Simple pleasures

Grandaddy's tire swing has entertained all five grandchildren now.  Marshall was about Wade's age when it was first put up and now he is eighteen. 

On this Mother's Day

I feel I lost my mother too soon, but I don't know if anyone is ever ready to say goodbye to their Mom. What I love most is that I considered her a friend as an adult.  It wasn't until after she died that I read this note in my baby book, telling me about a little bear flower vase. It was given in 1939 to my grandmother by her mother when Mom was born. Granny Lindig then gave it to Mom when I was born and she planned on presenting it to me when I had my first child. What is so prophetic to me is that she said "if nothing happens". I hope I can give it to Wade and his wife someday but at least he will know why this bear is special. (And Mike and I think it looks a little like a panda too....wonder if these ladies ever imagined having a cute Chinese boy in the family) 

But I have had a lot of wonderful other women in my life that have helped mother me. Our world is changing fast and you certainly don't have to limit yourself to one who you thank for these lessons. I can't begin to tell them all but this morning here are a few that stand out:

Aunt Brenda - no doubt has the most energy for her family of anyone I know. She knows just how to scoop up everyone of our kids and treat them like they are her world. She also has stepped in with a hug at just the right times in my life. 

Joyce Arterburn (Mrs Art) - she was a dear advisor and friend throughout my college years. She gave me an early example of a lady that kept herself balanced between career and family, keeping her faith evident and serving others. I hope to get back to Lubbock this year and introduce Mike and Wade to her. 

Pat Langston - Who would have dreamed my college roommates in laws would have embraced me and made me feel like a part of their family often when my family was far away. I can sit right down with Pat and talk about anything and she is always so positive and supportive. 

Teen - My Dads wife of over ten years now. She fills the role of grandmother for Wade and has lifted us up in so many prayers. 

So as Wade grows I hope I am there for him...but when I am not, pray he can find some other special ladies to fill the gaps and straighten him out if he needs it!

Beach weekend!

Max and Wade had fun on the beach and it was nice for us because neither boy wanted to venture near the water. Cherry Grove has nice firm sand...great for pushing your dump truck in ( which continues to be one of Wade's favorite activities ). As much as I think he will grow to love skiing someday, right now this boy is more of a beach bum. 

What is a family?

This question was asked of each of Wade's three year old class after learning about families this week....

His response:  It's when I was born, my Mommy works at Krispy Kreme

I hope someday he truly feels like the day we three met was some type of birthday for our family...for now I know he is proud of where I work. You gotta love the heart of a three year old  

Spring chores...

I do enjoy Spring but here in NC the pollen gets a bit overwhelming for me. Wade helped me wash my car and Grandpa Lindigs old truck, then his car! In an hour I could see pollen back on the hoods

We got the garden  planted with all kinds of yummy things now must get a fence up quick or the rabbits and deer will reap our bounty. 

Sunday found Wade and I on a hike with Sam and Max. Both Daddy's are fighting colds and stayed home. The boys did great and hikes a total of three miles after the initial scraps over who got to be the line leader on the trail. We made it out to Wolf Rock and back, joining up with Ken and others from the ski club. 

Oh and the big boy underwear thing didn't make much progress. I don't think he anticipates going at all. Mike demonstrated peeing on a tree (what little boy can resist). Wade would get all ready then make a hissing sound with his mouth like he was going. Oh well....

Our 2 year Anniversary as a Family

Hard to believe the changes we have seen in this little man in two years!  Of course he has changed our lives too and I am having tons of fun on this adventure. 

Once he is older we will take the opportunity to reflect on China and our first gotcha day with him....and can share a few gifts that we bought for him while over there. But for now, he was pretty excited to get a new Snoopy and Woodstock bank for his room. 

Easter 2015

We had double duty this weekend as Mike's birthday fell on Easter. We made cookies for a Relay fundraiser and saw a car show at Krispy Kreme on Friday. We then got a babysitter on Saturday so we could take a Segway tour....something Mike has always wanted to try. Dinner with Ken and Pat then all of the Easter stuff on Sunday. The house didnt get cleaned, but lots of memories were made. 

The Easter Bumny brought Wade a fox from the Bumnies by the Bay folks in Anacotes. I went to their store when they were just a startup and when I found out about their red thread collection that benefited China orphanages I knew Wade needed his next friend from there. It's really cute and soft!