Almost a year ago, David finally sold his drum-set that had been taking up about half of the front-room for nearly 4 years. This left me with mixed emotions. I was sad that he had decided to give up playing the drums when he was so good at it, but it also pleased me that I would have the other half of my front-room back and that I wouldn’t have to worry about buying good drum triggers anymore! Oh, well. We still have other kids that play instruments so this house is almost never musically silent!

This has to have been one of the most eventful Mother’s Day celebrations I can ever remember. It was a good-bye party for David, two b-day celebrations, AND Mother’s Day celebrations. We had a grand total of 21 people in the house and an impressive spread of food, courtesy of my handy cook, Sarah. Before we sat down to feast, we all went out to our town’s prairie trail to take some pictures which turned out to be an experience, not because the pictures turned out bad but because it was so windy and cold out there! Definitely one of the colder Mother’s Day I can remember. But it was still a very nice day with the family!

The countdown to summer begins! I just calculated that we are 3 weeks out from being done with school and letting summer begin! The next few weeks are going to be filled with garden work, preparation for the last spring holy day, (Which sadly, falls on the date of the girls annual spring dance recital this year) figuring out summer schedules, and preparing for Memorial Day activities. Who has time to worry about all the repairs that need to be made around here or buying zinc plated malleable iron handle nuts? The rest of this month is gonna be a busy one!

Yesterday, in the wee, dark hours of 4 am. I dragged myself out of bed and began preparations to get David and Leonard out the door to go up to Madison to see David off at the airport. It hardly seems possible that his 17-day leave is over already. He is now training at SOI in San Diego for the next two months, before he graduates from THAT. And then we will be waiting to see where he will be deployed. I’m just so proud of him and his courage to do this. Love you, David!

I feel like a horrible grandmother for not posting this earlier: Life has been so crazy lately that I’m lucky if I have a moment to sit down! But anyways.. I am proud to announce Lilly Evelyn Hatter! Born April 3,2013 at 10:06 am. Weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and measuring 22 in! She was a little late but better late than never! Both parents were proud as can be (But no, Daniel wasn’t handing out hoyo de monterrey cigars) Little Miss Lilly is already the most popular person in the entire family! Congratulations Daniel and Jessica!

It’s almost that time again. Time to start planning the summer garden. It’s finally starting warm up here and I think that it’s just about time to rent the rototiller, buy the seeds, and reserve a day for breaking the dirt and planting! I had wanted to plant some early crops such as lettuce, peas, and potatoes; but this spring has been so hectic and busy that I suppose that will have to wait until next year!

Life has been so busy lately that I neglected to announce that I am the proud mother of a United States Marine!! David graduated more than a week ago in San Diego, CA. I attended all the ceremonies with both smiles and tears. We both came back on the 27th to a clean house, and a big brunch waiting for us. (Courtesy of Sarah!) Everyone was overjoyed to have Mom back and to see David! (We poked a little fun at the fact that he would not need any Style tips for men with his Marine buzz-cut!) These short days left of his leave are going to fly by fast, but I’m determined to enjoy every minute of it!

This house has been hopping with activity the past week! David came home more than a week ago and family came up to stay for nearly a week. It was exhausting, but very enjoyable be surrounded by the whole family! Yesterday we ended the visit with the boys going to a Brewers game and the girls taking the kids to the zoo for the day. We’ll all get together one last time on Mother’s Day, before David’s 17-day leave is over, for b-day celebrations, Mother’s Day celebrations, and good-bye celebrations.

My kids are all very musically-talented. The five oldest kids all play the piano; Lora and Sarah both play the flute; Daniel and Michael both play the trumpet; Michael also plays the guitar (No, not a celestion rocket 50 at guitar center, just a good, old acoustic guitar) and David plays the drums. Not to mention the younger kids who have spectacular singing voices. With all these gifted kids there’s always some kind of music being made around here!

Time is finally starting to move faster! David will be arriving home in less than a week, and the whole gang is coming to stay here for a few days. Thankfully, Sarah is in charge of all the meals so that lifts a weight off my shoulders..But still, all this happening in less than a week??! Where are my lists??