Let the primping begin. Julie's best friend Lisa is marrying Tim today. Both Julie and Jake are attendants in the wedding. The primping started early today. The hair, make-up, mani/pedi's etc... The tux and dress have been hanging in my room most of the week just waiting for the big day.

Last minute arrangements regarding cars and the reception are taking place as I type. Chuck and I are going so it's been decided that we will drive them home. The limo seats 25 and with the bride and groom and attendants there will be 21.

I always get nostalgic at weddings so here are some memories I would like to share.

Here are Chuck's parents on their wedding day almost 51 years ago.



Here is Chuck and I on our wedding Day in 1980.



Here are Julie and Jake on their wedding day 5 1/2 years ago.


So take a moment and reminisce about your wedding day, the vows made, the dressing up, the drama, the dancing, your hopes and dreams made for the future.

If you aren't married take a moment to dream. Yet remember that God has a plan for YOU.

Where does the time go?

1992

2009

Time really does fly. Amanda is now 18yrs old and graduating High School. We adopted her when she was in 2nd grade. She came to us the summer between 1st and 2nd grade. It seems like just yesterday when we drove to WA to visit the Adams and she was still just getting to know us and we her. It's been a wild ride ever since. Congratulations Amanda!


1994


2009

What can I say? Beatriz is graduating a year early. So much for the critics of homeschooling. She has excelled in her studies and is ready for college. Bea came to us at only 9 months old. The time has really flown by. I still vividly remember the exact moment the social worker put her in my arms that Dec. evening. The leap of our two hearts meeting as if she was born to us.
Congratulations! You deserve honor on your Graduation.

I really do agree...

Who are you in Anne's Circle of Friends?


Those who really know me know this is very accurate.

What do I do Next?

As you may or may not know, the last of our daughters are graduating this year. Whatever will you do now? I have had many suggestions from well meaning family and friends. Go get a job and Finally contribute your fair share being the theme of most.

Why are stay at home moms considered lazy? Does it mean nothing that I have a daughter who is an entrepreneur and is very good at what she does and still has time for her own child? Does it mean nothing that another daughter who has made serious, I mean very serious, poor choices is now taking responsibilities on her own? I know this dd will still probably make some selfish choices; however, she is taking the responsibility of those choices and the consequences. Does it mean nothing that another daughter is graduating high school and passed the CHESPE so even the state considers her educated. This dd who struggles with LD's and health issues. Does it mean nothing that the last daughter is also graduating high school, passed the CHESPE and works part time, all a year early? Would they have done as well in the important things if Mom was gone most of the time? Maybe, maybe not.

What about my dear husband? Would his diabetes be under control? Would he have healed as quickly and as well as he did without my presence? What about his wishes and desires that I be home?

I am not saying that moms should never be out in the workforce. I have no animosity or judgements against moms who choose or need to work outside of the home. I just wish the same could be said about moms who choose to stay home. Why do we attack each other like this? How do we judge others without knowing the details? Who do we think we are judging others anyway?

I am fully aware of the consequences of the decision that I was home for all these years. I understand that I don't have SS work quarter credits enough for any retirement. I understand that this country believes that because I haven't worked that I don't deserve anything. I know that our house has not always been highly maintained because of cost. The essentials have always been taken care of and God has always provided our needs. I know that I could have had nicer, new clothes and shoes more often through the years and in the future. I know that the workplace now looks upon me as "too old" to start a career. I believe that is their loss not mine. I will survive no matter what happens in the future.

So people can stop worrying about me. I am fully capable of doing whatever needs to be done in the future and I do not need to worry. My husband loves me and my children love me. More than that I have a father in heaven who loves me even more. Children are supposed to grow up. Parents are supposed to allow them to fly. The nest is still available for safe landings. My job is the guard the nest and help where MY family needs. Not the world's needs until after my own family's needs. God will let me know what needs and jobs He has for ME. I don't have to answer to anyone else. I choose to stay under the umbrellas God has provided for me and hold the umbrellas over my children who choose to stay under them. I don't have to consider other's opinions if my priorities are right.

If you are reading this far I hope you know that I have written more out of emotion than grammar or composition. I pray that you remain strong in your convictions and stay under the authority of God. It's really so much easier to go through the storms of life when you keep under the protection of God's plan for you.

Happy Mother's Day

Well it was a pretty good Mother's Day. The day started out with a Starbuck's Vanilla Latte. Then my dear son-in-law made strawberries and cream belgian waffles. I would have taken a picture but I was hungry so I ate it. Dear hubby brought me a rose. Bea, Josh, and Julie/Jake gave me very sweet cards. The wayward one called and actually talked about stuff going on in her life. Chuck's mom and dad and brother Ron came over for an evening barbeque. Joshua showed his sweet side and smart side to great grandma -grammy. He was bringing out magnetic letters and telling her what letter they were. Of course great grandpa asked the usual where's your nose questions and Josh passed with flying colors.

My gift is coming next week. My dear ones are having a computer built just for me. It has been a long several weeks with no computer. I am so excited.