Actual Conversation

This is an actual conversation that took place last night during dinner while talking about the potential of playing badminton on the outdoor court of the Mountain View Grand.

Mom: I will beat your butt so bad at badminton that it will make your head spin.

Me: Are you kidding me? I could tie one hand behind my back, be 9 months pregnant and still kick your butt.

Dad: Oh yeah? Well I could stick the badminton racket up my butt and kick both of your asses.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

My Parents

It was the summer of 1971 and my mother, at the tender age of 19 turning 20 was married and about 6-7 months pregnant with me. My father, owning a camera, and always documenting everything for archival purposes, took them out into the lush green woods of New Hampshire to take some photos.

Here he told my mother not to smile so that it would be artsy and cool. And that is his HOT ROD car that he bought before he left Vietnam. Apparently, my pregnant mother would drive this car daily to drop him off at work, and then upon request peel out of the parking lot leaving dust and tire marks to the hoots of my Dad's coworkers.



It's hard to believe that I am in the belly of this beautiful young girl.



And much to his chagrin, I'm posting this one picture of my Dad. Because he's all 70's and bad ass!

And to run a bit down memory lane, here are some old posts of my Dad making my Halloween Costume in 1974, my parent's going to prom and mom Mom making us matching dresses.

From Mother to Grandmother

NOTE: Here is our first guest blogger, MY MOM! This is fresh off the presses from my parents visit this past week-end. The minute Nana stepped off the plane and sat next to H. in the back seat, she and H. were new BFFs. All week-end it was Nana this Nana that, where's Papa and Mom who? Little know fact, my mom is a Reverend, and I'm a PK (Preacher's Kid). Suddenly you are thinking, this explains a lot.

I have never understood how grandparents could just up and leave their homes to move closer to their families. Until now.


My daughter, son-in-law, and first grand baby live 2,000 miles away from us. My son and daughter-in-law live 10,000 miles away. 2,000 or 10,000, it doesn’t make any difference. It is too far. Long ago and far away families all lived within a few miles of each other. Now, in the 21st century, that is no longer the case. Employment opportunities call us to different places now. We are a less localized society.


But then a grandchild comes along and it makes the distance even harder. We try to see H., our first grandbaby, every three months. So far we have been pretty successful at that, but it is still hard to be away from her for periods of time. She would forget us if it weren't for video Skype. Even with video, it is not the same as seeing her every day or every week. But we do the best we can and we love every minute of our time together.


The other expression I’ve never understood is this: “If I knew it was this much fun, I would have had grandchildren first.” I have actually seen this on t-shirts. It is a lot of fun to have grandchildren. But I had a lot of fun with our own children. They made me laugh every day (except for some of those teenage years). They are/were so full of life and joy it was contagious. Christy began talking very early and was a regular motor mouth throughout the day (and into the night in her sleep) and Michael began to walk when he was 6 months old which is why I didn’t gain weight for awhile. Of course we had the usual worries with one child who climbed over a gate as soon as it was assembled and proceeded to fall down the steps and another who had a couple of hospital trips for tonsils and adenoids – really minor things in comparison but nonetheless worrisome to ignorant parents such as us. Being a grandparent is a little easier. Poopy diaper? Must be someone else’s turn. Cranky baby? Hand off to Daddy.

Spending this last week with our grandbaby made me realize once again that millions of grandparents across the country are raising their grandchildren and they are exhausted, understandably so. We are blessed that our granddaughter has capable and loving parents and we get to hold, cuddle, read stories, play and then hand her back to Mom and Dad. I just want to do it more often than every couple of months.

New England Vacation Part II

The next part of our vacation was an historic journey through northern New Hampshire to see where my parents grew up and to introduce David and Hadley to where I came from. Literally. Where does the story begin? What are the events that lead up to the story of me? Heritage is a crazy thing.

So we headed off and travelled up through Massachusetts (going through Hadley, MA), into Vermont where David's biggest excitement was that they served Green Mountain Coffee at the rest stops. One of the beauties of travelling through New England, is that you come across small towns like this that look like they have not been touched in 50 years. Here is a wooden bridge in Bath, NH.

First stop on our tour was the "center of town" in Landaff, NH (pop. 378 - no I didn't forget a number) which consists of a church and another building. Located here is a World War II Memorial with my grandfather's name on it.

The next stop was to the Allbee Farm in Landaff. This farm has been in the Allbee family since the 1800's and is where my paternal grandfather grew up. The Allbee Farm is on Allbee Road, you know where Allbee Road and Cemetery Road intersect. And not to be disappointed, the Landaff cemetery IS on Cemetery Road.

About a mile in, the unpaved road ends at the Allbee Farm. How absolutely gorgeous in this barn? Though it is no longer a working farm, the site is pristine. I wish my Grandmother were here to tell stories of meeting my Grandfather and all of the fun they had at the farm.

We spent the afternoon with with my dad's cousin Sally and her husband Cliff who live there. Sally's mother was my Grandfather's sister, and the last of the 5 Allbee siblings to pass away just last year. Sally gave some great family tree info to me. She has all the historical records. It's wonderful to hear her talk, as she and her husband are quite lively with some wicked accents. It's fun to see pictures of her Grandchildren as well with the traditional Allbee features. (i.e. big Allbee teeth and eyebrows). After our visit, we headed out to the Landaff Cemetery to see what is virtually the Allbee family tree with graves going back to my Great Great Grandfather.

Following Landaff, we took a brief tour through Littleton, NH where my father grew up. My grandfather had his own farm there. When he sold the land, they put a highway through it, and built a neighborhood of homes which is where I remember visitng them. In 1996, Littleton was also rated by Outdoor magazine as one of the top 10 places to live in the country. There is also a Vietnam Memorial here with my Dad's name on it. Unfortunately we will have to visit it and take pictures on our next trip.

Our final stop was Whitefield, NH where my mother grew up. This is a very small town of 1,800 people. Can you imagine living in a town so small? That is less people than I went to college with. We lived there until I was 7. I remember ice skating on this common in the winter and going to Blueberry Pancake breakfasts in the summer.

Just on the other side of town lies the Mountain View Grand established in 1865. This is a little gem nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. Aunt Betty has memories of working there as a teenager. Every Memorial Day, the rich folk from NYC would get driven up to spend the entire summer there until Labor Day. Aunt Betty was a waitress all day which included several outfit changes.

The Resort was shut down for most of the 90's, until it was purchased and completely renovated. I would love to spend the entire summer there and watch Hadley run up and down this porch. While sipping on a pre-dinner cocktail of course.

The Lobby, bar, dining rooms, and rooms were just as gorgeous. I am going to be posting for Restroom Critic soon about the beautiful bathrooms.

Our final destination before heading home was a visit to Hadley August's namesake, August Gronemeyer, my mother's father who died when she was 14. It may seem gruesome to have a picture of Hadley near a grave, but the entire time, it felt like she was talking to someone. It was quite cute.

Another Contest

Get ready, because this Wednesday, we here at Allbeehive are having a little contest. This year, the prize is not a knitted item, but instead, the winner will get a Starbucks gift card for $10. Go crazy, get a pastry AND a drink.

My dad took a picture of something last week, and you will have to guess what it is. This time however, winners will have to come through comments only. Stay tuned!

Hadley Loves Her Grandpa

The previous evening, before bath time, I brought naked baby downstairs to parade her in front of her grandparents. When my Dad asked to hold her, I warned him that in her naked state she could possibly pee. Sure enough, as my Dad was playing with her and holding her over his head, she started to let him have it. Luckily, he didn't take it to the face, having learned from me when I was 4 months old above his head and peed on him. However, he promptly pushed her towards me, holding her over the rug. Being the practical mom, I covered her tush with my hand which started the sprinkler effect and pushed her back over my father. I mean seriously, I didn't want to get it on the rug or couch. Grandpas are good for that.

Things Grandparents Do

Hadley loves it when Nana reads her stories. She stares intently at all of the pictures.


Nana and Hadley have great conversations.


But when Nana puts this bow on Hadley that she got her for Christmas, Hadley is unsure of how 1983 she looks. The bow was promptly removed when DG came home. "It's burning my eyes, my eyes." It burning MY minds eye.


Here is a much better use of the bow. Now Gibson and Tica look like Chippendales Dancers.


Lap dance anyone?

I Love Me Some Nana and Grandpa

A week ago, when a friend came over, Hadley got the giggles and laughed her head off for several minutes. It's like her funny bone took over and shook her whole body in fits of belly giggles. It is probably the cutest thing I have EVER seen.

For the whole week following, I did everything except stand on my head and sing showtunes to get her to laugh like that again. I blew raspberries on her belly, tickled her feet, danced around singing songs about butts. Nothing. I was her own personal cartoon character. Nothing. A caricature of myself. Nothing. "Am I not as funny as I think I am?" I asked myself? How could this beeee?

Then her grandparents came to town, and one day while her Nana was holding her, David said the word Bazooka to her, which got the giggle factory going. I then followed it up with every B word I could possible think of. Each word, worked her up more and more into an hysterical giggle fit. Bumble Bee, brassiere, Booby, Brown Bunny, Barbara, Bling, Banana...I tried to fit in a few P and D words too, but they did not elicit the same response. I'm hoping to get this on video some day because when you watch it, you won't be able to say you've had a bad day.

Nana and Poppa at last!

My dad was afraid that Hadley would lose that new baby smell before they arrived. But really sour milk and Dreft doesn't wash away easily.

The Tryptich Masterpiece

I thought that a craft project would be fun when Mom and Aunt Betty were out visiting. I got the idea for this tryptich when I was looking at Baby Art on Ebay. I saw some some lovely wall hangings that were hand painted with a child's initials and hung from the wall with ribbons. I went out and got some canvas and acrylic paint and proceeded to sketch out the 3 panels that I wanted. I decided that I didn't want to paint the baby's room and instead chose to give it color with accessories, including a green lamp shade, green curtains, pink and green bedding and pink and green wall art.

As shown here, sometimes you need to open your mouth to really concentrate on creating a masterpiece.
Templates are also a good use of making the process faster.

And voila, the final pieces. Ok, maybe it will never see the walls of the Louvre, but I am tickled pink with how it turned out.

Mumsie in Town

Last Friday, my mom and Aunt came to town to go to my baby shower this week-end. We had a great time all week-end crafting, painting, knitting, cross stitching, having many great conversations, and enjoying each other's company.

I designed a tryptich for Baby Gs room and put everyone to work on painting one of the panels. We also found the perfect green material for curtains that I need to sew up this week as well. Perhaps I've watched to many DIY design shows on TLC. Pictures coming soon.

Next time mom comes to town, she will be a Nana.

Life is Good

I just got back from spending an amazing week with my parents. I was not at all ready to leave. *sniff* In case you missed me while I was gone, you can check out my dad's blog here. He posted a picture and video of me saying good-bye to my childhood stuffed animals.

The Future is Bright

My dad has a saying that goes something to the effect of "Life is really good until it is not."

My mom had a serious heart attack this week and though she is in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery, life has been difficult. I'll be traveling back to the East Coast to spend time with my parents in a few days. Please keep our family in your thoughts.

House Project Numero Dos

First we spent the entire Memorial Day week-end planting a small patch in the front yard which DG outlines here. That was project numero uno. The second project my dad handled when he was here last week-end.

Ta daaaaaaaaa. Presenting our new ceiling fan in the master bedroom. So pretty, yet a tricky little bugger to install. You see, the entire inside of the house had 70's brown support beams running the lengths of the high ceilings. In the redo, they lowered the ceilings to cover up the horrendous look of them, while adding steel for added support. The plate next to the fan was the original location of the bedroom light. Dad measured 5 times and found the support beam the first time. Then he drilled through the metal, all so that he wouldn't have to stay up at night worrying about the fan falling on his new grand baby.

I say tricky, but honestly I spent the entire time laying on the couch eating bon bons while he did all the work. Thanks Dad, now we can all sleep cool through the summer.

A Girl and Her Daddy

My dad came to visit this week-end to see the baby bump, celebrate his future grand-baby, try out the new guest suite, and install a ceiling fan. We went to a great baseball game (10th row behind 3rd base), had a stupendous brunch while listening to a jazz band, walked around a festival, saw Judge Roughneck play, took a tour of DG's office, and all in all had a great time.

By the way, my dad does NOT want his picture broadcast on the blog so that is not a picture of my dad, it's just some wierd guy I met at game.

Dad's Advice Continued

This was too good to leave in the comments section and it deserves it's own entry.

Age 13: I think I said bumping and grinding. (i.e. Come and let me know so that I can lock YOU up.) This was “THE TALK” at the kitchen table after dinner. I would not let you leave until I was done. To get me off your back you finally told me you wanted to be a virgin when you got married. (How did that work out anyway?)

Age 16: On how to kiss a boy: I think I said don’t suck on anything lower than their lower lip.

Age 19: I think I said Boys only want one thing, EVEN IF they are gay.

Age 24: Happiness is a state of mind. You should not dwell on the negative.
I said exactly that. It was out of selfishness because I did not want you to leave even though you were a pain in the ass.

Age mid-20's: Surround yourself with positive people and you will live a happier life. I did say that and you followed my advice very well.

Age mid-20's: Regarding marriage: When you are ready to spend the rest of your life with someone you will know. The funny part is that I also knew that this was the right time and person for you.

Age 26: Only use your power for good and never evil. Yes I said this and I believe you have only used your power for good. Accept that one time when you tried to beat up your 24 year old brother and he literally wiped the kitchen floor with you.

Age 28: Practice practice practice. To be a rock star you have to practice. I did say this and it is true for anything you want to do.

I have some advice for you now. It may not make since but when you get older and have time for reflection you will understand.

When you go into a crowded public place there are 2 things you want to know. Where is the fire exit and where is the bathroom.

Don’t drink a lot of liquid before a long trip.

Whole grain food makes you gassy.

My Daddy

I was born on the same day as my father, on his 22nd birthday. I got his teeth and need to be right all the time. We are very similar and even though in his recent comment he eluded to the fact that I couldn't stand to be seen with him as a teenager, I have a different story. Though I went through my "don't touch me" phase, I was also very aware growing up that my parents were young, liberal, and very cool. Recently while going through old emails, I found a list I had created of my Dad's witicisms and I could not wait for father's day to post them. In 1999, my mother agreed to speak at a father/daughter luncheon and she asked me for a list of advice that my dad has given me over the years. Unfortunately, the pearls of wisdom I have learned may not be the most pulpit appropriate advice, though I think that they may explain a lot about who I am. I also believe they have spanned the test of time, and are universally great advice for all children young and old.

Age 13: Your hormones will be humping and bumping soon and I want you to know you can always talk to me. (ie. Come and let me know when boys want to touch you so I can cut their hands off.)

Age 16: On how to kiss a boy: Just suck on their lower lip. "Gawd gross dad, stop, I don't want to hear any more."

Age 19: Boys only want one thing, unless they are gay, and then you still have to be careful. (ie. I think you are too young to have good gaydar, or I think you are dating a lot of bisexuals.)

Age 24: Happiness is a state of mind. You should not dwell on the negative. You have to be happy with who you are. (This is when I was moving from Indiana to Colorado because I was unhappy. He thought that moving out of Indiana wouldn't make me happy if I was trying to escape something.) Though the advice was true, it ended up being a great decision for me. Dad: 5, Daughter: 1.

Age mid-20's: Surround yourself with positive people and you will live a happier life. Cut out the negativity in your life.

Age mid-20's: Regarding marriage: When you are ready to spend the rest of your life with someone you will know. You can't force a relationship to happen. If it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt.

Age 26: Only use your power for good and never evil. (When he refered to me as Kickboxing Zena Warrior Wench.)

Age 28: Practice practice practice. To be a rock star you have to practice. (This can go for many things in life.)

I love you dad and I am sure that even though I am a full on adult now, that there is still a lot of advice forthcoming. This is where my dad chimes in and explains what he was really trying to say, which will end up being much funnier than my actual post.

Honey, we are going to need some more butter!

It is like attack of the Killer Lobsta! I got these great pics from my dad the other day of an 8lb. 6oz. lobster he bought at a seafood market. When I asked if a lobster this large was even edible the response I got was "I never met a lobster that I didn't like." Apparently it was very sweet. It was so big they could barely fit it into their pot and they only ate the meat in one claw. The rest was saved for lobster bisque and lobster rolls. Yum.