Today is my sister's birthday. She is pictured below on the left. I'm on the right

This photo was taken waiting for the ferry to take us to Mackinac Island just a few weeks ago.

Maryanne was born when I was 8 years old. I've been crazy about her ever since.

The week we spent up north together with our families (and also my brother and his family) was really fun. We laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed. As one of my children once said, (I think it was Anne) "We almost laughed off our heads."

No one can make me laugh the way my brother and sister can.

Anyway, more about our trip later. Just wanted to say....

Happy Birthday, Maryanne!!!

May the Lord bless you and keep you now and forever!!!!

As I'm a little rusty from lack of blogging I'm just going to write here and there about what has been happening this summer until I can get a little more creative juice flowing :-)

Here we are, the whole family, celebrating John's graduation.... Above-- Mary and John.

Below-- Husband Mike and I....

Mike with his girlfriend...
Anne with my favorite son-in-law Zach...
Liz, Jim, and Mary....
Jim, Mary, and John the graduate...
This was a special day. It was special because of what we were celebrating....And it was special because everyone was there--- all my children. Anne and Zach were here from Atlanta. Mike came to town from Indiana.

There is just something very special for a mother when all her children are at the same table. At such times I can only smile with sweet contentment and think. "No one is missing. We are all here." Just love it. I know all you mothers, and mothers-at-heart, understand.

OK. I really want to get back to blogging. I have let this slip way too long. I like blogging. I think it's good for me. Forces me to put words together in a complete sentence. (Never mind the one I just wrote.) Teehee. All right. It forces me to put words together in a way that people can understand. Below is a photo of my oldest son's birthday celebrations. He turned 27. TWENTY-SEVEN!! Can you believe it.

Hubby Mike is on the far left, then Mike's girlfriend, followed by the birthday boy. On Mike's left is an old friend from grade school and high school who was able to join us. After that-- all siblings. Only my daughter and son-in-law were not there. (Since they live in the Atlanta area.)
Mike does not really like cake so I made him his favorite Dutch Apple Pie.

Where does the time go? I know it's a trite question but every year it takes on a deeper meaning.

Happy Birthday, Mike! You are a son who has brought his parents nothing but joy. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May you continue to live the life that the God who infinitely loves you has planned. God is good. All the time. :-)