Suprise! I'm Early

Our granddaughter made her appearance last night 17 days early. We were privileged to be there right after she was born to welcome her into the world. We are so excited that she is here and all is well. She is so tiny and precious and makes a beautiful addition to our family. Grandchildren are such a joy!

Congratulations Tyrone and Aimee

She is gorgeous!

My Brave Little Girl

Brigitta was diagnosed with Vesicoureteral Reflux after experiencing a severe kidney infection when she was barely two years. What this means is that her urine flows from the bladder back into the ureters and then into the kidneys causing serious problems. Each year she goes to the hospital for testing. The severity is graded on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the worst reflux. Her initial test showed that she had grade 4 reflux on her left side and grade 3 on her right. It is our hope that she can outgrow her reflux problem thus avoiding surgery later on down the road.

I have been preparing her for weeks for her test today. During her first test she was so young that it was easy to distract her, but each year it gets more difficult. Today after the nurse told her to climb onto the table she busted out in tears. I tried to comfort her reminding her how brave she has always been. She responded, "But this time I know what they are going to do to me." At one point during the test she just covered her eyes and cried, "This is so embarrassing!" Poor Brigitta has survived yet another test and hopefully her specialist will call us with great news this year.

My Very First BROCCOLI

I picked this perfect broccoli

earlier today!

There are several more each about

a week behind the other.

Look how tall my sunflowers have grown,

they are almost to the top of our fence.

It looks like we will be having artichokes this week.

As you can see there are two different varieties.

I am anxious to see which one we like better.

Motherhood

This is Brigitta wishing me a

Happy Mother's Day!

I can honestly say with complete sincerity that being a mother

is the greatest job I have ever held.

Motherhood is my greatest adventure,

it is the most fun,

the most challenging,

and by far the most rewarding

and now I am entering a new phase,

Grandmotherhood!

(Is that a real word?)

I had a terrific Mother's Day as my family

spent the entire day serving me.

It started off with a special breakfast over

at the newlyweds home followed by church.

After that my entire family came over,

made dinner and brought over luscious desserts.

The greatest gift I received

was just being surrounded by

those I cherish the most in this world,

MY FAMILY!

Thank-you for making everyday of my life

so special and meaningful.

COUNTDOWN

13 more days until school is out!

I can hardly wait!

But I can't get too excited because the

pressure is on for finals and unfinished assignments

and my stress is mounting.

Just ask my kids what life is

like living with me right now.

Wish me luck!

Meet Leah

This is Padme's newest friend and playmate. She belongs to Mar-Kell and Nora and comes over often to romp and play. It is hilarious to watch them together.

If you haven't guessed by now,

we are all STAR WARS fans.

Padme

Leah

and then Cameron and Michele's dog

Trooper

Grandpa Time

The love of a Grandpa!