Memories

Memorial Day family visits are becoming a tradition. It's fun to relive old memories and then make new ones together.Every bed in the Queen Mother's house was filled and a couple of sleeping bags rolled out in odd corners. The table was full at every meal and she even Used-The-Dining-Room and the world didn't come to an early demise as a result. (Just kidding, Mom.) Visiting with one of your bridesmaids is pretty cool too, after what, sixty years?!

We're lucky to have family that thoughtfully brought lots of cherries with them. We're blessed with some family genealogists who regale us with stories none of us knew before (and we're hoping they write some of them out for those of us with faulty memories. Hint, hint).

We're lucky to have family that we're happy to see come and sad to see go away.

Up The Creek

Maybe a little inspiration for a summer project. Turn this:

turn into this.

Hey, it could happen.

Etoile

Some things are worth waiting for. It's even better when I do nothing at all to produce this incredible yearly display. If by some cosmic accident you plant a clematis in a place it likes, sit back and enjoy the show.

Wedding Bells Revisited

JR's brother has a busy week: Mother's Day, family visiting from the Oregon coast, his birthday and now his anniversary. Happy Anniversary to you both and wishes for a year filled with happiness!

Memories of that day: sunshine, tuxedos, blue dresses, smiles, sending them off for a Hawaiian honeymoon.

We made the trip up from SoCal--probably the only time I've hated flying. I was five months pregnant and Thumper made a huge somersault on the descent and that was the beginning of four month of problems. JR was his brother's very busy best man. Left to my own resources, I got to sit quietly and peacefully amidst the commotion. At least with a son born the same year, I can always remember exactly which anniversary they are having (this year is numero 27!)

Quite an accomplishment--celebrating the happy times and sticking out the rough patches, supporting each other. Marriage certainly evolves in some unforeseen ways and it takes faith and some luck to celebrate 27 years together.

Congratulations!

Waterman's Day

It's his birthday!

I didn't know he was so camera shy, but it's true. I went through carrousel after carrousel of slides and there were only a few of him. There were only a few of people in general since the Grand-Dude mainly focused on wildflowers and Sierra peaks instead of the kidlets.

Too bad, because he was one cute kid. Even cuter with the little Heidi pup!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful brother-in-law!

Splish Splash

It sounds pretty good. Now I just need to catch it when the froggies are croaking to get the full effect!

Missing Out

The Queen Mother is missing a few colorful events in her garden while she is being enchanted by Pierre's garden instead.

Siberian iris in bloom: I'm totally jealous because I gave her these divisions and hers are blooming while mine are sulking.



Dame's Rocket: Grow just one of these in your yard and presto! you'll have a hundred the next year. Don't say I didn't warn her. They are awesome each spring.


Azalea: It made the trek from California with her and has survived three winters, not only that but it obviously blooms its fool head off! Fortunately it'll still be glorious when she comes home--'cause this is one she would really regret missing.

Before I Was A Mom

Happy Mother's Day to All of Us! Whether your heart's desire is a new dress and a fancy brunch or levis and a load of manure, I hope you enjoy your special day. We do our best for our families because we love them and don't ask for thanks, but it's nice to get a little recognition once a year. Here is a poem that struck a chord with me:

Before I was a Mom

• I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
• I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
• I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom

• I had never been puked on.
• Pooped on.
• Chewed on.
• Peed on.
• I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
• I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom

• I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
• Or give shots.
• I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
• I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
• I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom

• I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
• I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
• I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
• I never knew that I could love someone so much.
• I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom

• I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
• I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
• I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
• I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom

• I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every ten minutes to make sure all was okay.
• I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
• I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

I LOVE BEING A MOM!