The older we are.... the faster time flies!

I've been reading letters that I wrote to Karin when I was pregnant with her, and when she was a baby. It's been fun, it's been emotional... it's been a wake up call that time does not slow down... it speeds up!

I remember how grown up I thought I was back then. Looking back now, I realize I was just a baby myself at age 21!!

I had no idea then, how my life would be NOW. And frankly.... I regret a lot of choices I made. I do wish I could turn back the clock and get a "do-over" in some areas.

But, when it comes down to it.... I like the person I AM... I'm a GOOD person. That is what counts.

I have many blessings. I have people who love me. I have a lot of love in my heart for a lot of people. I'm content with that.

We can't change the past. But we can create a future. It's all up to us.

I'm the "older generation" now....

Seems like only yesterday that I was the young mom with the 4 kids, and my sister was the "slightly older" mom with her 7 kids.... and we were the ones in our "prime".

Now... our kids are having kids... and we have become the GRANDMAs and the OLDER generation.

So how come I don't feel that old?

Don't get me wrong....I definitely ain't no spring chicken. But I am not ready to settle down in a rocking chair on the porch either.

I remember when all of these kids came into the world. I watched em grow up.

It's scary to me that I am now the "grandma" generation. It's exciting too, but it's scary.

So many things can go wrong with our bodies. I regret not taking better care of myself when I was younger.

Boooy do I regret it.

Candid shots... lol

Not easy trying to get 22 people to sit still and pose for photos.

This was pre-pose.... I'm sure when they all did the "Smile and say Cheese" it came out better.

Family Reunions

It has been years since my sister had all her children, their spouses, and the grandkids together in one place. Last night it happened (Well, one child was missing but he landed in the state during the party). I had a blast seeing my nieces and nephew and their spouses and children all gathered together. WOW. I remember when the Kramer clan was like that. I was a parent and my kids were small. NOW I am the OLDER generation... the GRANDMA generation!!! It was sobering. But way fun.

They had a zebra pinata for the little kids to hit. Bless her heart, Lily ran off and started crying. When Katy went and asked her what was wrong, Lily said she "didn't want to hurt the zebra". Is that just one of the sweetest things???? These kids were sooooo cute and they all got along so well. It was so sweet.

I can't wait for Karin to have her baby. I am just itching to be grandma with a little one I can actually hold, and love, and cuddle. I may have to fight the other grandma's for space.... but I will! I remember when my Karin was in my tummy, and how I wrote letters to her throughout my pregnancy... and I remember how spiritual it was to give birth to her.... and how much I loved and adored that child from the moment she was placed in my arms.....

Oh, to turn back the clock.....

I'm happy to be in this phase of my life. It's scary as can be though.... I realize I am closer to the grave than ever.... and if I don't take better care of myself I will REALLY be IN the grave. But I am so proud of my children. Every single one has turned out to be an amazing, awesome, wonderful, responsible person. I am so pleased and so proud of each one of them.

And I adore my son-in-law and my daughter-in-law. I adore my step-daughter Monica. I love my grandkids.

I am blessed. Extremely, wonderfully, awesomely blessed.