Pirates Don't Change Diapers

I visited the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature located at 102 Cedar in downtown Abilene (aka "The Storybook Capital of Texas"). This summer, the museum featured original artwork by illustrator, David Shannon. He wrote and illustrated A Bad Case of the Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and No David!, a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book, and several more. Shannon uses acrylics, and his illustrations are colorful, bold, and entertaining. They made me smile.

Browsing through the Center's bookstore, I picked up a copy of Pirates Don't Change Diapers written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. The book was autographed by Shannon, as well.

 

 After reading the story, I knew it was the perfect title for July's "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Pirates and a baby...an appealing and amusing combination for my grandkids.

Jeremy Jacob's mom instructs him not to wake up his napping Dad and baby sister, Bonney Anne. After Mom leaves to buy milk, Jeremy's pirate friends show up. Their ship was wrecked and they need the treasure buried in the backyard to replace it. When Bonney Anne wakes up, Jeremy insists the pirates help babysit and keep her happy. Each time the pirates attempt to dig for the treasure, Bonney Anne needs attention. And then, the pirates lose the treasure map. Will they ever be able to dig up the treasure and repair the ship?

I hope you'll put Pirates Don't Change Diapers on your "Read Aloud Bucket List." It's a delight.

Trinidad Memories & Moms

My husband's work assignment moved us to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago. Although we lived in Trinidad less than 2 years, our lives were enriched by our experiences there and the lovely people we met. We're grateful our parents were able to visit. In honor of Mother's Day, here are a few special memories!

Dale's parents, Bill and Norma, visited us in 2007. We took them to one of our favorite restaurants, Battimamzelle (Trini word for "dragonfly"). Battimamzelle specializes in Caribbean cuisine.

We drove to Maracas Bay for a walk on the beach and enjoyed Richard's shark & bake. 

Maracas Beach

Scarlet ibis in flight at Caroni Swamp.

On our way to Asa Wright Nature Center, we followed bad directions, took the wrong road, and ended up lost. We laughed about it, and finally found our way to Asa Wright. We enjoyed the Discovery Nature Trail guided tour. After our hike, we watched birds from the veranda. Asa Wright Nature Center is home to over 150 bird species.

 

A view of the Atlantic Ocean at Balandra Bay

I love the leatherback turtles of Grande Riviere! These magnificent and endangered creatures grow up to seven feet long and weigh as much as 2000 pounds. We observed the leatherbacks nesting on this protected beach. It was an awesome experience.

My mom, Lorraine, visited us in 2008. Here we are at Maracas Bay Lookout. 

We took the ferry to Tobago and stayed a couple of days at Coco Reef, a beachfront resort. The sunsets were breathtaking!

While in Tobago, we hiked the scenic trail to Argyle Falls.

Our parents met some of our dear friends as well. Friends who will always hold a place in our hearts. May God bless you and the special people with whom you share wonderful memories!

Significant Ornaments: Island Life

My husband's work assignment transported us to Trinidad and Tobago, a two-islands nation located off the northeast coast of Venezuela. We traded our "life in the suburbs" comfort for the land where the steel pan originated.

Days after arriving in Trinidad, the earth shook under our feet. Our first (and not the last) earthquake. What was I doing here? Surely, the Lord did not bring me here to kill me. At the end of that stress filled day, Creator God provided a glorious sunset!

We desired to experience as much as possible.  We marveled the leatherback turtles nesting at Grand Riviere, and the scarlet ibises (the national bird of T&T) roosting in the deep green mangroves of Caroni Swamp. We sipped coconut water out of its shell. We savored doubles (two flat pieces of fried bread filled with curried chickpeas), and shark & bake. I learned to play "Amazing Grace," and "The Entertainer" on the steel pan.

New things, life-changing things, were born. I started my first blog - Callaloo Tales: Our Adventures in the Caribbean and Beyond. I planted a "Praying Grandmothers" group.

We're grateful for the opportunity to live among the expats and the locals and experience different cultures.  The friends we made touched our lives forever, and we will never be the same. 


For our 2006 significant ornament, I purchased a Trinidad-shaped souvenir key chain, and tied red, green, and gold Christmas ribbon around it.


My Trinidadian friend, Lee, gave me the "palm tree" pottery ornament when we repatriated in 2008.

What special ornaments hang on your Christmas tree?































"Flat Liz" & "Flat Stanley"

My North Dakota cousins, Cassie and Abbey, visited us during Spring Break.  Their mom, Liz, wanted to visit also, but her work schedule didn't allow it.

In order to include her mom, and inspired by the children's book, Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown, Cassie created "Flat Liz." Later, Cassie compiled a digital book about their Texas adventure with "Flat Liz."

"Flat Liz" flew to Texas with Cassie and Abbey. Flat Liz's Lone Star State experience included:

 Galveston Island



 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

 

 Corndogs & Fried Pickles

 

Johnson Space Center

 

and a Blue Bell ice cream tasting party!

 

"Flat Liz" also went on a road trip to San Antonio where she visited The Alamo, strolled along the River Walk, and met more cousins.

 

There's no denying "Flat Liz" had a fun-filled and memorable trip to Texas. But, all good things must come to an end. Tucked safely away in Cassie's purse, "Flat Liz" returned to North Dakota.

 

"Flat Stanley" did not remain flat, and neither did "Flat Liz." After being flattened when a bulletin board fell on him, Stanley Lambchop returned to his real shape. And "Flat Liz" returned to hers.

 

Arms that embrace...

Words that encourage...

a Heart full of Love...

a new Name...

 

GRANDMOTHER.

 

Becoming a grandmother. It still overwhelms me. Congratulations, cousin! Grandparenting is one of life's most wonderful seasons. There are so many fun things to do with the grandchildren...laughing, dancing, singing, praying, listening, playing, and reading.

 

Dr. Seuss, Ramona, Amelia Bedelia, and Flat Stanley. But above all these, may this little one, born in the image of God, grow to know the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ.

 

 

Stanley Lambchop accomplished much as "Flat Stanley." He became a kite his brother, Arthur, flew. Stanley's family mailed him to visit friends. See Flat Stanley for additional ideas. It's a great way to chronicle your children's school year or summer.

 

Where would you take "Flat Stanley"?