We expect a painless delivery on August 4th!

The teens are learning to drive on our old vehicle.

You've been officially warned!

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We've had record rainfall after torrential storms, and without exaggeration, we could have gone swimming in our backyard....except that the "lake"  was actually a muddy, raging river.  This picture is from a few years ago, but the water was twice as high this last week.

In spite of some state-wide flooding we traversed creeks in our SUV, (once roads), to go to the 2008 Sprint Meet in Paris, IL.  Several roads were closed from washouts, but we zigged and zagged to our destination.  Over 100 swimmers from Illinois and Indiana made it to the meet.

My boys were glad we made the extra effort and put forth their own  EXTRA efforts, earning themselves a First Place Overall trophy for their individual age divisions.  Both sons beat some of their personal best times, which makes them even happier.  Our daughter also won several medals and bested her own times in several events.  What a day....and there is more rain on the way!  Swimming may turn out to be a life skill we really need at this rate.

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Two surprise early morning messages thrilled me today.  First, our nephew, currently living in London, notified family of the birth of their first daughter.  Within an hour, I received a message about our niece, currently living in Montana; they also had their first daughter this morning.

These first-time grandmothers are my sister and my husband's sister.  Our families grew up together in the same parish and neighborhood.  Our two sisters were very good friends and played a part in uniting my husband and I,  twenty years ago.

Today, their first-born children both gave birth to THEIR own first born children at 1:23am and 1:30am, both on May 4th,;  both girls.....one is 7 lbs. 9 oz. and the other is 7 lbs. 13 oz..

Welcome sisters, to the wonderful world of grandparenting!

Congrats to all the new parents and grandparents involved!

(and thanks for finally making me a great-aunt!)

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My mom died seven years ago today.  This was a favorite song our family shared with her as daughters and sisters.  I still tear up in church when we sing it.

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I am up early (4:30AM) paying  bills before leaving town and just experienced quite an earthquake moments ago!  I was at the kitchen table....the glassware was shaking, the log cabin walls were creaking, the window panes were shuddering, my writing table was moving and my glass of water had waves in it!!!

I subsequently learned that Illinois and Missouri are at the 2nd highest risk for large earthquakes, due to the New Madrid fault.....California, of course, being the first.  And when we moved here, I only thought I had to dodge the tornadoes!

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For demonstrating commitment, enthusiasm, leadership, and mentoring other swimmers,  the 2008  Gator Swim Team Spirit Award goes to......

a 15 year old, near and dear to our hearts, pictured with her coach.  Atta Girl!

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Nervously awaiting her flute audition this weekend, I encouraged my daughter to make it a fun memory, to consider it good experience, and to do her best without regrets.  The president of the Symphony Guild just called to announce she has been awarded a full scholarship for private flute lessons during the 2008-2009 academic year.  She will study flute through the College of Fine Arts at a nearby university, which has a renowned music department.  We celebrate with her!

#2 daughter; 15 years old

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My dad jokingly trying to push Uncle Don into the "drink" at Tarpon Springs sponge docks:  Uncle Don was always the prankster and often the butt of "pay backs" for his teasing ways.  We're going to miss you, Uncle Don. 

4/17/30 - 3/14/08

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Some "lipstick girls" brought their baby brother over to spend the day with us. (granddaughters)

And he was a happy baby brother all day long.  (my grandson)

We had lots of fun together and look forward to your next visit!.

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While my kids were visiting Uncle Rob in Vermont last month, they watched him working on this watercolor painting.  He was sketching in the logs, but otherwise, he was working on a "blank slate."  Here is his finished painting along with a few other winter scenes he's recently painted.

"Winter Wood"

"Dancing Birches"

"Vermont Sugarbush"

Artist's Website

We're knee-deep in snow and it's still falling....I'm feeling right at home.  This is a bit unusual for Central Illinois, but typical of our hometown winters in upstate NY.

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