You go with your GRAD self !

Darin and I recently returned from a trip to Minnesota. The main reason for the trip was to see my niece Samantha (Kim's daughter) graduate from college. I really enjoyed spending time (although not as much as I would've liked) with Samantha and the rest of Kim's family. We went on a nice tour of the Minneapolis-St.Paul area, had a few meals, and lots of laughter together. Samantha is a beautiful person inside and out and makes me proud to be her Aunt. From the time she was a small child she's amazed me with her intelligence and humor. I knew all along she would go far and I look forward to watching her make her next move in this game we call life. Congratulations Sam, and again.......You go with your "GRAD" self ;)

Happy Mother's Day !!

I just wanted to share with everyone how thankful I am and how lucky I feel to be a mother. I had a wonderful Mother's Day. First of all Tabitha, Randy and Darin gave me a wonderful (pink) digital camera. (Now I get to be the annoying one always taking pictures). We joined Darin's family for a beautiful lunch and had a great time just being together. We normally would gather for a group photo, but the sand storm in the dirt parking lot didn't make for a nice backdrop. Oh well maybe next year. These are the few photos I took while inside.

"Little" Randy, Me and Darin

Tabitha and her friend, Mallory

Darin's nephew Dakota, sister Judi and Mother (Marie).

Darin's sister Jodi, brother-in-law Link and niece Marissa.

Marissa and Dakota, I added this one just cause they're so darn CUTE!!

"Big" Randy was also there, but somehow dodged all the photos. I'll do better next time!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, as always, but what really makes Mother's Day so special to me is not being pampered myself by my children and the people that love me, but to honor all the Mother's that I love, most of all MY two mothers.

This is my Momma. Just seeing her smiling face brings a smile to mine. My Mom has to be the absolute strongest woman in the world. In all my life I don't think I've ever heard her complain. She's had a very good life and radiates positivity. She never has a mean thing to say about anyone, and I know I learned my acceptance of people from her. Of even the most questionable people and situations she always finds some good. When I grow up I want to be just like her. Nothing gives me more comfort than the sound of my Momma's voice. There's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful she chose me ;)

This is my other Mother. I know the picture is of Darin also, and I probably have better pictures of her, but I love this picture of them. Marie is a great Mother and has been a wonderful Mother-in-law to me. She's always worked extra hard to provide for her children and even now is there at the drop of a hat when anyone needs her. She's shown me love and acceptance, even though I'm sure it wasn't always easy. The love she has for her children is very evident in all she does. And I must admit I look forward to meals of any kind at her house, she definitely can throw down some good grubbin. All of her daughters are taking after in that way also. I hope some of that rubbed off on Tabitha through all these years ;)

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mother's out there !!