Mothers and Others

 "Whee!"  (Andrew)

 "Higher, Daddy, higher"  (Everleigh)

 Campsite

 Auntie Ami and little Ben,,,er...Ethan

 Auntie & Godmother Jesse with Briggs (7 mos.)

 Greg fixed steaks and potatoes on the grill...yum!

 Andrew & Everleigh admire my flowers that

are already blooming!

 More swinging

 Briggs with his daddy

So, it was a lovely Mother's Day for me.  A beautiful weather

day that included picnic lunch for Scott's family and Jesse's family

(and yes, at least 2 outfit changes for Andrew),

lovely gifts and cards with thoughtful sentiments,
time on the phone with my Florida kids and

ended with supper with my own mom.

It got me thinking about all the "moms" that have influenced

my life.  Some of them were moms in their own right

but some of them weren't...still they all provided guidance,

care, support, love and were wonderful role models:

• both my grandmas were loving and giving in their own way
• my Aunts Phyllis, who always had a project to share
• my Aunts Pat and Mia who always welcomed me into their homes
• Auntie (never Aunt) Joyce who always made me feel special
• most of my grade school teachers who taught me to diagram a sentence and get along in the world
• when I was growing up some of the other moms at Sunday School who taught the lessons, planned the snacks and sang the songs
• some of my own friends who have taught me by example how to be accepting and learn to let go
•  and all the young mothers out there who may be sleep deprived or yearn for a quiet hot meal,who face their own challenges and fears...

Thanks for reminding me that being a mother

isn't just biological, it's a decision made every day.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Andrew!

 Caillou Cake!

Andrew LOVES Caillou.  He's a character

in a show Andrew watches on Sprout TV.

 Briggs has been sitting by himself for a few weeks now.

 The "big kids" table

 I tried to get all 5 bigger kids in one photo....not quite

 Andrew enjoyed his "Caillou" cake

 So did Everleigh

 Claire watches the candle blowing

 Brody gets some help from GG.

 All the big kids were helping Andrew open gifts.

 Andrew was enjoying the action.

(note Caillou on his shirt, too.)

 This doesn't really capture the chaos.

Yes, little brother Ethan was at the party, but sleeping

peacefully with Whitney & Max.

So how to describe 2 year old Andrew?
He's curious.
He loves being "outside".
He's gentle with baby brother Ethan.
He likes to eat most foods.
He loves Caillou (tv character).
He builds with legos and likes to do puzzles.
He's not big on art projects (yet).
He goes to bed at 7 pm and sleeps til around
6:30 am without a whimper.
He takes good naps in the afternoon
but the rest of the time, he's full on busy.
He's daddy's boy but loves his "mama".
He knows his colors and can say most of them.
His favorite book is usually "Brown Bear, Brown Bear"
but also likes "I'm a Big Brother".
They sometimes compete for the same toy but his
best friend is Cousin Everleigh. (I have pictures of
the hugs and hand holding.)
He recognizes most aunts, uncles and cousins and
can say their names when looking at pictures of them.
He loves his "papa".
He has the patience of a 2 year old :)
He can have a tantrum but they are few and far between.
His Grandma Bunny loves him like crazy.

Four + Four = Eight

So...I made a quick trip to Florida last weekend (planned

before the Ketcher surprise spring break trip earlier)

so in one week I was able to be with all 8 grandchildren.

The little ones and I were together at Scott & Ami's

for a birthday gathering for Scott and me.  And

the big Ketcher boys and I spent the last

few days together....a "reunion" of sorts.

Anyway, it was great to see everyone.  More

pictures to follow.  These don't quite

capture the chaos that ensues when you try

to get one grandma and eight kids camera ready.

Another year....

Yeah, I had a birthday recently and it turned into a wonderful weekend plus of time with friends and family.  From breakfast to brunch to lunch to dinner I was treated to some wonderful meals and thoughtful gifts.  So...what's it feel like to be 62?  Well...I think I'm lucky.  I tire more easily than I used to but I can still keep up with toddlers.  I grab a nap when I can but for the most part, my health is good.  I still fit into clothes I've had for longer than I care to remember, and I can still wear a size 6 shoe.  I enjoy traveling when I can, but also am fond of rainbows, sunsets and a really good biography.  I don't take any medication except a baby aspirin every day and nothing really needs replacing yet (!)  Yes, I color my hair but I am not quite ready for what I know is almost a full head of gray hair.   I am lucky to have a few really good friends who call when they want to take a walk, who remember my birthday and often provide support when I need it.  I have a partner who understands my need to be involved in my kids' lives and even cooks supper for me most of the time.  Now if I could just get him to do the laundry....   I have children that appreciate, respect and honor me.   And my children have spouses that understand my idiosyncracies and accept me anyway.   I have 10 healthy grandchildren that provide endless fun and adventure.....a pretty good life.  And Jesus still loves me, this I know....

April 16

Everyone knows that your first child changes

your life forever.  But your second child

changes your life in ways you could

never expect.  My second child, Scott Andrew,

was born on April 16 a few years ago and

nothing has been the same in my life since.

I always said that if I'm ever stranded on a desert

island and only get one person with me, I'd choose

Scott....not because he can build a raft, light a

fire or catch a fish.  But it would be entertaining!

I chose this picture because it captures some
fun with Grandpa, my dad, brother Chad
and cousin Jer.  Also, my Grandma Mieska

A Vikings fan even back then...

I didn't take this picture but I always
think it captures Scott perfectly.

Scott and me on his wedding day.  Being his
mother is always (usually) great, but this was one
of the best days.

becoming a father

His family...Everleigh, Ami and Briggs
Happy Birthday, Scott!
Can't wait to see what the new year brings...

No Foolin'

 Briggs, meet Chad & LoriAnn

Chad & LoriAnn, meet Briggs

 some Ketcher kids

 Everleigh and Briggs with Chad & LoriAnn

 New baby Ethan, brother Andrew and Chad & LoriAnn

 This is what you get when you ask 4 boys to

take a random picture.

 Same 4 boys with campfire and smores :)

 Brighton & Nathaniel spent a day with me at

Everleigh & Brigg's so we went to a nearby park.

 Andrew (and Ben) joined us.

 Then we met the next day at the Mn Zoo.

(Brighton is in penguin-pose.)

 A warm April day for an outdoor picnic...nice!

 GAS stopped by and this was our Best attempt

at a group shot.

 Princess (the dog), meet Everleigh

These boys are overtaking me!

A last night around the campfire and the smores.

So when Chad called me last Saturday and asked if

they could come for the boys' spring break, I wasn't

sure if it was "April Fool's" or not.  They were still

in Naples so I wasn't really sure until early Monday

if they were serious or not.  They were!  They only

had the 5 days but we filled it with unplanned stuff...

time at a nearby playground, bonfires at night,

visits to meet new nephews Briggs (born in Oct)

and Ethan (born on Mar 28), spend a day

at Everleigh and Briggs' house, go to the zoo,

spend an evening with GAS and Julie, and a final

supper at my house with Ami and the kids.

Whew!