Happy Mother's Day!

As I sat browsing the internet on my iPad today, my hubby asked what I was so intent on researching. I responded that I was determined to find a poem or letter written for a wonderful mother for Mother's Day, and I would post it as a gift to my mom with some pictures. He laughed and told me to write a poem for my mom myself! Well, being an engineer, I pride myself on being efficient, direct, and logical, to name a few skills, but this particular skill set does NOT include writing. Just the other day via Skype, I was informed, and I quote, "Mom, you are a TERRIBLE editor! You have no idea how to put together a sentence....WHERE is DAD?" Well, I told my husband that if it was left up to me to write a Mother's Day Poem, it would consist of a LIST of reasons why my mom is amazing. He promised me that if I put together the list and gave it to him, he would gladly make a poem of it.....then he read my list, and said "Print it." As I replayed memories of my mom in my head, these were the words that most often applied.....

THE REASONS MY MOM is an AWESOME MOM

Kind Heart

Great mind

Faithful

Happily serves

Vast capacity to make everyone feel loved

Uncanny intuition

Always willing to LAUGH at any given situation

Generous - with time, ears, smile, hugs, reflections, patience

Creative

Supportive

Always up for an adventure (check out the picture of her on top of an Austrian glacier!)

Great gardener

Interesting and dynamic

Healthy as a horse (or healthier as compared to my cur

rent horse standing in his stall)

Growing up with a mother that has all of these traits (and more that I haven't even listed) makes for a wonderful childhood. Best of all, though, was having the perfect example of what a mom should be so that when the time came I knew what to strive to be for my own children, so they too could become the best that they could be.

Thank you, Mommy, for always smiling your love on me! May your Mother's Day be blessed. My love for you is more than my words can begin to describe.

Forever your #4

Happy Easter!

Browsing through old pics, I was surprised to find very few photos of Easter morning. Guess it must have always been a bit too hectic for one of mom's photo sessions. These are 1995 vintage. Oh how sweet they were. (are?!) Hard to believe these two are 20 & 18 and their childhood is now only a memory.

Speaking of memories, it has been mandated that the basement be purged. That's right, the Little Tykes papaphernalia, dresser full of Ty Beanie Babies (remember the line at McDonald's for the Beanie Baby toys?), piles upon piles of books, infinite craft supplies, dress-up boxes, figurines and Legos galore....all have to go. "But where?" I ask. That is like asking me to throw my memories out to the curb. Hmmm....an episode of "Hoarders" could be in my future if I don't get past this hurdle. Suggestions of how to accomplish this daunting task are certainly appreciated!

Note the mischievous look on the boy's face, and that sums up why there are so few Easter pics!

We wish you a Happy Easter and remember to enjoy each moment as it too will too soon become just a memory.

Blessings!

Goodbye WINTER!

We celebrated the coming of Spring....playing in the SNOW! Yes, I really do claim this crazy hatted 18 year old as my own!
While others were basking in the sunshine we were skiing in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, and checking out the sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics in and around Vancouver. Who knows, maybe Eric has bobsledding in his future! A good time was had by all and we were happy that Kevie's scheduled opened up so he could join in the fun!

Glorious Days

St. Martin,F.W.I.

Crested Butte, Colorado

Leaving the winter doldrums behind in Indiana and heading to places where God's glory is so evident in His scenic landscapes certainly revives the soul!

Blessings have been abundant throughout my life starting early with loving, intelligent, nurturing parents, great sisters, animals of all kinds making for a dynamic household, then continuing with a solid education, being fortunate to meet the love of my life early on and having him by my side through thick and thin, wonderful extended family, two amazing children (loving & intelligent albeit quirky), fulfilling jobs, and all the while many friends enhancing my life positively.

Yes, these are all facts, yet somehow the daily grind, gray skies, miserable weather, and short days can push the blessings to the recesses of my mind. While Indiana offers the kindest, most down to earth people in the country, it is lacking in amazing scenery. (Yes, I know, the dynamic countryside due to growing crops, rivers, forests, barns, etc., ARE beautiful in their own rite!)

So anytime I can get away to go enjoy the outdoors elsewhere, I jump at the chance!

St. Martin:

We visited this Caribbean island for our 25th Anniversary with two couples who are dear friends. We enjoyed the beaches, ocean, food, and many laughs!

Crested Butte, Colorado:

Then it was off to the Rockies to catch up with one of my best friends from jr. high and high school. It always amazes me how easily we start right where we left off when reuniting with close friends after long absences.

The town of Crested Butte itself is an old mining town from the mid 1800's which has kept its western charm. It is surrounded by the incredible views of the western Rockies, specifically the Paradise Divide, the Gunnison National Forest, and Mount Crested Butte. This is all the info I gleaned from my visit of only a few days. It certainly did not take me even that long to fall in love with this place.

I hope you enjoy some of the photos I shot with my new TINY Nikon point and shoot. I am still experimenting with it! Hope you all have a great March!

R.I.P. Millenium aka "Millie" 2000-2011

What a great blessing Millie was for our family. She truly loved "her people" and smiled often.

Whether it was running thru the pasture like the wind, or positioning herself quietly under your hand, she lived life to its fullest. She will be sorely missed, but she no longer suffers, and is at now at rest. God's creatures are amazing and we are just honored that He gave us Millie for 11 delightful years.