PRE SCHOOL GRADUATION

I can't believe I will never take another child to Pre-School! Kate is my 4th and final child to graduate and move on to the big school. I am so sad that she is heading to Kindergarten this fall. She and I have been buddies and and companions for the last few years. It has been fun to be able to run my errands and have a pal to help me. When my kids were all young, I thought I'd look forward to the day they were all in school. Now that it is a reality, it makes me sad. (not sad enough to have another one, but sad)

DANCING QUEEN

Sarah is on a competition dance team and this year they rocked the house. They took first place at almost every competition in their lyrical dance. At one of the national competitions, they took high point! (that is really good) We are super proud of her...she is so driven and ambitious.

This is her hip hop costume...it looks a little like Ronald McDonald. Big Mac anyone?

GRANDMA D

Max's sweet mom passed away May 6th. Her health had been poor for so long, and she had waited so long to be with her husband that it was a blessing and a joyful reunion for them. But, how do you deal with losing a mom? She was such a wonderful woman. She loved the gospel with her whole heart, and wanted everyone around her to embrace it too. She loved to garden, and was known throughout the neighborhood as the "flower lady." She loved to take the grandkids to the "trip trap" bridge. When Ali was little, Ora would tend her while I went to school. I would come home to find her reading to Ali, playing with her, or watching Barney with her. She was a special lady.

Max and his sister-in-law and niece created this arrangement for the casket. They did a beautiful job and personalized it by adding some little gardening tools, and chalk-board that says teacher, and a crystal temple. Ora loved flowers, and she did the casket sprays for many many people, so they thought it would be a fitting tribute to her.

The Fam

Diana, Jim, Marilyn, Karl, Larry (back)

Cheryl, Kenny, Sandy, Melvin, Karen, Max and Me (front)

The fact that everyone is looking at the camera and smiling is a miracle!

The oldest son from each family got to be a pall bearer. Max and I have the youngest kids, so Sam was the youngest pallbearer. I loved seeing him with all of his older RM cousins. It was a touching moment for all of us.


After the funeral, Max took the kids on a tour of his old stomping grounds. They walked along the ditch banks and gathered asparagus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE

Kate is 6! We decided to be ambitious and have the party at home. I am usually all about going someplace so I don't have the mess. This year however, Ali and Sarah volunteered to plan a carnival party. They did a great job and we played games, ate popcorn and cupcakes, drank lemonade and had a blast! Kate was so excited to open her presents, she could hardly stand herself.

Happy Birthday Kate Bugs!