Eleven years ago today, James Doyle McDermott entered the world, and life has not been the same since. I can still see him .... with tons of dark black hair .... adorable. He is growing into a wonderful young man .... and he gets more and more adorable with each year. Where have the years gone??
So, Happy Birthday to you, Jimmy. We're so glad u were born!!

Perhaps some of you remember my past entries about my CLUB forever friends. The past few days the ten of us have been together to have one of our "girls'" weekends. This one was at CLUB sister, Lynne's. We relaxed the whole time, lolled around her pool, slept later than usual (well, at least Patty and I did), had leisurely meals, laughed, talked until wee hours (yeah, well the wee hours are now midnight rather than 3am like years ago). .... shared story after story, memory after memory, and made so many new memories. 

Many of us have known each other since kindergarten or later in grammar school or high school. All but one of us went to the same high school, THE Immaculata....stress THE. The lone non Immaculatalite went to Alvernia. She, however, is so connected to one of the other sisters that we allowed her in when we began decades ago (and actually, we couldn't do without her. )
There is much to be said for friendships that have lasted 50 + years. Each one of us is unique in our own way, and each is an important part of the whole.

There is a deep love and respect for one another. I think it is safe to say we would do anything for one another, lighten one another's burdens, listen with open hearts and minds , treasure every moment of memories we make. We have wonderful stories of times together, and often we laugh so hard remembering them that our cheeks hurt from laughing.

Our families know the importance of our weekends together. Sometimes we can only stay 24 hours, but it is still so important. If I could, I would bless every woman with relationships like we have.

When I left Lynne's today, I smiled the whole way home thinking about the richness of the time spent together.....and you know what, I can't wait until the fall weekend in Sheboygan!!!

Take time to think about the people in your life who have enriched your life. Blessings and love..............

On June 19th I had the privilege of singing  for a wedding. The bride is the daughter of a dear friend of mine. The wedding took place at an old Catholic church in Evanston where the bride's parents and grandparents were married. The man who accompanied me is the music director there at St Athanasius. I was so comfortable singing with him, and we were definitely in sync. It was a double blessing for me that day. When I am able to share my gift of music with others, my  heart sings....sounds kind of corny, huh? It is what it is!
If you are interested in hearing and purchasing my CD, click on the discography section of my site.
Blessings.............

I have been a bit (no, a LOT) "pedal shy" since I was injured two and a half years ago while on a biking excursion in Barbados. Suffice it to say, biking has NOT been on my list of "to dos" since then. This year for my birthday Jim "SURPRISED" me with a bike, helmet, and pads for every part of my body (it seems) to entice me back to biking. While I was NOT thrilled with it all, today he and I hit the pavement. And, I loved it. So, his wisdom paid off a-g-a-i-n. +) Sooooooo, if you should see a little redhead with a blue helmet jetting around the neighborhood, it could be me....riding and singing wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Have a great day!

I have had a wonderful birthday....so many awesome cards, a new bike, flowers, gift cards, etc. But the best part of it all is the connection with the people I love and knowing how loved I am. The day began with a kiss from Jim aaaaaaaaaaaaand the dog. =) Scott and the three bigger kids came by today and showered me with awesome cards, movie tickets, etc.
I am grateful and so blessed, having heard from family and many friends.
Now keep in mind that birthdays are seasons! My season began a few weeks ago. Who knows how much longer it will last. ???
With each year I learn new things.... I become more aware of things.
And I celebrate life.
Thank you to all of you who have sent me birthday wishes....you have made my world a better place today.

A special wish to all fathers out there. I love the expression "anyone can be a father, but not all can be a dad..." or something like that.
I am especially grateful for my wonderful husband....he is not only a wonderful hubby but also a wonderful dad and grandpa/papa. There is nothing he wouldn't do for those he loves....a selfless man, he always puts others first. I am so blessed to have him.

This upcoming weekend is going to be full of celebrations. We will be celebrating the 3 little Pontows' birthdays. The house is almost ready for Jen and Chad and the kids and Sox, of course...fresh linens, candy kisses for everyone's pillows (kind of like a hotel =) ). Now that I have started that, I need to continue it. Otherwise there would be some very disappointed little faces.

A dear friend's youngest daughter is getting married in September, so CLUB is giving her an official CLUB shower at the Rosewood on Friday. Not only do we get to spend time with the bride and groom but also the ten of us in CLUB have a wonderful time together. We go a loooooooooooooong way back.

With June being the favorite month for weddings ("June bride"), I am honored to be singing for another dear friend's daughter's wedding on Saturday. The music they have chosen is lovely.....it's so exciting for me to be able to give them this part of me.

Sunday, of course, is Father's Day! I think of how fortunate I am to have Jim as my husband and the father of our four children and grandpa/papa of our seven grandchildren. Family is first and foremost in Jim's life, as well as in mine. He would sacrifice anything for the people he loves.

Monday, the first day of summer, is also my birthday. How in the world did it get to be the middle (plus) of June????!!!! Happy Birthay to all who have a June 21st birthday.  Blessings.......

Happy birthday, dear Jamie. Jamie is celebrating her birthday in heaven. She was murdered almost nineteen years ago. I'm sure you are lighting up the heavens, Jamie, with so much love and energy.

On a recent trip someone sang this song as part of a kareoke night. So, today, it comes back to mind. This mother's heart gets wounded so easily. While the "incidents" are not intentional, I'm sure, they nevertheless hurt. Funny, I have so many friends who would never allow themselves to get upset by children's insensitive comments. Just goes to show you how different we all are...and no matter how long we have been parents, who love unconditionally and accept our offspring as they are, and have tolerated a whole lot, it still causes a heart to ache.
Yeah, this just fits right in with the rainy weather....yup, I AM going to bed, even tho it is still light out!!!

Okay, so it is mid June (almost) and our grass is greeeeeeeeeeeeen and our flowers are blooooooooooooming to beat the band. And, why? Because of God's rain. Enough already is what I say.
I was out watering the flowers this morning when the downpour hit. Never having been one who likes the rain, I'm wishing it was snow. No, I am not kidding....I'd rather have snow....at least I THINK I would. I have always marveled at people who tell me they love to sit and watch a storm, water coming down in torrents, grey sky, booms of thunder, flashes of lightning. Must be something in my "inner self" +) that can't relate.
I think I will go to bed now, even tho it is still light out.
Sleep well dear friends.............