Happy Memorial Day

Time is really flying by. I haven't updated in weeks and I have so many stories piling up! I decided that today would be a good day to look back. In the last few months I have gotten a vendors license, applied and gotten into several famers markets, and got my business off the ground. How did I do it? I was able to do it because of this wonderful country we live in. I am able, in my early 50's, to walk into the tax department and apply and receive a vendors license. I am able every Tuesday to set up shop on fountain square with other like minded people and sell my dog cookies. I can do this because of the beliefs that founded our country. I have two Navy men in my house. My father was in the Navy during the Korean War and Lee was in the Navy twice, once in the late 70's and then again in the late 80's/early 90's. We were already married on the second time around. Lee didn't "see action" the way Dad did. We weren't "at war" at those times. He was still ready, and willing, to go if needed. It's because of people like Dad and Lee that we can be free and sometimes stupid. We can protest what we think is wrong. We can vote, or not, for who we want to run the country and then complain about them when they are in office. There are some who feel the need to burn the flag and protest at military funerals, and they have the right to do so. Because men and women fought for our rights. It saddens me that when Jake was in grade school they sang America the Beautiful instead of the Star Spangled Banner. I was told it was easier to sing. Jake isn't sure about the words to the National Anthem. I plan on working on that this year. I want him to understand his roots. I want him to know that because of very brave men and women he can be free and feel safe. That    the freedom we enjoy did come with a price. So today, hug your family, and if they happen to be, or have been in the military, thank them for me. Take care!

Graduation Time!

This year I have two nieces and one nephew graduating from high school. As they say, time really flies by. I graduated high school in 1977. There were about 230 in my class. At that time, the friends you have in high school you think will be in your life forever. Most of the time, if you're lucky, one or two make it. Things change, you change, and time passes by. I am still in contact with two friends from high school, although I don't actually see them much. I am facebook friends with a few more. Graduation is a gateway into the world of adulthood. You go out into the world with the ideas of changing it. Making the world a better place. Gaining independence, and learning how to be an adult. It can be frightening, and exhilarating at the same time. Matt will stay in Columbus and go to Ohio State,  Jessi will head to St. Louis university, and Courtney will join her sister Gwen at Indiana University, in Bloomington. I can't help but look back at when they were born. Matt was this little thing, loves working with his hands and very creative. Courtney was born with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. Loves sports, being social, but still making the grades. Jessi is a born student athlete. There isn't a sport she can't excel at along with understanding the game. Loves both competition in academics and sports. They are all three so different, and all three ready to head out in the world to make a difference. To see the world as they see it is a real joy. I have my wishes for them. The main one is to be happy in what you do. I want you to be spared pain in relationships and in school, although those are the things that help you grow. You will have ups and downs, and things won't always go as planned, but you will succeed in what ever path you choose. The world will be a better place with you in it.  So, as graduation nears, enjoy your parties, have a great summer, and be happy! Much Love, Aunt Kim

Happy Mothers Day!

I didn't become a Mom until I was 38 years old. We had a long hard road to get there dealing with infertility problems. Needless to say it was a true miracle the day Jake was born. Now, thirteen years later, I have a teenager living in my house. Along with my own Mother. Six years ago when we built our house, Lee suggested that we have Mom and Dad move into the lower level. The reason was they were getting older, they lived an hour away and we had a small child, and I would always add that Lee was trying to push me over the edge by having my mother move in.  When I was little, I would dress up in Moms night gowns like they were evening gowns. Mom made Barbie clothes for my dolls, she also made my own clothes. We had our ups and downs through the teenage years, as most parents do. As we age relationships grow. Some grow closer, some grow apart. I think the turning point was when Lee and I moved to Guam. That was the first time we lived so far away from our families that we only "had each other". You grow when you have to stand on your own two feet. It is a great experience. Now that I am a Mom, I understand some of the things that I thought were awful when I was younger. Mom and I parent differently, and that's okay. We agree to disagree on certain things, and have learned that line between Mom and Grandma. Most of the time, life is good. Being a Mom is a hard job. You are range from being the most important person in your childs life, to being considered a monster, then becoming a friend. The bond of being a Mom is different with each child that you have. Since I only have one, my bond is that of a Mother and her son. Now the choice of movies, music and video games are very different. As I have said many times, I have never been nor will ever be, male.  I don't always understand the way he thinks, but we still have a connection. We still can sit and talk and laugh, just like I can do with my Mom. I hope that you have a great connection with someone. Happy Mothers Day Mom! Take care!