Third Polar Swim

 I'm calling it a Polar Swim because we are staying in a bit, not just dipping in and out.

Yesterday March 3rd, Chris and I did our 3rd swim for the year. He actually stayed in for 2 minutes! I stayed in for a minute and 20 seconds. We both know that we can stay in longer physically and mentally. We WANT to, but we are trying to make sure we stay safe and do it gradually even though we want to stay in longer now. 

I'm not joking at all when I say, it really isn't bad after the initial shock from jumping in. Think of it, often in the winter, the water is warmer than the air. Yesterday might have been close. It was about 40 degrees in the air. I'm not sure how warm the water is, but it has to be warmer than 32 or it would be ice.

I was a little worried about Allison jumping in yesterday because she is so small. She did really well though and she liked it too. She didn't stay in too long but long enough to overcome the shock and be able to talk. 

Catching Up...2019 May

 May 2019

This was a very busy month with lots going on!

For my Mom and I, May always starts with May Day on May 1st. We love this day! We make lots (at least 50) little bouquets of flowers and take them around to special friends and family.

We love our Goldwing! Jesse is a great little rider.

Daddy and Clara

Ben and I have a secret spot to find these beauties!

Tim and I rode with some of our CMA chapter members and other bikers to escort a Vietnam Memorial Wall being moved.

Mother's Day! I love these children so much! I'm so proud of each one!

Usually for Mother's Day, Tim takes us all out for a delicious dinner. This year we went to Logan's Roadhouse.

Ben and Emily went to a Prom alternative fun night at Church.

Allison graduated from Baker College!!! WooHoo! Our girl is a teacher!

Clara turned 21!

Ben was part of the Naval Sea Cadets. He and other Michigan Mountaineers were part of this Memorial Day parade in Lake City, MI.

Catching Up...2018 October

October 2018

October always starts with Allison's Birthday.

Autumn in Michigan is my favorite season! The colors changing and the smell of the leaves, Mmmm, I love it! 

    A good friend of Emily's brother passed away this month. So young and very sad. I took Ben and Emily to the funeral and then we were able to spend some time together in Cadillac. Death often reminds us how quickly time goes by and that we need to make the most of each moment. It made me appreciate the time I have with my children and want to enjoy them and days like this as much as possible.

Another great joy of Autumn is fresh Apples!!!

My Birthday is in the middle of October and then a week before Halloween, we celebrate Jesse's Birthday. This boy was such a surprise to Tim and I! He is such a blessing to our family though. God knew how much we needed him. Crazy that there is a 16 year age difference between he and Allison, but it is what it is. So happy with our little Jesse Bear. We love him SOOO much!