You would think it would get easier.....

Last night I returned from Rexburg where I dropped Doug off for a short summer session. He drove Jeff and Joanna's car (wow, how generous can a brother and sister-in-law be?) and I followed behind in the trusty Suburban.

It was hard. Mom's just can't bear to hear, "I don't think I want to stay, Mom". No matter how much I know this experience will help him, it is still hard to muster a smile, encourage him on his new "adventure" and then drive away!

I cried most of the way home.

I was thinking about how I wished I could turn back the clock for just a day. I would be in the stands in the Melba High School gym and I would be watching one of the "big" kids playing basketball. Doug and Mark would be running between the concession stand and the gym, tripping referees, setting off fire alarms and just having fun. Beth and Mike would be sitting on the bench with John Hackler and I would be cheering for my Mustang! We would then hash the game over all the way home, have a bowl of ice cream and diss on the referees for a while before going to bed. All 8 kids under the same roof. Our roof. Man, those were the good ol' days! I don't think I appreciated those times enough!

But IF I could turn back the clock I would miss knowing my beautiful daughters-in-law, my awesome sons-in-law and my 8 amazing grandchildren. I would miss knowing my children as adults and loving the way they take care of their families and love the Lord.

This morning, just as I was missing Doug, Cutter came in the back door with a flower for me (some hay with the bloom still on). I was reminded that I still have lots of boys and girls to love and even though my own kids are leaving home and moving on, I am still loved and needed.

It is still hard.

State Tournament

Mark's basketball team qualified for the State Tournament by winning the District Championship. They had a great season, and stayed perfect in League play. (their only losses were to non-league teams) The boys started their State Tournament at Capital High School with a loss which put them in the consolation bracket. They won their next two games and received the Consolation trophy which is 4th place. Here are a few pictures of Mark and his teammates.

Family Reunion!

On Monday, March 2, all of Shane's brothers, sisters and their spouses got together at our house to celebrate his mom's 85th birthday. We sure had a great time together. We are so proud of each of them. These 6 kids have produced 39 grandchildren, 100-something great-grand children and 3 great-great grandchildren! I hope I am not boasting when I say that our family is the BEST!

Our Girly-Girl

Now it is Monday morning and Katelyn is visiting while mom works in the office. She found some mascara in the bathroom drawer and I didn't think she could open it.....well, I was wrong. I also didn't think she knew what it was for...again, wrong. She wasn't too happy with me when I took it away and not very thrilled when I took her picture, either, and even less thrilled when I washed it off!! A 2 year old that wants to wear mascara? Yep, that's our Katelyn!

Birthday Party for Katelyn

Last night we celebrated Katelyn's 2nd birthday. Brooklyn, Cache, Cutter and Eli came. (Bellamie was home sick with an ear infection) Katelyn was so delighted when the kids arrived that she screamed and squealed and chased them around the house. Grandpa put a stop to that by closing the "circle" ...the laundry room door! Katelyn loved her gifts and the cake and all the fun.

Two Adorable Boys

Last week BOTH boys happened to stop by and see me at the same time! As they played around on the 4 wheelers I ran into the house to get my camera. When Cache saw the camera and figured out what I was going to do with it, he suggested the pose they should take. "Let's do this, Cutter!" Next, Cache asked if this picture would be on my fridge. (There is a picture there now of Cutter and Cache on a 4 wheeler, taken last spring). So I better get to Walmart and get a picture printed of my 2 boys!

Happy Birthday, Cache!

Cache celebrated his birthday here tonight. He turned 4, yes four! (he even checked with his dad!..."how old am I, Dad?") All the kids lined up for a picture. Cutter didn't appreciate our singing...thus the hands covering his ears.