The Twins Turn 19

Cadence and Colton are now 19. Hard to believe the time has went by this fast. I can remember giving birth to them like it was yesterday (8 pounds each, so hard to forget:). They have enriched my life with so much joy. One of the most wonderful things I've witnessed over the years is how close they have become, although they are so different from one another. They almost seem to celebrate those differences and often talk about how much they appreciate those characteristic about one another. In fact, this year we put twinkies (yes, that is what it is:) on their cake since they always joke around about being "twinkies" instead of twins. One of my favorite things is attempting to fall asleep while hearing mufflings of them sharing stories of their lives with bouts of laughter into the early morning hours. So, I lost some sleep along the way. How could I possibly get upset with that? Anyway, we had a great birthday celebration at the park and look forward to a great summer with them. Then in the fall, it is off to college. We sure will miss them, and I know they will miss each other.

Our Other Little Graduate

Cadence and Colton Graduate from High School

I am so behind on my posts, as we have had so many things going on. Cadence and Colton graduated from High School. I am so proud of them and will miss them terribly when they go off to college next year. The summer will be a busy time getting them (and us) ready for their new adventure. Just down to one four year old at home come September. Can't imagine.
Curt and I with Cadence and Colton ("the twins") at their graduation

Grandparents with Cadence and Colton at our graduation celebration. Smile Grandpa, smile:)

Cadence and big sister Melanie. Aren't they cute?

Colton with older brother, Dylan. They are excellent at DDR (Dance, Dance, Revolution) and entertained everyone in the place

Lily with the graduates. Boy is she going to miss them when they leave for college next year!!

Cadence keeping up with tradition at Otsego High. Smoking a cigar with the famous, Ms. Danko. This is why all the kids love her!

Cadence and Colton with thier oldest brother, Dustin, and his family. Of course, Lily had to be in the picture!

Cadence and Colton with Dylan. Where's Colton? Quite windy that day:)

All the children, and I absolutely love that I am fortunate to be Mom to them all.

Happy Father's Day

I love to watch Lily and her Daddy. They are absoluteley wonderful together. Curt is a school teacher and has summers off; already they have their summer planned full of walks to the park, swimming, the zoo, bike riding, trips for ice cream, etc., etc., etc..... They promise to visit me weekly for lunch at the park:). Lily could not find a more dedicated and loving Daddy. They are fortunate to have each other, but somehow it is quite apparent that they know that already and treasure each moment together. Happy Father's Day to my dear husband and a wonderful father. And to my Dad, I miss you daily, but feel the spirit of the love you gave and the lessons you taught and hold them close to my heart. Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's out there, especially to those who are in this long waiting process. May you be united soon!

Trust me.......

Lily's new favorite saying is "trust me", then followed by some fact that she thinks is earth-shattering to the listener. Last week I re-joined weight watchers. After my first meeting, Lily and I went to the grocery store to pick up "healthy" food to assist me in staying on the plan. When going down the cracker and cookie isle, Lily quickly ran over and grabbed a large carton of oreos and looked at me quite seriously and stated, "trust me, these are delicious!", and quickly threw them in the cart. She often makes these statements with the above look on her face. Cracks me up!

A Special Friend

Judy was a great neighbor and friend of mine through some very difficult years. I don't believe I would have made it through it all without her. More importantly, she was such a great friend to my children, who were going through some major transitions as we moved to a single-parent household with 5 children. Judy had a spirit like no other, and had a special way with children. She was of special support to my oldest and middle sons, and was so important in helping them to develop an open and non-judgmental outlook towards themselves and others and a spiritual outlook towards life in general. And as you can see by the picture, they just thought she was too cool (and so did I)! Judy moved to Florida many years ago, and we lost track of each other. Judy had suffered from a chronic illness for most of her adult life. I learned of her passing just yesterday. We are so sad, but yet are relieved that her suffering is over. We will never forget Judy and the lessons she taught us during those special moments in time. Until we meet again, thank you Judy and may your spirit fly free.....

Dylan's Graduation

Dylan then and now.....................

We had a great family time celebrating Dylan's graduation from Northern Michigan University, and are just so proud of him.

He has grown into such a wonderful young man, who is bright, talented, caring, fun-loving, and never afraid to do anything (something I have a few gray hairs over:). He will be staying in Marquette for awhile and has come to love the area. We enjoy our visits there as it is just breathtakingly beautiful, and of course love every minute we can spend with him. We look forward to watching and sharing in his journeys ahead........

Happy Family.............

See below for details...........:)

It's Official!

My oldest son, Dustin, has lived with Sherrie and her daughter Cassidy for about 7 years, and of course, we have loved them just as long. They have suffered through years of speculation and questioning about when they would get married; I guess the answer has always been, in their own sweet time. Recently, they went on a family hike and Dustin surprised Sherrie with a proposal and a ring that he had hidden in a pair of socks in his back pack. He also presented Cassidy with a necklace that held 2 diamonds, each to represent her parent's love. We are very excited, but Cassidy most of all. Although we could not love her any more than we do, she says she just is sooo happy to know that it is "official". She of course has already planned the whole ceremony and what everyone will wear:). We are so happy that Dustin was fortunate enough to find the love of his life and a beautiful daughter as part of that union, and know that they are lucky to have him too. I just love this picture of Sherrie and Cassidy looking over the green valley below their hike.

Watching for Geese Slide Show

Watching for geese

I tried my hand at making a slide show with the many pictures I had from Sunday. I was surprised at how easy it is to make, although I had a hard time posting it to the site. Just click on Watching for geese and make sure your speakers are on. Hope you enjoy......

Sunday with Lily

On Sunday, we decided to have a picnic at a nearby park. Geese seem to hang out at this park quite often, so Lily thought she would take some bread so that they could have a picnic too. She was so fascinated by the geese and loves to explain why geese are different than ducks; "cause they have a loooong neck." We had such a great time, and I think we should end all our weekends with the geese. Lily agrees:)

Here Comes the Sun, And I say It's Alright.......

I caught Lily basking in the sun in our window the other day. She was so relaxed and so completely at peace that I hated to intrude with my camera. Of course I could not help myself..................

Blowing Bubbles, An Easter Ritual.........

Although it was cold on Easter, Lily was determined to take her new bubble-blowing kit outside and make a go of it. It has become one of her favorite things on Easter, next to eating chocolate that is. Her hands did get cold and she was ready to come in at least for a momentary break and a couple more bites of her chocolate bunny. Then is was back outside again......

Lily and Mozart in a "heart to heart" moment.......

See Donna's site for more fun pictures of children with their pets!

http://2happy.typepad.com/double_happiness/2007/04/pets.html