Graduation Day

Tomorrow, our youngest, "little" Carl will be walking across the stage at Moody Gardens in Galveston to recieve his high school diploma. Then, in August, he'll be a "Red  Raider" at Texas Tech University in Lubbuck (same place his Dad recieved his college degree 41 years ago). All eight of our kids have graduated from Friendswood High School. It's hard to believe that soon we'll officially be empty nesters.

Mother's Day thoughts

My journey of motherhood began with "mothering" my 4 younger brothers (here with the youngest, Billy).

Then, after Carl and I were married, the first to join our family were these two sweet little girls (Emily and Lauren). They made the job of mothering so easy and such a joy.

Soon, little Mark would join them.  Emily and Lauren were such helpful big sisters, making my job as a mother easier.

Our little family grew as Andy and Jessica joined us. My job as a mother became more challenging, more of a balancing act, and how I wished there were two of me.  Thanks to a very helpful husband, and  helpful big sisters, I was able to laugh more than cry.

Then came along Jeremy, Philip, and baby Carl.

 How did I do it? I ask myself that in retrospect. Well, I didn't do it all. Things didn't get dusted that often. I was tired a lot of the time.  There were plenty of challenging moments, especially as they entered the teenage years.  But through it all, I was happy, really happy, and so thankful for each of them. My love for them carried me through.  God always gave me the strength I needed.

I wouldn't trade those years for anything in the world. The journey of motherhood continues as I hold each grandchild in my arms (here is Emily's first daughter, newborn, Ava).

If I'm lucky, I'll get to hold some of my great grandchildren in my arms, as my mother-in-law did (here holding Lauren's firstborn, Elayna, in her arms about a year before she died).

Kids and Puppies

They make a delightful combination -- the grandkids and the newest grandpup, Lady.

After playing, they're all worn out. Grandpa's got a lapfull.

a trip to Bimidji

Last week, while a volcano erupted in Iceland and an earthquake rattled China, I took a trip to a peaceful place, far way, in Minnesota ---spent time with, and helped out our oldest son's sweet family, and met the newest addition, little Saige (2 weeks old).

The weather was perfect as we visited Bemidji State Park. What a pioneer woman Courtney is, going for a hike two weeks after giving birth.

          It was fun to see Colby interact with little sister --

and to see him give sweet kisses, along with a few pokes in the face, and stealing her tiny pink binkie.

       to see Colby enjoying time with Dad (on the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji).

                             or taking care of their little princess

                         or just doing guy things -- like 4-wheelin'

       Colby enjoys spending time with Mom too--

      But most of the time Mom is busy with baby sister.

 So Colby got to spend lots of time playing with Grammy, going for wagon rides, and collecting rocks to throw out of the wagon--

It was so nice for this Grammy to see this face first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

and to give sweet Saige lots and lots of cuddles and kisses --

(P.S. -- Saige with the quilt I made her)

That was my wonderful week. 

celebration of 36 years together!

From this (taken on one of our first dates) ....

and, in the blink of an eye, to this!

As I reflect on 36 years of marriage (as of April 9), I feel thankful for being with someone who

• has always put God and family first
• has worked hard to provide a good living so I could be a "stay-at-home" mom
• is a man of honor and integrity
• has always been willing to pick up a broom or vacuum cleaner, wash dishes, bathe little ones, and finally , with baby #8, been willing to change a poopy diaper
•  can fix just about anything, including my sewing machine (extra brownie points!)
•  loves silly me!

Bunnies in Bemidji!

While our little Texas bunnies were hopping around in the backyard last weekend, my thoughts were also on the grandchildren who are far away, but close to my heart.

I stole these precious photos of dear little Colby and his sweet newborn sister Saige from Courtney's blog.

Bunnies in my yard!

The day before Easter was warm and sunny -- perfect for our annual Easter egg hunt.