A Day to Remember

I really love Memorial Day... it reminds me that warm weather is here and I can finally get everything planted.. it reminds me that school is almost out and no more getting up early!!! ( I am not a morning person) ... but most of all it reminds me of people that have passed on.

I thought a lot of my father and of Ken's father. We watched "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" which was a favorite of both of our dad's. The kids thought it was pretty funny. I thought of Ken's grandpa .. which was a grandpa to me too!!

I enjoyed time off with Ken.. first time in many years he hasn't had to work in the E.R. Went to see a good movie with my kids and their friends. Watched my favorite Clarinet player in the Springfest Parade and had a fun birthday bbque with family.

I also got to enjoy a yummy breakfast with some close friends.. talking about life and remembering a dear friend. Her headstone was finally placed at the cemetary and it really reflects her personality. I still miss her each day...I am happy to be close with her daughter..she reminds me so much of her.

I was so happy for a weekend to enjoy all my blessings and remember some special people. I hope you all had a great weekend too!!

A Sigh of relief, Shout of celebration and Signs of getting older

I have 3 things to talk about.. I guess that is what happens when I don't blog for a couple months!!

#1- As some of you may know.. My mom found out she had breast cancer last year.. She has had a horrible time of it.. had to do both chemo and radiation. It was a difficult year for all of us. She had many setbacks. It was the first time someone close to me really got sick and it was hard to be so far away from her. Well.. she recently had her scan and bloodwork and she is cancer free!! She has to be checked every 4 months to make sure nothing is lingering. I know it isn't Mother's Day but I want to honor her for her courage. She always seemed upbeat when I talked to her. She is a gentle, supportive and a wonderful mother and grandmother. Congratulations Mom.

#2- Bragging time...bear with me... My son Bryce celebrated his 14th birthday. He invited some of his friends to watch "Monsters VS. Aliens" then we had cake in the party room at the theater. He has a bunch of great friends..even girls. It was fun to watch them and I did some reminiscing. He loves basketball and is always found dribbling around even though we only have a gravel driveway. So for his birthday, we are going to get a basketball court to play on. He is such a helpful kid and always asks what he can do for me. He is responsible, a 4.0 student and recently completed his eagle. I am very proud of him!!

#3-The last and not as exciting as the others... I found my first gray hair. Now, I have been putting highlights in my hair for years but decided a few months ago to back to my natural color. I saw this hair for awhile but thought it was just a highlight still hanging on.. but no.. it was gray. I am not sure about how I feel about growing old.. I am proud of my age but also long sometimes for younger days. I have been transfering old family videos to dvds ..watching the kids growing up..they were such cute babies. I decided parenting is hard no matter how old the kids are.. the problems just change. (I'll spare you a pix of the gray hair)

Parker..driver,rocker,fly guy and more!!!

I have been wanting to write this blog for awhile...I don't always want to be that blogger that talks only of their kids.. but every once and awhile I am forced to because they are so GREAT. Today this is about my oldest Parker. He has had some great accomplishments in the last few months!! He recently turned 16.. making me feel way too old. Just finished drivers ed and will get his license very soon. He is a excellent guitarist.. a new hobby he picked up from his dad. He is part of our high school swim team....this year swimming the butterfly.. or as the swimmer's call it.. the FLY. He made districts which was a few weeks ago. I was really proud of him. All the boys on the team dye their hair blonde.. which really turns out yellow. I think it looks like straw.. and feels like it too!! He also agreed to cut his hair short.. something I have fought with him for years to do. Of course it took a little bribery from his dad and a new guitar but he did it. He has even decided he likes it short!! Go figure.. see we parents always know whats best don't we?? He is a good student.. I never have to bug him about grades. And today he got his braces off!! no more ortho appointments!! He looks so handsome. He is a great son..always had a stubborn streak but as long as he is stubborn about the right things I guess its okay. Love ya Parker!! (Parker said this looks like his mug shot!!)

good friends..great times

Our family had a great holiday.. lots of snow and lots of time together. One of the highlights this year was a outing with our great friends.. the Bowens and Milligans... all 17 of us. We rented a beautiful cabin..watched movies, played games, ate too much and played in the snow. One of the days we all went snowmobiling. It was a beautiful sunny day and brought back a lot of memories of when I grew up. My dad was a avid snowmobiler and our family went every winter. I thought about him a lot that day.. he passed away several years ago. I know he would have been happy seeing me enjoying something he really loved himself. It was a fun trip..spending time with great friends was a added bonus. Thanks for putting up with my family and helping make some great memories.