I really object to this Mother's Day thing!!! I really prefer when my kids come to see me anytime...not just when their obligated to come because of a proclaimed-by-someone holiday. And I used to hate it at church because of all the women who were not mothers. Our church called it "Family Day" for awhile which was nice...it included everyone. And I was always the one who did not get the flowers off to my mother on time and she would feel bad because all of the mothers with kids who live in the same town had a special bouquet on time!

Hallmark makes a bundle on these holidays, don't they!!! As do the florists, restaurants and gift galleries. I, frankly, do not need any more sit-arounds or obligatory gifts!

What I am going to spend time doing tomorrow is looking through all of the old scrapbooks of my kids and continuing with the ones I'm making of my grand kids. And I might put the video of all of our old 8 mm films in for my mom to watch. She is 86 and has lots of fun looking at and talking about the old days.

But please, no cards or gifts!!!!! Save your money!

Does anyone know anything about magnolia trees? We have the most gorgeous tree outside our upper level family room window...except this year it hasn't leafed out yet. A couple of lower branches bloomed and then leaves came out, but the entire center portion and other side branches are just sitting there, looking dead. Can only part of a tree die? We're still hoping that we'll get leaves at least. I hate the thought of taking it out...it's so beautiful when it's in bloom!

Remember my comments yesterday about having such a great time playing with my grand kids? Well, here's why.

A friend of mine and her husband were on their way home from Columbia, Missouri where they had just had a medical consultation and found out that he was going to be able to get a lung transplant. They were so happy with that information. Then they ran into road construction on the interstate and somehow a tractor trailer truck rammed into the back of their car and killed Cheryl, my friend, and a person in another car. Her husband had several broken ribs and a broken leg, along with the lung problem.

I had played the organ for their three daughters' weddings, and was honored to be asked to play the piano for her funeral which was today. It was a long funeral with many eulogies by her daughters, co-workers and friends. There was also a video tribute which showed Cheryl with each of her five grandchildren when they were babies. Only another grandmother can appreciate the feeling of love when you hold the baby of one of your children. I am saddened to think that Cheryl won't be able to do that anymore. Everyday I count my blessings that I am able to see my little ones a lot.

This event has reminded me once again to treasure each moment of every day, and don't forget to call your friends!

There is absolutely nothing as much fun as playing with grandkids on the weekends...they are so uplifting!!! By just being themselves, they can make you forget about all of the troubles of the world!!!

Yesterday, we visited my son and his wife in Bellevue. Their little daughter, Amanda, was two in February so she is on the move most of the time. She has long curly red hair and the most gorgeous blue eyes and smile. She is busy all the time, either making us some food with her little kitchen set, or jumping on her trampoline. Mostly we just sat and watched her...great entertainment! I love her to pieces!

Then today, my daughter and her husband joined us for supper and brought their little daughter, Camryn, who is 6 weeks younger than her cousin Amanda. Camryn chatters a lots and is a social butterfly. She also has these big blue eyes, and blonde hair which is usually up in pigtails. Her grandpa just built her a sand box which has delighted her immensely...she loves putting sand in the bucket and then pouring it out, over and over again. (Don't worry, grandpa is building one for Amanda, too.)

When you read my blog tomorrow, you'll know why this weekend meant so much to me.

Here I am in seventh period vocal music class counting the last ten minutes until class is out. The kids are working in the computer lab on Music Ace, a wonderful listening/theory program for middle level kids. And with the head phones on, they are very quiet!!! That is a real accomplishment for a Friday afternoon! The main reason I come up here from 2 to 3 is for air conditioning!!!! Can you believe I still teach in an un-air conditioned school? You probably didn't think there were any of those left!!!