Our First Overnight Guests

 The Patts are here!  The Patts are here!
Our first overnight guests in our new house were our niece, Stephanie, her husband Jeff and daughters, Sara and Emma. Their last name is Patterson - hence the "Patts" reference. 

To say we were excited to see them doesn't even come to close to describing our emotions.

Our visits in the past were always surrounded by holidays - usually Christmas and were a bit frantic with comings and goings.  This visit was leisurely.  There was a lot of laughter and reminiscing. 

And eating and walking.  We made it to the top of Mt.Baldy in Saugatuck and covered pretty much every square inch on Mackinaw Island.

I loved the interaction with the girls.  I learned more about each of them and am very proud of their accomplishments.
Emma (far left) just finished her first year at Princeton.  Covid made it extra challenging but she persevered.  Sara (blue sweatshirt) will begin her senior year at University of MD in the fall. She had the difficult task of helping Petey and me with some techy stuff.  I loved them before this visit and love them even more now.

Jeff (next to Emma) is a great guy.  Has the patience of a saint.  He was the driver for all our adventures.  I really got to know him much better during our early morning coffee time on the front porch.  He has a heart of gold and a wicked sense of humor.

Stephanie (far right) has been in my life since she was 5 years old.  She is equal parts of my brother-in-law, Lee and sister-in-law, Patty. We're only 14 years apart and she feels more like a girlfriend than a niece. 

The week flew by.  I cried when they left.  Peter and I are roaming around the house feeling the emptiness this morning.

Family - nothing better.

A Variety of Moms

 Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I could easily post a blog about my mom.  Or my mother-in-law.  Both were wonderful women.  I wouldn't be who I am today without them.

But I've been thinking lately about all the women who are mothers but didn't spend time in the birthing unit at the local hospital.

They are equally revered as mothers because they care, they encourage and love endlessly.

I think back to my kindergarten teacher, Miss Adams.  I can still see her face.  She radiated love and patience.

My church choir director, Miss Ankney.  Besides my parents, she instilled my love for singing.  And learning how to read music - one eye on the sheet music and one eye on her - at all times!  

Others come to mind:

My sister, Lisa.  The super aunt to our sister Stacey's kids and grandchildren.

Janet Simmons, who has taken care of many many dogs including my little man, Augie.

Kathi Proper, the motorcycle ridin', pittie lovin' school principal.

Martha Meek, shaping minds and fingers in the world of music.

Brenda Cartwright, guiding students through the maze of Sign Language interpreting.

Kay Salo, my cheerleading coach.  She never gave me a hard time for not being able to do the splits!

I could go on and on but you know I'm not fond of long blogs - reading them or writing them -  but you get my drift, right?

Moms come in all shapes and sizes.

Happy Mother's Day!