Growing

Sometimes when I think about my not-so-little girls I am stopped in my tracks by the fact that much of their childhood is already behind them. Kaylyn will walk by me and I do a double take because she has grown so tall! Almost as tall as me. Where did my silly, little blondie go? I have to admit that I unintentionally cling to the notion that Cami, the baby, still needs babying. I can't help it! I never thought I'd be that mom, but somehow it happened.
I took some pictures at the dance studio this weekend, where recital season has everyone excited. Crunch time.

I see this image and think, that's my girl. But how did she get here? Where did my little one go?

Something else I like about this picture is that this is a side of Cami that many people who know her don't see. Her determination inspires me. She is stronger than she looks. Yet, she has a tender heart. She is a jokester, who loves to laugh. She is a lay-on-the-couch-with-a bowl-of-ice cream kind of girl.

My trouble is that when I look at her now I still see that sticky-handed girl with a grape juice mustache and footie pajamas. Of course those sweet things are long gone, but I do still have to get after her to brush her teeth and that wild hair. And the sticky hands still come into play now and then. : )

A Hamster Makes a GREAT Gift!

This is the kid you never want to invite to your child's birthday party.

She attended her girlfriend's party this weekend bearing this critter as a gift.
I asked her more than once:

Are you sure?

This is OK with her mom?

You're sure, right?

Really? Because we're NOT keeping it.

Yes, it really was OK. She and a friend collaborated to surprise the birthday girl, who turned 14.

Good Morning, Mothers Day

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was treated to breakfast in bed for Mothers Day. I am so lucky to have girls that love to plan a "surprise" like that with Brian's help in the kitchen. He told me the night before to stay in bed in the morning because Cami had a secret plan. She rushed around with Kaylyn, scrambling eggs, making biscuits, arranging fruit, picking flowers while Brian whipped up his famous sausage and gravy. I waited in bed for a long time, "sleeping," so I would be surprised. Needless to say I didn't go hungry. I probably won't need to eat until the end of next week.

After I ate with an audience, which enjoyed being assured that each bite was as delicious as the last, they treated me to another surprise - pansies and herbs to be planted in the garden. I think I'll create a window box of herbs for our deck with my new basil, oregano, cilantro and parsley plants.

After all the fanfare I didn't have to do do any dishes or cleaning up in the kitchen! I am truly blessed by my loving family.

Happy Moms Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms, Grandmas, Great Grams, Step-Mothers, Aunts, Foster Mothers and the women who guide us through our lives.

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -- Lin Yutang

I was the lucky recipient of these heart-shaped biscuits this morning. : )

A Tiny Visitor

We enjoyed the sweet company of our precious, new nephew, Noah for a brief hour after dinner last night. His big brother, Jake had his first tee-ball game at the town park and mom, Bethany, thought it would be best if Noah stayed out of the cool evening air. Yippee! He was so relaxed and snuggly. He made those cute, squeaky newborn sounds I love so much. And oh, the heavenly scent of a little baby... ahhh.

I snapped this picture of Amberly and Noah by a window, taking advantage of the last bit of light in the day.

She's the oldest grandchild of the family at 19 and Noah is less than 3 weeks old, making him the youngest, of course. They make a nice pair. : )

Weekend Pics

This weekend was a blur - from Friday night straight through to Sunday evening. It whizzed by. There was much to be done - places to go, people to see and so on and so on...
Brian mowed on Sunday, but I took these pictures before he did.

It seemed a shame to lose the pretty spring violets in our backyard, but the grass needed cutting. Who cares about those stinkin', relentless dandelions? They'll be back and then some. I have to admit their vibrant color is a welcome sight to me this time of year.

FYI - a public service announcement... this information my be helpful to you the next time you visit our home:

I'll have to post updated pics of our pup soon. AKA Brown Tornado Nut Ball. Gosh, she's 70 pounds of annoying.