Grandbaby #4

Celisa at 18 weeks

Is a GIRL!

Katelyn Marie Zimbelman

We are so excited for Aaron, Celisa and Olivia.

Olivia will be a great big sister.

From Aaron and Celisa's blog:

"Today when we were talking about the baby, Olivia put both hands on my belly and said, "Hi Baby Kate!" then she gave baby a love. She is such a sweetheart and will be a great big sis."

Being a grandma is the best...

I can't wait till Aaron graduates (2 more years) and gets a job within driving distance of us.

(That is the plan right?)

A little slice of Heaven

Aaron called me about two weeks ago with a proposition.

He was coming out to attend a conference sponsored by BYU and was thinking about bringing Olivia.

Because she's only 18 months she could fly for free. There was one catch... Aaron would be in meetings Thursday afternoon, much of Friday and half day Saturday... which meant I would need to watch Livi... ummm where is the catch?

Celisa was kind enough to let Olivia come with Aaron

(I did feel bad that Celisa was home alone but hopefully she got a good break) 

One benefit of having grandchildren living a good distance away (I'm trying to be optimistic) is that when they do come and visit I don't feel the least bit guilty dropping everything to play with them 24/7. I think I only cooked one meal and we just snacked on that the whole time. 

I must admit that while we had fun playing and reading and dancing, Livi's very favorite activity was playing the piano - and play it we did, literally a few hours each day. Aaron got her up one morning and she asked to go downstairs. Aaron asked her if she knew who was downstairs (referring to Grandma) and she thought about it and said "Piano!"

Mark and I lay in bed at night filled with gratitude for our wonderful children, their spouses and our grand children. Each one has unique talents and gifts and we are in awe of them as we watch them live their lives... and these granddaughters are such a gift. Thinking about them and the wonderful way they are being raised fills me with so much joy. I'm so excited to meet our new little grandson in January (more positive thinking and energy here). 

LIFE IS SO GOOD!

Moms

This is my mom circa summer 1968, Canoga Park CA.

This picture was taken before church in the corner of my back yard at 23351 Bassett Street.
in the picture are my mom, baby Linda, Lisa, Me, Julie, Greg

I love this picture.

I love that my mom was quiet stylish.
I love that she was not frustrated with us (look at the expression on her face) when we were trying to get out to church and we were not being exactly cooperative as my dad tried to get our picture. Look how good we all looked! AND we were ready early! That's impressive.
She has always know that people are more important than many other things.
She seems to enjoy the fact that I was looking up to my big sister and trying to figure out how to be more like her.

Most of what I know about being a mom I learned from my Mom.
My mom is incredibly patient and has great empathy.
I never resented my younger siblings.
I always knew there was room in her heart for all of us.
I remember her rearranging children on her lap to make room for just one more.

Being a mom is one of my very favorite titles
and most important responsibility ever.
I am in awe of each of my children.
What incredible and amazing individuals they are.
Each one has challenged me in different ways and
brought growth and unspeakable joy that could come in no other way.
I am so proud of each one of them.

One thing that is a great source of joy to me is to watch my married children with their spouses and children. Sometimes it seems surreal to me that I'm at this point.
I am so thankful that my granddaughters have the best mothers ever!

Happy Mothers Day Mom
and Amy and Celisa too!
I love these incredible women.