Memorial Tradition

Spending Memorial Day in Orleans has become tradition. This year we spent an extra night because daycare was closed on Tuesday as well. Shutting down and heading West with my family has become one of my favorite things to do.

Papa gave us a ride in his "new" (to him) 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe. The car originally belonged to my dad's distant cousin, Captain Don Rhynalds. Don and his wife Diane have been back in Orleans for Memorial Day the last several years and we have always enjoyed seeing them. Don passed away last October. Oh how he would have loved to watch us cruising in the rumble seat!

On Monday we attended the Memorial Services at the Stamford Cemetery where my Grandfather Lawrence James (Skinny) Bose and Uncle Gary Bose are buried. Both served as mechanics in the military. My Grandfather was drafted into World War II and my Uncle was drafted and then enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

The speaker urged us to tell their stories and I began thinking that I really didn't know very many details about my family members' military service. I had a great visit with my dad, asking him many questions. Perhaps one day I can request and gather more details that can be written down for others to enjoy.

God Made a Mother

I believe that it is absolutely by design that Mother's Day falls in early May. As my Granny Mary says, "To avoid frost, wait until Mother's Day to put out your plants." No matter the forecast, I always heed her advice. So far, living in Nebraska, I have been thankful I did.

With a father still involved in planting season and a husband and father-in-law very much engulfed in planting season, Mother's Day celebrations get squeezed in between church and customer visits. Sometimes we are lucky to get a few extra hours due to a brief rain delay.

This year I was able to get away to church a bit early, by myself, and enjoyed coffee and discussion with a few of my church sisters. Then I happily juggled kids on and off my lap through church service and enjoyed a tasty meal at home prepared by my loving husband.

After naps and rest time, we headed out to John and Jan's for a gorgeous afternoon. The kids played outdoors while I gladly offered to drive to Hastings and pick up dinner from Hunan's.

Even though I didn't get to spend time with my own amazing mother, I was able to chat with her on the phone and I look forward to spending time with her this Summer.

While I was enjoying a relaxing day of counting my blessings, my long-time friend and classmate was saying goodbye to her only child. Kash was born just 6 months before my sweet Tucker and I can't help but wonder why I got a healthy baby boy and she got one who would spend nearing all of his short 23 months in a hospital. There are no answers. It simply is not fair.

I will forever hold Kash's story in my heart as he has challenged me to parent my children without taking one moment for granted.

This May, this Mother's Day....I am grateful for the beautiful blooms of color in my yard.

I am grateful for the view from my kitchen window.

I'm grateful for the ability to make my body move and sweat while my little "coach" cheers me on.

I'm grateful for the little park in our neighborhood.

I'm grateful for ALL the mothers in my life.

 

 Mostly, I'm grateful for the experience of motherhood.

 

From Jentry

My sister, who knows a thing or two about being a great mother, sent me this quote and I couldn't have said it better myself.

School's Out

Last day of 5th Grade and Pre-K! 

Of course we had to celebrate their year of amazing accomplishments with breakfast at the bakery, a pool party at Onnie's, pizza from BG's and a sleepover with 5 of Jentry's giggly girlfriends.

Tucker is fortunate to have older sibling so that he gets in on all the fun!

 Jentry, Kyla, Lincoln, Ella, Addison and Mia

Two of the friends had birthdays so we had to celebrate them too. Lincoln and Addison were both turning 12.

Mastering the Keys

This girl rocked it at her piano recital last weekend.

Mrs. Linabery has taught her so much these past three years.

She truly has more talent than her mother.

Hope she continues to enjoy playing for many years to come.

I Graduated!

Mason is moving to Kindergarten!

Yesterday we celebrated Mason and his many accomplishments this past year in preschool.

We are grateful for the teachers and their passion to educate.

At age 5 Mason wants to be police officer, fire fighter, cowboy and monster truck driver.

His parents think he could make a great salesman as he is loves people, talking, is not afraid to ask 8 billion questions a day.

Congrats, Mason Dee! Shoot for the moon cowboy.