to our Knoxville trip, what a blessing to be with Andrew, Brittany, Ember, and Guy for our grandson's first birthday.
Fun Fact: Guy was born forty-five years to the day from TG's and my first date.
That's right! Our first date was on Thursday, August 24, 1978. Guy was born on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
Guy was ready for some pool splashing
On that warm night in Chicago, on an ordinary Thursday, on a first date, I couldn't possibly have imagined that forty-five years in the future to the very day, our third grandson would be born.
On that night in the summer of 1978, TG took me to old Comiskey Park on the south side of Chicago, for a major league baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals.
But there were many presents to open
I still have the shirt that TG wore that night. He looked so handsome in it.
(It wasn't official Cub fan gear; we weren't Cub fans then. That happened later for TG and much later for me.)
I had never been to a professional sporting event of any kind before that night.
We gave him this pilot hat and a book about planes
TG was not particularly a White Sox fan either, but he loved baseball and attending the game made sense to him for a first date.
He tried to explain some things about baseball to me, by way of making conversation, but little if any of it sank in. I know this because decades later, he had to explain it all again. I think I've got it now.
We also got him this outfit for cooler weather
(Batting Average should be .300 or higher. Earned Run Average -- that's for pitchers -- should be under 3.00 ... don't get those decimal points in the wrong place and whatever you do, don't get the under/overs confused.)
That reminds me of something my Mamaw said many decades ago. Her youngest son and my mother's youngest brother, my beloved Uncle Dodie, had played golf with some friends. Duffers all.
Dagny made sure she got to squeeze her baby cousin
They played an eighteen-hole course with a par of seventy-two.
When he got home, Mamaw asked Dodie what the score was. He told her that he shot over one hundred but that his friends had shot in the nineties.
Mike caught Audrey and me doing good
That's good, baby, she said. You won.
She went to a professional baseball game once too. At the seventh inning stretch, she stood with the crowd, gathered up her purse, and said Thank the Lord that's over.
Me and five of my grandbabies
Mamaw was a hoot. But not a sports fan.
And that's okay.
As for TG and me, we are most definitely sports fans. I limit my enthusiasm to baseball, specifically the Chicago Cubs and occasionally the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees.
Dagny squeezed Ember at a Starbucks
TG likes and follows lots of sports, but will no longer watch the NFL and rarely the NBA. You know why.
But baseball we can agree on, which is why in a few days we are headed up to Chicago to take in two late-season games at iconic Wrigley Field.
(We will definitely both be decked out in official Cub fan gear. We've each got lots.)
Dagny posed with one of the lions outside the church
Wrigley Field -- a/k/a The Friendly Confines -- is one of only three original ballparks in America. As in, it's never been torn down and replaced with a newer, more modern one.
Do you know the other two ballparks in America that can make the same claim? I regret to say that I have never been to either of them (for a game; we have toured one of them), but while there's life, there's hope.
If you know which two they are, without looking it up, tell me in the comments.
Skippy contemplates the menu at Cheddar's
And even if you have to look it up, tell me in the comments.
Meanwhile we're having some beautiful weather here, no longer sweltering. Speaking of firsts, be it birthdays or dates, the first day of fall is a mere eleven days away.
He was born 45 years to the day after our first date
Speaking of eleven, today is nine eleven.
Never forget.
On the twenty-third anniversary of that awful and heartbreaking day, may God bless America and confound her enemies both foreign and domestic. Especially domestic.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Wednesday
Reader Comments (20)
Cracked me up: "Thank the Lord that's over."
I have been to ball games in Montreal, Toronto and Detroit. I enjoyed them all. although I am no longer a fan. I'd probably still enjoy a live game though.
You folks sure do birthday celebrations in a very big way. Looks like joyful fun.
I remember, and will never forget!
I'm with Mamaw - not a sports fan here... But I love you anyway!
Oh Jenny - those grandkids of yours are all so adorable! I've saved some of these photos, they are precious. It's so good to see Guy and Ember. They are growing too fast and are beautiful kids.
Love the Fly shirt you got for Guy.
The party was adorable, as you told me. Each detail was so cute - from the balloon to those ever so cute cookies!
SO much fun here with two birthday celebrations! I loved it! Guy is absolutely adorable. It sounds like your family had a delightful time being together and celebrating the little Guy. That hat that you and TG gave him is absolutely adorable!
Glad things are cooling down for you where you are, also. We've had a few days back up in the 80s but next week things are to cool back down to more autumn like temperatures. xx
The aviation theme is beyond cool, and the cookies are adorable!! The pics of you both with the grands are so good, and this was a wonderful opportunity to snap them!! They are building a Buck'ee's nearby here and I can't wait. I have never been in one, or even seen one. I am so dumb about sports!!
@AC ... the best part was the WAY Mamaw droned those words, in a southern drawl (Mississippi born and bred, and lived most of her adult life in Louisiana) so thick you could cut it with a knife. She was hilarious! Yes it sure is joyous when we all get together for birthdays. And there are so many of us, it just basically never stops, hahahaha! xoxo
@Mari ... I know that like me, you will always remember what they did to us. God help us to never see a repeat of that. YES the cookies were just so darling I couldn't get over it. Brittany did such a great job but of course she had lots of help from not only Andrew but her mom and sister and cousins and grandparents and everyone! That crowd really works together. You save pics of my grandkids and I save pics of yours. I was just looking at some today. What precious little souls they all are, and how fortunate and blessed we are! xoxo
@Dianna ... Oh girl I just can't get over how darling Baby Guy is. It had been awhile since I'd seen him in person and he's just so beautiful! Those lips! Such a doll. I wish I could be the one to show him these pictures someday, of his first birthday celebration! I think he will be impressed that all that fuss was in his honor! And SO many presents! You wouldn't believe. Yes it's cooling down and just delightful. I love it! Can't wait for REAL fall weather! xoxo
@Ginny ... You're probably not as "dumb" as you think about sports! I have learned a lot from TG and he is so patient to teach me. Girl you are going to FLIP when you go to Buc-ee's!!! I mean it is just overwhelming. Be prepared to buy some stuff because you will NOT be able to resist! We love it. I hope you're feeling ever so much better. I prayed for you today. xoxo
I love how you all celebrate together as a family. You are indeed blessed. Guy is absolutely adorable!! I just love the hat and the t-shirt that you got him. All of your photos are amazing. I'm glad to hear your weather is cooling down a bit. It has here too and I couldn't be happier. Fall is a wonderful season. I hope you both have a wonderful time in Chicago. Go Cubs!!
Happy birthday to little Guy, wasn't he just born yesterday, though?
Y'all throw some of the best parties.
We never forget 9/11 here, but on the first anniversary, we were given a reason to know life will go on.
It was a little surreal watching the remembrance ceremonies from the maternity ward, though.
Awesome first birthday! May there be decades more to come!
@Lori ... thank you and yes, the cooler weather is MOST welcome! One can actually breathe outdoors, hahaha! YES go Cubbbbbiiieeees! I have a bit "W" flag and I had better be able to fly it at one of those games, if not both! Another fun fact: I have never been INSIDE Wrigley Field when the Cubs won the game. Never. It had better happen this time or I'm afraid I'll be a bitter pirate. xoxo
@Jane ... Congratulations! I wish I could access your blog and read all about it! I will try again. I'm sure that was strange. to re-watch such anguish in a time of such joy. Life goes on, even when our hearts are broken. Yes, our Guy was born just yesterday. Bless his little heart xoxo
@Mike ... Thank you, yes, and may he be a staunch rock-ribbed conservative and God-fearing Christian throughout his life, no matter how short or long. xoxo
Aww what a cutie. Happy Birthday Guy!
I am so impressed with the birthday party. Every detail of the aviation theme was so well thought out and looks like so much fun- not to mention the delicious spread of food! Looks like a wonderful trip for you with your grandchildren and opportunity to see old friends and family at church. Love the beautiful photos. Happy Birthday to Guy- he is adorable.
It was lovely to see Andrew and family.
What a fantastic party!!!
Sending love and hugs your way.
Carla
@Hena ... Thanks my friend! And thanks for stopping by as I know you have been super busy, hahaha! xoxo
@Judee ... Yes it was impressive but then my daughter-in-law does not do anything by halves! She thinks of everything and makes it so special. I can't get over the production that children's birthday parties have become but it certainly is fun and a great time to catch up with everyone. And to just rest my eyes on that beautiful little boy! xoxo
@Carla ... Hello my friend and I apologize for taking so long to see your comment. Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
Dagny with the Lion.........she looks so pretty and so grown-up! Love seeing all the fun at Guy's big birthday party! Love the fun pictures, and the theme and decor were so cute! Your grandkids are all adorable. And goodness, Ember HAS GROWN! Love the cute little pilot hat you got Guy. So glad y'all got to go be with them for this party, and y'all had a safe trip. Any more trips coming up or all you all tripped out? ha ha ha LOL. Trips sure wear me out anymore. Coz I'm OLD, LOL. Hope your week is going well and you don't get much of that storm thats heading our way ,stay safe! It's been SO HOT HERE this week, up in the 90s. I am ready for Fall breezes. hugs!
I am playing catch up with blogs, have you ever had that feeling?!?! What a 45 years it has been for you two, who could have ever predicted the outcome of that one date. The birthday party looked wonderful, what a cute family. I am with you on the name changes of the sports teams. So stupid.
Beautiful photos of your favorite little ones and big ones. It was certainly exciting and heartwarming to celebrate Guy's first birthday. Great photos.
I hope you enjoy baseball in Chicago. I'm already looking forward to your photos in fan clothing... and if grandchildren train in another sport, you'll definitely attend other sports too :-) A hug for you.
p.s. I watch artistic gymnastics :-)
Love all the photos! Gorgeous family!
Yes, but people DO seem to forget so easily these days...so sad. That day will be one I Never forget.
And my green beans? Take out of the freezer...thaw...squeeze out the juice...(cheesecloth or tea towel) then roll in some cornstarch and flour...and deep fry...easy.
Be well sweet friend.
hugs
Donna
@Debbi ... Yes this weather has been wild but we have been unscathed and we're so grateful although horrified at what others have endured and are enduring. God please help! And yes I'll be ready for a cool breeze or two just as soon as that can be arranged! Our trip was great and we have been on another one since then! I guess I'll have to blog about that. xoxo
@Jim and Barb ... Yes I know all about playing catch-up with blogs! Hahaha and I need to play some catch-up in actually blogging. When you look down through the years from our perspective it certainly is profound how one thing leads to another. Just like one lefty loon complaining and a whole baseball club has to change its name. Insane and asinine. xoxo
@Viola ... gymnastics are beautiful but I've never had a dog in that fight, haha! Baseball is relaxing when it's not maddening. xoxo
@Donna ... oh my word you deep-fried those green beans? I have never done such a thing but they look so good, I may have to try it! xoxo
I beat you to third grandboy! Haha, but only by three weeks.... (no grand girls yet though)
Guy and ALL the grands are adorable! (as are you and TG!)
Have a blast in Chicago - I know you will! Tell the Windy City hello from me!
@Sydney ... awwwww hello my friend! Are all of those boys Spencer's, or does Elizabeth have one? BTW I have FOUR grandsons AND four granddaughters, so I win because I doubt you will catch up, hahahaha! But it's not a contest. It's just all wonderful, as was Chicago, and being in "da region" definitely reminded me of you! Good times. Love you my friend xoxo