Good bye Grandpa Jim

Jim Row, beloved father, husband, grandfather and friend, died in Austin on July 13th surrounded by family and friends. Jim was a joy to everyone he knew, even only for a moment. The irresistible twinkle in his eye lured many a friend into his singular, adventure-filled world. That same twinkle let you know there was some scheme he was hatching, but never to harm, only to create unique and fantastic works of art or bring new friends together. Jim was a passionate, creative soul whose work included original songs, TV pilots, poems, novels, film scripts, commercials, and more. He made a successful career as an independent television and film producer with the support of dozens of friends in the Detroit and Austin advertising industries and up on a hill in Hollywood. His heart was bigger than his beloved Texas, and his rich soothing voice and friendly smile let you know he hailed from there as he called out to turn you into a friend. He made buddies everywhere he went thanks to his friendly, approachable demeanor and infectious boy-like charm. Jim was born in Dallas, TX on February 9th, 1948 to Ethel and Franklin Row. As a small boy he was inflicted with polio, which damaged the tissue in his left arm and right leg. He wore a leg brace until he was about seven years old, and got a pretty tough time from classmates for it. But he kept that big grin plastered on his face and went right on about his way, never letting anyone stop him from being the beautiful, caring boy and later man that he was. He went to high school in Lubbock and garnered some infamy with friends Tommy Wiley and John Scott. One favorite legend has him climbing the town water town to urinate from atop it (a feat never before or since attempted!). When the time came to go to college, Jim attempted a semester of seminary school at Texas Christian University. Though he had a voice that could tame the heathens and a depth to his gaze that could conjure celestial deities from every corner of the universe, other factors made for a complicated fit with the clergy, and Jim decided to move on. He moved to Austin to attend film school at the University of Texas. Upon graduating he took a position with a local television station. A friend there kept mentioning a cutie named Judy but Jim never crossed her path, until one day an elevator opened and there she was, his destiny before him in the form of a beautiful petite Texan blonde. Within a few weeks they knew this was it, moved in together, and were married six months later. Jim loved to tell the story of the first time he saw Judy’s daughter Tracey, who was 3 when they met. She hugged her mother’s leg and hid behind her skirt, her soft blonde curls and a single eye peeking out. He knew right away that she was an angel, and she never let him down. Another Angel, Rachel, followed shortly after the family moved to Lubbock for Jim’s work. The four then moved to Dallas when Jim took a job at a production company, and yet another daughter Laurel graced the Row family with her goofy precious smile. Soon after, Jim founded his own production company Spindletop with two partners. Spindletop was a great success throughout the 80s and became one of the biggest production companies in Texas. Jim made many lifelong connections through Spindletop, and even caught a glimpse of Stevie Ray Vaughn as he came to pick up his model girlfriend from a shoot one day. In 1984 Jim’s fourth child was born on a full moon in a hospital filled to the brim with screaming new babies. When asked by his sister-in-law Carolyn what the sex of the baby was, Jim replied, “Well it’s a girl, of course.” He held that girl in his arms because there were no free beds, and later when it was time to go, took her home and bathed her in the sink. The family enjoyed very happy times after they built a house on 6 acres in Southlake, TX and watched the girls grow up, swimming, horseback riding, dancing, doing gymnastics, and all of the things girls do, including crashing a go-kart into the fence. One of their favorite pass times of this era was sailing their 27-ft Hunter sailboat around Lake Grapevine, especially when everyone would go below but toddler Rebecca, perched dutifully behind the wheel, giving a fright and a chuckle to boats passing by. Later, after his girls were mostly grown and his career had shifted to independent commercial production, the Pacific Ocean called him until he could resist the siren song no more, and Jim moved his family to Orange County, CA. Later, he moved to Los Angeles and renovated a small bungalow in the Hollywood Hills, forming some of the greatest friendships of his life in the process. The Row family fell upon unspeakably hard times with the tragic death of Rachel, but what didn’t kill them brought them together with an even stronger bond, and the blessing of a uniquely fortified family emerged from the ashes. After over ten years in southern California, with Jim’s daughters Laurel and Tracey grown with children of their own, he moved home to Austin once again, to settle into his role as Grandpa Jim/Macha/old man. His grandchildren were the absolute lights of his lives, especially his grandson (finally!) Asa, who as Jim insisted to everyone, “doesn’t look like anybody but his grandpa.” Macha and Asa were inseparable as they rode the tractor mower around Jim and Judy’s 2 acres in southwest Austin, cavorted around the country in the pickup truck, and generally got up to all kinds of mischief. These were some of the happiest times in Jim’s life, and it’s how he spent his final days before leaving earth for the big fishing hole in the sky. Jim was a wonderful, loving father to his daughters and wife and supported them in all of their endeavors with a pillar of deep, never-faltering love and devotion. Everyone who knew Jim knew he would go to the ends of the earth for his family, and he told them in his way every day. Jim was an extremely devoted son, who honored his parents and cared deeply for his mother, keeping near-daily communication with her despite distance. And as for friends, truer more loyal ones have never been known, and the outpouring of love and affection from across the nation in the last week has been testament to that. Words cannot describe how deeply Jim Row will be missed. Jim is preceded in death by his father Franklin Row and daughter Rachel Row. He is survived by his mother Ethel Row, sister Carolann Garrity, his wife of 40 years Judy G. Row, his daughters Tracey Kirk, Laurel Gressett, and Rebecca Row, sons-in-law Gregory Gressett, Christopher Kirk and Bobby Schwalbe, and his grandchildren Mia, Olivia, Violet, and Asa.

we love halloween

This is Olivia and Violet we are excited for halloween because we love trick or treating because it is fun.

this is Olivia and Violet we love Hallowen.We are going to make funy pumpkins this year. September 7, 2013

The important things

Today Liv said "Mom, I learned something important watching the Cat in the Hat. For Christmas all you need is your family and the things you need. But since I have all of that I'm going to ask for some toys so I won't be sad." And here's a picture of Vi in her super snuggly mode twirling my hair and sucking her fingers while sitting in my lap.

Loose teeth and Paul Bunny

Olivia and Chris called me today to tell me that the Tooth Fairy needs to be on alert as Liv's two bottom teeth are loose. As Liv says "Mom, this tooth lays down". I was filled with memories of long, sleepless nights as these teeth worked their way through her gums as a baby. It seems like just yesterday that I slogged into the office figuring that one tooth cost me and Chris 2-3 weeks of sleep and she had 4 more teeth to come in so therefore I had at least 8 more weeks of fatigue. Ah, those were the days! I almost forgot that Vi requests to listen to the story of "Paul Bunny" aka Paul Bunyan, on my phone. That's another fun one for ya! Vi also calls her favorite baby doll that has a duck on it's onesie Quack Baby, but it sounds like Crack baby when she says it. You can bet this one causes a few raised eyebrows!

Words to grow on

I'm feeling a little sentimental today because yesterday was the first time Violet said "banana" instead of "bana". She's growing up and you can hear it in her speech. Chris and I often talk fondly with the girls about how they used to say their words. For Olivia it was pajamas (pthpthpth)and the song Old McDonald (Old McDoggy). For Violet it's been banana (bana) and teapot (teapottle).

At the bakery

Bubblegum ice cream

Olivia's end of year celebration

Olivia spelled, bounced, laughed, sang, drew, added, read and experimented her way through her first year of Montessori. It took us a while to adjust to the routine, the new room, new faces and new teachers. She missed her friends from her preschool but that didn't stop her from making new buddies. Before long she was playing tiger on the playground with Neev, Casper and Neyha. During school breaks Olivia urged us to care for Juice Box the hamster and when new kids joined her class in January she was eager to help them learn their way around the class. We had the opportunity to visit the school many times through the year for International Day, Science Fair, her birthday and holidays. Each time Olivia was so happy to show us around her class, introduce us to her friends and pass along tips and rules (so that we wouldn't step out of line in the classroom). Her teachers love her and she loves them. Now the three week summer break begins and she needs it. She's been slow to get out of the car in the mornings and has mentioned being tired on many occasions. But there's a little seed planted for next year's class with her new teacher. It won't be long before Liv is refreshed and asking us how many days until school starts.

Train ride

Liv earned a trip to the park, a train ride and an ice cream cone. Yay Livy!

Violet's end of year celebration

My big girl wore a cap and walked to her teacher to receive her achievement award when her name was called. I'm so proud.

Violet quote: While rubbing her daddy's hairy chest she said "Did Mommy make this?" Olivia quote: While distracting the girls with silly questions like "What color is a frog? What color is a giraffe?" Chris chimed in with what color is Daddy? Olivia answered "Furry".

Mother's Day 2012

 I had a real treat this Mother's Day. I told Chris that I wanted to be around the girls without being in charge of every trip to the potty, every drink of water, every snack request. I wanted to enjoy them while I sat in a comfy, shady place at the park and knit. And Chris delivered in style. He treated me to a picnic lunch at my favorite park and I was able to listen to the girls play, giggle, yell and squeal with exuberance. They spent lots of time on the swings, kicked around their pink ballerina ball, played hide-n-seek with new friends and climbed the wall of the play scape. We tried for the traditional picnic on a blanket but the ants found their way up Chris' shorts so we moved to a picnic table. The day was so cool and the breeze so light and refreshing that Chris and I dreamed about what it would be like with that kind of weather all year round.

I think the most memorable part of the day will be the hilarious message in Olivia's card. She picked out a card with my favorite color, green...so thoughtful. Then I opened it to see her lovely writing and she said "It says Mom, I love you, but I don't like Mother's Day." Vi's card was bursting with color and circles done in such a way that they looked like butterflies. Chris and the girls gave me some mugs with cherries (to remind me of Kate Breakey's bowl of cherries) and tomatoes (to remind me of the heirloom tomatoes we grew a few summers ago when Liv was a toddler).

My favorite part of the morning is taking Olivia to school.

Every school day Olivia...

holds my hand in the parking lot until we get to the part where no cars are allowed. Then she lets go of my hand and races me (except that I don't actually run) to the front door where she sets down her lunch box and gathers all of her strength to open the door.

sneaks past her 2's class teacher because she doesn't want Miss Becca to see her. She actually loves Miss Becca; it's all part of Liv's love of sneaking around and surprising people.

finds the place her lunch box belongs and puts it on the shelf. Then she signs herself in by moving her picture from the Home board to the School board.

hides outside her classroom and giggles loudly until her teacher notices her.

These moments make up her school day ritual.

Mud and Water Day

Ever heard of it? Well, it's a major holiday according to Olivia. For a week we've woken up to a sing songy voice asking us "Is it Mud and Waters Day?" or telling us "It is Mud and Waters Day" when it actually wasn't.

Olivia put a lot of thought into this day. She requested that we present her with cards for Mud and Water Day, as if Hallmark had a line of greeting cards specifically for this special Day. She even instructed us as to when would be the appropriate time to give her the cards; first thing in the morning in case you are wondering.

The idea was just too fun to pass up. Chris did a wonderful drawing of Harry making his own mud and water puddles with a watering can (inspired by Harry and the Lady Next Door by Gene Zion) and then gave it to her before breakfast. And I gave her a foam football because I happened to have bought it a few days earlier to replace one the dog ate and hadn't given it to her yet.

So here are a few images from Olivia's much anticipated Mud and Water Day at school.












No home made treats or shiny decorations, just water, mud, shaving cream and some friends.

While reading a library book about animals I pointed to a cuttle fish and called it by name. Olivia responded quizzically "A cuddle fish?" I said no, it's a cu-t-t-le fish. A page later she said "Mommy, I want to see the snuggle fish."

Between signs and words Violet says:
cracker
night night
thank you
Olivia (which sounds like i-ya)
like this
and something that sounds a lot like "I did it"
what's this (whadis?)
ma ma and da da
dog
bird
banana
drink
all done

Violet's favorite things are:
sucking on the two middle fingers of her left hand
twirling her hair or my hair with her right hand
climbing up the backs of chairs
playing peekaboo and hide and seek
playing in the sprinkler
reading books
and generally doing anything that her big sister does

Violet's first Christmas

Violet spent the holiday season:

undecorating our Christmas trees (we have one for the living room and one for the front porch)

looking at the sparkly stockings

crying during her first visit to Santa

watching a choir while surrounded by adoring (seriously) pre-schoolers at the gingerbread decorating party

crawling around at my feet while Liv and I decorated cookies with friends

ogling the decorated and flocked trees at the bakery while enjoying blueberry muffin

and loving all of the family time

Santa's elves make an early arrival...

While touring local neighborhoods for Christmas lights we saw a little cottage with a big yard filled with probably 20 or more inflatable Christmas decorations. Liv was enchanted and decided she wanted a "popup" Christmas decoration for her yard from Santa. She specifically wanted a snow globe with a merry-go-round in it.

I think Santa had a tough time fulfilling Liv's specific wish but he did pretty darn well. A few days before Christmas Eve he sent his elves to set up 3 popups in our front yard! Liv was so excited when Chris and I woke her to show her the surprise. At first she was a little scared and wanted to go back inside. But after a few minutes of thinking about it she wanted to go right back outside to walk around and inspect her presents. Santa brought a giant snowman, Santa in a plane (with spinning propellers) and Santa on a sled with penguins.

Unfortunately this story has a sad ending; somebody swiped all but the snowman from our yard a few nights after Christmas. But luckily we had a chance to get some pretty good pictures to remember them by.

Capturing the candy cane swiper

I stepped out of the house to do some laundry in the carport while the girls played in the living room by the Christmas tree. When I came back Violet was crying and Liv dashed to her bedroom and I didn't see her again for about an hour and a half! And if you don't remember Liv doesn't take naps (hasn't since she was about 6 months old). So disappearing quietly into her bedroom for such a long time was highly unusual. I checked on her during this time and she was under the comforter in her bed. I was shocked.
She finally emerged with a lost look in her eye, shiny hands and hair that looked like a bird had made a nest in it. Here's what I figure happened.

Liv took a candy cane from the Christmas tree and ran out of the room just as I was coming in from doing the laundry (and she probably bumped Violet causing her to cry).
Liv hid under her comforter, removed the candy cane wrapper and started to eat.
And then, hold your breath, she fell into a sugary slumber.
About an hour and a half later she woke up and stumbled into the kitchen where Vi and I were having an afternoon snack.
Here she is after waking up (with the candy cane still in her mouth).


Here we are cleaning up the candy cane swiper.


Wrapper on the floor and the bed. The red is where she drooled on her sheets.





And I found this cute little munchkin at the scene of the crime but her alibi is solid as she was in the kitchen with me the whole time.

From last week's trip to the bakery...

Liv couldn't resist cleaning her plate,



there were blueberries all over "tiny munchkin",


and I can barely believe it but this little darling will be 1 year old very soon.