Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

Memorial Day has become traditionally known as the start of the summer season. Picnics, outdoor events, and family gatherings are favorite Memorial Day past-times. For our family, it marked the baptism of Ava Marie. Ava's godparents - Nikki, her husband Jay, and Jason's brother Ryan - traveled from Wisconsin to participate in Ava's big day. Unfortunately, Ava was not feeling her best. She was running a high temperature and nothing, except mommy, could make her feel comfortable. Like the little lady she is, she managed to get through the entire church service without uttering a whimper. Poor baby girl. I may be a tiny bit biased (what grandparent isn't?) but I believe Ava is the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.

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Across The Miles

Children grow, they marry, and build lives of their own. They become parents... and careers carry them far, far away.

We have eight beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 8 years to 6 months. Sadly we live close to only three grandchildren, but all are never far from our thoughts and hearts. With the assistance of modern technology, we keep in touch through e-mail and blogging. We log onto computers each day for current news and photos, hoping that everyone is safe and thriving. One loses a tooth, another scores in soccer, while the littlest discovers sitting up for the first time. Yes, each amazingly perfect grandchild is a blessing that makes our lives complete.

Coming home from work, I routinely check the mailbox and sort bills from junk mail. Tucked between magazines was an envelope bearing a postmark from California and Kelly's unmistakable handwriting. Reading each carefully written signature, I felt an invisible hug from Petra, Soren, Annike and Tova.

Thank you!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Chere!

Last night the five Scrap Club Divas met for dinner at the City Café to honor our dear friend’s birthday. Chere’s birthday technically isn’t until May 27, but any excuse to celebrate works for us.

We always have such a great time together – great food, lively conversation, tons of laughter, toasting of glasses, and dessert. Let’s not forget dessert – YUM! I am especially excited about a particular topic that was discussed – the Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise that sails November 6-14, 2010. Jamie, Chere and I joined ScrapMap for the Ultimate cruise to Hawaii two years ago. Having just given birth to baby Ava, Jamie couldn’t participate in the Ultimate cruise this year. But Chere and I, with our two husbands for good measure, had a ball on the cruise and learned tons of neat stuff.

Next year’s cruise looks even more exciting and it is my greatest desire to have all of us travel together. Chere, Jamie and I are already booked – we just need to convince Judy and Pam to come along with us.

For the time being, happy birthday Queen Priss! We love you!!

Creative Scrap Retreat Spring '09

After months of planning, the time came for our first annual Creative Scrap Retreat (CSR). Five women gathered togethered from Saturday morning to Sunday evening in an educational venue around our favorite hobby - scrapbooking.

The event kicked off at 8:30am after breakfast. Each participant was tasked with teaching at least one class which was kept top secret from all except the instructor. i taught a flip board book class created from Accucut dies and bound together using a Zutter Bind-it-All. Chere's class was the messiest and most time-consuming - we took a plain album and converted it to a work of art using torn decorative papers and Mod Podge. Each monthly page was interactive, using clear photo pockets. Jamie taught us how to covert a plain whte frame into a work of art that commemorated our first CSR event. In Pam's class we created lovely cards and decorative storage box using Basic Grey paper. Judy taught us how to get more bang from Photoshop Elements 7 using frames, brushes and other cool techniques.

Great friends, good food, and tons of fun. There is nothing in the world like a good friend. I'm blessed to have not one, but four fabulous ladies in my life. I cherish and appreciate them all and can't wait for our fall CSR event!

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Cinco de Mayo

Today is Tuesday which means soccer practice for Ayden. Being Cinco de Mayo I would have dearly loved to celebrate the Mexican holiday with a frosty marguerita. Being a grandparent, I traded my 'rita for a sideline seat with Jamie watching as Ayden made goal after goal in the 82 degree late afternoon sun. At one point Ayden's head coach asked him to sit and watch for a few minutes. This gave the younger kids an opportunity to play. Ayden has played soccer at pre-school for the last year and is more than ready to be placed with older kids. He has gotten quite cocky at his ability to steal the ball from his younger less-aggressive teammates. Still, I can't help but feel a surge of pride at Ayden's skill. Kudos, baby boy!

And on any given Tuesday or Saturday morning, you can always find me cheering from the sideline.

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