The precious gift of family

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
~Desmond Tutu

We've had the pleasure of spending time with immediate and extended family for the past week. My brother and nephew traveled home from North Carolina and spent a few days with us. We enjoyed hanging out and exploring Findlay Market here in Cincinnati. My children LOVE Uncle Doug! The little ones barely leave his side while he is here. Poor Uncle Doug...very happy kids.

My grandmother's 90th birthday party was yesterday. We traveled home to Indiana to join others to celebrate. My grandmother is one of the loveliest people I know. She has always been an important part of my life. I grew up living just 4 houses down the street from Grandma. I have been walking or riding my bike to her house ever since I can remember. At Grandma's house we played in her backyard, played aggravation for hours, played cards, played with the red metal cash register, put puzzles together (my favorite was the one of the covered bridge), listened to record albums on her stereo, and so much more. I spent most Thanksgivings at her house, and every Christmas Eve.

My grandmother has been widowed for nearly 40 years. Can you imagine? She is an independent and strong woman. She loves to laugh and is one of the greatest storytellers you'll ever meet. She laughs until she cries. I sometimes do the same (or pee my pants). Laughter is an important part of our family.

Grandma introduced our family to Guatemala. She traveled to Guatemala on a mission trip in the early 1970's. I remember sitting in her living room listening to stories about her trip and anticipating the gifts she brought back for us. Who would have known all those years ago that Guatemala would become so important to our family? She loves her little "black-eyed" Guatemalan great-grandchildren. Several years ago she gave me the slides from her trip to Guatemala and they are a treasure.

I am so thankful that my children are growing up knowing their great-grandmother. They call her "memaw". When we are in Indiana it is tradition to go down to Memaw's to visit. We sit in her living room and talk. The children know just where the toy box is stored and head straight for it as soon as walking in the door and giving a hug and kiss.

There are many times I miss not living in close proximity to my family. How wonderful it would be to drop in at my parent's house any week night or walk down to Grandma's. I do believe we have managed to make the best of our living in different cities and states. My parents and grandma live in Indiana, as well as my sister and her family. My brother and his family live in North Carolina. We spend holidays together, we vacation together occasionally, we visit whenever we can, and make it a point to "do life" together. We laugh, we play cards and games, we cook and enjoy meals together, we tell stories, and truly treasure time spent together. Even though separated by miles our children are all growing up together and are thick as thieves.

I hope Grandma looked around yesterday at all the people gathered to celebrate her and realized how loved and respected she is. She has made a positive impact on so many lives.

I love capturing memories in photos and will share just a few to illustrate the past week with my family.

Grandma with her brother Jack and sister Betty. They each traveled several hours to attend the party and surprised Grandma. It was wonderful to see the look on her face when she realized they came.


4 generations - Grandma, my parents, my crew


My sister Holly and Ana Lucia - my kids adore their Aunt Holly


My brother Doug with Marco and Gustavo - checking out life at Findlay Market


This weekend we'll be visiting with foster families and birth families in Guatemala. Goodness, we are so blessed!

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
~Barbara Bush