Passing The Torch

Recently Kelly and I had the privilege of attending my younger brother Benjamin's law school graduation. I was and am so proud of my brother for this major accomplishment. The desire to practice law runs deep in his veins as his Uncle, Grandfather and Great-father precede him in the career of attorney.

Ben, the curly haired middle child, was quiet and at times, lost in the crowd of 4 boys. He has always been kind hearted, intelligent and sometimes mischievous. But, because of his sweetness and boyish charm he was rarely in the hot seat. My earliest memories of Ben were of him standing in his crib calling for Ra Ra, his older Sister Sarah. I would come and scoop him up and play with him, cherishing the fact that he called for me over my Mother, and that I (5 years his senior) could comfort him. From those early days I have grown use to Ben calling for me, confiding in me and sharing his life with me. I feel privileged. I admire Ben. I love being his older Sister.
Now, his supportive wife Amy and their darling son Owen have worked together in accomplishing the task at hand: Forth Generation Law School Graduate. I know my Grandfather is so pleased. He looks forward to sharing an office with Ben, imparting his Grandson with wisdom about Law and maybe more importantly, Life. Congratulations Ben and Amy!

7 Wonders

Lizzy kicked off her birthday festvities with some glow-in-the-dark bowling.




She was excited about her new bike, which took her hours to pick out.


My Grandfather Paul and Lizzy have always enjoyed a special bond.

It's a wonder to me that I have been a mother for 7 years. Elizabeth turned seven last week and we joyfully celebrated her birthday. Not knowing what to expect, I remember pondering on the thought of being a mother during the days before her birth. Happily I smile to myself and give thanks to Heaven for sending us our close to perfect oldest child.

Lizzy was born in California. My dear mother flew in for nearly 3 weeks to help with her first grandchild. She came a few days before my due date to assist with last minute preparations. In fact, we spent my early labor walking the mall, getting some last minute essentials (at Baby Gap of course). I had no appetite at dinner that night and became somewhat discouraged. I was having mild contractions off and on during the day but they didn't seem to be leading anywhere. After a warm bath, my wise mother told me to go to bed. I asked if she would be going to bed too and she informed me that she knew I was going to have the baby that night, so she would just stay up and wait for me. Well, she was right! Not soon after I fell asleep I was awaken by what child birth really feels like. My mom was right there, all knowing, and together the three of us drove to the hospital to meet our Elizabeth only 6 hours later.

We hadn't picked out a name for our daughter before she was born. Kelly had always loved the name Elizabeth (a family name) and I agreed that it was and still is arguably the most feminine, beautiful name for a little girl, girl, teenager and lady. It seemed to suit her instantly. Diane is my mother's name and both Kelly and I felt overwhelmingly that this should be her middle name. As we have gotten to know Lizzy more and more, we see why she was named after my mother. They are one in the same! The nick-name "Lizzy" came naturally after the name choice of Elizabeth as it has always been a favorite of mine. Our Lizzy has grown into her name quite nicely. Her femininity, grace, poise, sweetness, politeness and sensitivity pairs well with the name Elizabeth. Her curiosity, creativity and humor make her our "Lizzy D".

I marvel and wonder at the joy motherhood has brought me. Thank you Elizabeth for 7 wonder-filled years as our first born. We are so proud of you, we want so much for you, we learn so much from you, we love our darling Lizzy.

Yay for May!

Two of my favorite things in life are to (1) preform a kind gesture, or (2) to receive one from someone else. On May Day, we were the recipients, and it was so grand. A favorite friend of Lizzy's along with her loving grandmother surprised us with these:

A B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L bouquet of spring blossoms picked from a very well-nurtured yard. They came bundled in a cheery home-made vase (of sorts) and delivered to our door, with a note welcoming the long awaited month of MAY. I love May, as it is the month of my birth, I feel particularly fond of one of the most lovely months of the year. The girls proudly placed the bouquet in their room. Now, the aroma of spring blossoms fill the entire 2nd floor of our home, and their kindness to us fills a sometimes empty pail to the brim.

Happy May Day!

Go Green!

In celebration of Earth Day/Month the children and I enjoyed some earth friendly activities:

We took in the beauty of Mother Nature's greatest Spring Masterpiece:

THE TULIP! (red being the Fav)

The Official Earth Day found us on a LONG journey into the

"CITY" on Public Transit, making many

new and colorful friends. I still think of "Captn" and LuLu, wondering how

he's doing with Bladder cancer and if he still has his eye-patch.

We walked more, and learned that Dad is pretty smart when he tells us NOT to walk

in flip-flops.

I also picked a beautiful tree for our backyard, a clump mountain ash. I love our earth and am becoming more GREEN with each passing year. "Captn" was explaining to me that there is no need for a car in this town; public Transit is great. I agreed but asked if it ever bothered him that it took so much longer than driving. His response was simple: Isn't life about the Journey? Yes "Captn", I believe it is.