Photos tell the story ...

Sometimes photos tell more of the story than words can ... suffice it to say that we went to Tim and Sandi's for desert last night ... and this is the rest of the story ...

Loving this sunshine ....

The day was gorgeous at the beach today -- we saw dolphins and actually even saw a manatee which is a little unusual right where we live. Usually it's a couple miles south of us but that was a special treat for my sister and her family. The water was soooo blue / green and the kids had a blast. And we all got plenty of sun. We who live in Florida usually don't go out for long periods of time. I know ... people say it's because we live near the beach and that may be one reason. But, we also know that it's not wise to stay out too long.

So ... I thought I'd share a few photos from the day. Kamen took his Christmas gift from Teri out on the water today -- surfer guy! Seth Mark had quite a time with him. Kamen and Jimmy played a game of catch, Roxanne got into the fun when they played volleyball, Tyler and Juliana spent some time building sand creations ... others laid out in the sun and some just stood around a talked. All in all, it was a fun day!! Tonight it was off to Northside School for Kamen's spring concert. It is always so much fun to watch elementary age kids perform! And tonight was no exception!

So, now I am rambling ... not unusual ... guess I should get to the photos, huh? By the way, Allen may never speak to me again for posting the last photo! But it was a great photo of part of the stuff we manage to take to the beach! We managed to get it all there and back. The challenge is always who wants to stay the longest -- let's see, Sandi, Tyler, Kasi and I came back in my van (I think). Rachel, Roxanne, Jene' and Shara stayed for a while longer. Allen, Jimmy, Shaley, Juliana, Seth Mark and Kamen headed for Subway to pick up sandwiches -- which part of them were delivered back to the beach and the rest brought back to our house. Okay, too much info, I know!! So, I'll stop ...

Are you ready for us?

That was the question my sister asked me a couple days ago. Her family will be arriving in a few minutes from Indianapolis. They will back up onto my yard, they will pile out of their Suburban (which, as Rachel has shared, is not packed as much as usual) and I will stand at attention to direct them to their rooms. (Think I should put my hand out for a tip? Just kidding!) Actually, we have a lot of fun even though our house turns into Grand Central Station. Anyone who knows Rachel's husband, Allen Southerland, knows that life is never quiet when he is around!

Rachel is 15 years younger than I am .. so her children are almost like my grandchildren. And with my mother going on to heaven, that has deepened an already solid relationship. (Even though they beat me at video games!!!)

Jene' is almost 21! (A little older than my oldest grandchild!) She's in her third year in college pursuing a degree in nursing. (She attends Olivet Nazarene University). Shara, almost 18, will begin her first year at Olivet. I will be flying up to Indy later this month to attend her graduation. Then there's Jimmy, who undoubtedly is growing an inch a week right now! He's 13 and an all-around good kid. (Like the other's aren't? They're all great kids) Shaley is 11, Juliana is 10 and Seth Mark is 8. Rachel refers to them as "The Littles" sometimes although they are three completely different personalities. Just ask them -- you'll find out in a hurry!

So, we'll have a great time. They'll be at the beach a lot so I'm not sure how much I will see them during the daytime. (I'll probably join them for some time at the beach but I have learned to be a smart Floridian and only spend a couple hours at the beach at a time.) Allen did learn the hard way last year and told me that he has "35" sunblock this year! Maybe he is learning!

As you can tell, they haven't arrived quite yet or I wouldn't still be typing. I'm sure I will hear the rumble of their vehicle shortly ... and know that life will never be quite the same -- and I'm glad! We'll have lots of fun and I'll probably have lots of funny pictures.

What our mothers taught us ...

You may have seen this before -- some I identify with -- others you would never have heard my mother repeating!! Me, maybe! But, definitely not her!

1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning the house."
2. My mother taught me about religion. "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about time travel. "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week." (Although my mother would never have said this!)
4. My mother taught me about logic. "Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me more logic. "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going shopping with me."
6. My mother taught me foresight. "Make sure you wear clean underwear just in case you are in an accident."
7. My mother taught me irony. "Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the process of osmosis. "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about contortionism. "Will you just look at that dirt on the back of your neck."
10. My mother taught me about stamina. "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about weather. "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about hypocrisy. "If I told you once, I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate."
13. My mother taught me about the circle of life. "I brought you into this world and if you don't change your behavior, I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about behavior modification. "Stop acting like your father."
15. My mother taught me about envy. "There are millions of less fortunate children who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
16. My mother taught me about anticipation. "Just wait until we get home."
17. My mother taught me about receiving. "Boy, are you going to get it when you get home!"
18. My mother taught me about medical science. "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
19. My mother taught me about E.S.P. "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
20. My mother taught me about humor. "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
21. My mother taught me how to become an adult. "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
22. My mother taught me about genetics. "You're just like your father."
23. My mother taught me about my roots. "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
24. My mother taught me about wisdom. "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
25. My mother taught me about justice. "One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you!"