Hello my blogosphere friends! I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year! I would also like to share with you a video that I made over the Holidays so that you can catch up with my sweet Sprout and happy Jay Bird. Sprout will turn 3 in February and Jay Bird just passed 18 months! We are very happy in Atlanta and have recently settled into a new home. I'm truly wishing you all happiness, peace, and joy. This may be difficult to do at times, but it is certainly made easier surrounded by loved ones. Peace my friends! Love, Beth, Eddie, Sprout, and Jay Bird (Ricky and Elan)

Lately, I've been learning about compassion and kindness. I've always tried to be "nice." I use my manners and I'm polite. I can get along with pretty much anyone. But that's not enough in this world. Politeness is not enough to fight the hate and fear that is running rampant all around us. Kindness is not only a reaction or a response to someone or something, I believe it should be proactive. Pro ACTIVE. Meaning, seek out ways to show kindness that require some kind of giving of yourself. Anyway, I've been learning this. Eddie has been a great teacher. I've never seen anyone deal with other people with such patience and eagerness to help like he does. He is a law enforcement officer, and while many of his past and present colleagues get into scuffles, arguments, and pull their weapon or taser, Eddie has an unbelievable track record or DE-escalating situations, simply by talking, trying to understand what the problem is, and putting himself in anothe...

Hello Strangers and Merry Christmas! The Grimes Family has been very busy since last we met. Busy with our sweet Baby Boy, Sprout (Ricky Ray, now 22 months), and as of July 17th, with our Baby Boy, Jay Bird (Elan Jacob -- pronounced Ee-lin). Our family of 4 lives in Atlanta where Eddie is still with the National Park Service at MLK Jr. National Historical Site, and I am playing piano for The Atlanta Ballet and for another charming Ballet school nearby in Lilburn. Both Eddie and I have gone back to school. I will earn my MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship this February. Eddie is earning a second Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Enough with all that boring biz. Now for the real cuteness... I will TRY not to completely overload you with pictures. I make no promises...                   ...

Every child needs a "pet" name growing up. Mine was Squeak. My husband's was Skeeter. The thing about these kinds of nick names, is that you can't rush or force them. They just have to come easily, and then they'll stick.  Occasionally, my creative and sensitive husband (who has posted on this blog several times), will contribute to my grandmother's writer's group. She sent him a list of their weekly topics, and every now and then, if he has something to write, he will. A few weeks ago, the topic was simply, "sprout," and my husband sent the group this sweet haiku: Sprout- how fast you grew First snow, first thaw, each brand new Son, look; I'll show you -Eddie Grimes Did you ever have or give a pet name??

I put Ricky on his tummy-time mat the other day and although it was fun to see his reaction to the colorful dangling objects, it was just as entertaining to watch Joy be fascinated with her new favorite creature.  At first she kept a respectful distance, showing great restraint and discipline (which is no easy feat for this excitable Sheltie). In her eagerness, she gradually inched closer. Always checking with me first for approval. And I gave it to her. And closer.  Almost there...just a bit more until I can finally... Ah yes.  *Contented sigh* I love that my little family loves each other. "Give a boy a dog and you've furnished him a playmate." ~Berton Brale

Photo by  mom365 Hi friends! It has been a while, but I promise I have a good reason. His name is Edrick. Edrick Ray Grimes, or "Ricky" as we call him, to be exact. He was born on February 7, 2014 at 9:35am and weighed 6 lb, 13 oz. And now prepare for baby picture overload. This is our little bean coming home from the hospital. His outfit was a bit loose on him. Three things we know about Ricky so far, are: 1. He is  clearly  adorable, alert, and curious   2. He resembles his Papaw Daugherty 3. and he and Joy are already the best of friends.  I hope to share many more magical moments with you all and catch up on all your blogs and news, as time allows. Until then, hope you are all doing well, from the Grimes family!!! Photo by  mom365

One of the best things about visiting home, is spending time with not only the people that you feel most comfortable around, but at the places you feel most comfortable in. One of those places is my Grandma's house. She's lived there with my Grandpa since I was born, and I myself spent 6 years of my life calling that house, "home." If you asked any of my siblings or cousins, they would tell you that one of the staple memories of our childhood, are the squirrels. They've been lovingly hand-fed for decades by my grandparents. I remember my Grandpa even naming some of them... Bertha and Clyde. Well, Bertha and Clyde have gone on to produce many generations since I was 4, but they all still know right where to get their daily meal. From my Grandma's own hand. When I went "home" last month, it was good to see that some things never change. With me, this guy was kind of tentative. But when it's just my Grandma, she has to block the doorway wi...