August 8, 1970
When I woke up, I heard the usual clamoring in the kitchen and expected to see mom when I turned the corner in our small home. To my surprise my grandma was standing there in mom's place at the sink. That could only mean one thing . . . mom and dad were at the hospital . . . and the baby was on the way. Or was already born! I still remember the rush of excitement I felt.

Grandma was allowed to tell me that our baby sibling was born - but she had strict orders from dad to not tell us girls the details. I could hardly stand it. A Girl? A Boy? Thankfully it wasn't much longer before dad walked in the back door and announced that we had added another girl to our family! Though it would have been fun to have a baby brother, now I thought, "Four girls - just like the story I loved, Little Women".

We all got involved in choosing a name for the baby. To tell you the truth, I can't remember the boys name we chose. I do remember many talks about a girl name though. "How about "Beth" like in Little Women"? Or "Jo"? Or "Amy"? Finally we all came to the conclusion that we liked "Amy Jo". So on August 8, 1970 -- we all welcomed Amy Jo into our lives.

At eleven years old, I was pretty sure MY mom wasn't going to have any more children. Mostly because she said so. That didn't mean that I wasn't beyond begging -- and praying for a little baby sister or brother. I loved babies and I wanted one to care for and hold whenever I wanted. I'm pretty sure it was Easter morning (in April) when Mom came into my bedroom and quietly told me she was pregnant. "You are? Really? You wouldn't joke about this would you?" She assured me she was telling the truth. Our family was going to have another addition - A baby. My prayers were answered, my dreams were coming true before my tear-filled eyes. At least the baby was due in August so I'd have SOME time to love and care for it before school started.

It had been nearly 7 years since Barbara was born and there was definitely a void of baby gear and clothes in the house. At eleven years old, I knew mom needed a baby shower. A surprise baby shower. Our neighbor, Sharon, was amazing. She walked me through the process and helped make the baby shower happen - at her house. We totally surprised mom. I was in my glory!

(Amy at 2 weeks)

I felt like Amy's second mom. People called me that too, and I didn't care a bit. Every chance I could, I held her. I even told mom to sleep-in some mornings and I'd get up with Amy. I did it all, changed her diaper, took care of her little belly button and gave her a bottle (heated on the stove in a pan of water!) I think I remember getting up in the night with her too - or at least sitting up with mom in the middle of the night sometimes.

Amy Jo - or as we nicknamed her "Tiger Jo" - because she was such a handful--full of life and laughter and spunk. Mischievous. Smart. There was no end to her antics or cute sayings. We needed Amy in our life. We still do.

Today, Amy is 38. I used to do the math when she was a baby --- "When Amy goes to kindergarten, I'll be a senior!)" "When Amy is 10, I'll be almost 22. When Amy is 30, I'll be over 40!!!" When Amy is 38, I'll be.....39! Ok, I lie. It's ok, I like having a baby sister - even though she makes me feel and look old in pictures. There are benefits. Kirk and I learned a lot about teenagers when she would come for lengthy visits every summer in her teen years. And now, we get to practice being grandparents with her kids!

All this to say,

Happy 38th Birthday Amy Jo!

We love you!

Kirk & Cheri

Happy 14th Birthday

Mackenzie Diane !

Happy birthday niece Kenzie!

It was fun to see you last Thursday!!

Oh, and your birthday card . . . yeah, it's in the mail! hehe.

Love,

Auntie Cheri

Happy Birthday Dirk!

Happy birthday (youngest) brother-in-law! Two years to go to the big four-O !
Jersti shows us how she is celebrating dad's birthday!

The team effort to get ice cream & cake to 7 kids and 5 adults

Kale talking to Danae (back in MN)

Tomorrow, the beach.

Happy 21st Birthday Nate !!

This handsome guy is our favorite son and brother!

He is celebrating his 21st birthday in style -- in Paris !!

If you are lucky enough to know Nate,

you already know that he is amazingly patient with young children.

Kids flock to Nate -- and hang on him, and sit on him, and pester him,

but he never loses control with them,

and seems to have total control of the situation.

You also know that Nate is fun to hang with. You never know when his quiet personality will flip into a comedian. He laughs at his own jokes (among other things), and can do some pretty good impersonations. Nate also has many movie and tv lines committed to memory which he pull out at appropriate times to make everyone laugh.
And....you also know he is VERY creative and a Harry Potter fan. That's Nate's creativity at work in the photo above . . . and yes, it is Nate, not Harry. Have I mentioned how well he writes? For a sample of Nate's creative writing, read his blog.

This cute kindergartner may some day be teaching your children history (his absolute favorite subject) --- or geography, or spelling, or math. . . because he is currently a student at Winona State University where he is studying to be an elementary school teacher. An excellent choice of matching his gifts to his job!

Natey -- we love you and miss you lots, but we are also VERY excited you are living a dream by traveling in Europe!

Happy 21st Birthday!

Love Mom & Dad

Happy (77th) Birthday Dad!

Forget the beer, sometimes all it takes is a diet coke to get him a little goofy!

But when it comes to being dad & grandpa, he is the best!

Hope your day was as wonderful as you dad! Know that we all wish we were with you to celebrate. I'm sure Sandy and Bob celebrated you well, and that Don took you out for breakfast at First Watch, so there was good food to be sure!

Happy Birthday Tristan! Tristan is my nephew.....and is an expert on raptors, backflips on the trampoline,
and Guitar Hero

and he is 11 today!

...and he is my baby sister's oldest!

Happy 20th Birthday Faith!

Faith is Kirk's sister's (only) daughter --

which makes her our adorable niece!

Have a great day girl!

Happy 16th Birthday

Benjamin and Samuel ! 16 years ago I was preparing to fly to Chicago

to help my sister Barb with these

two punks for a week !

Seems like yesterday.

Note to Barb & John:

driver's licenses can be a good thing. really.

unless you happen to like being a chauffeur! :)

I don't even know where to begin! What? Start at the beginning you say? Ok.
This morning I got up early -- 8 am -- which is early --- for me --on a Saturday. I like to sleep in til at least 9. Ok, sometimes 10...but not often. Anyway, I got up and walked sleepily into the bathroom to be greeted by this . . .

and this . . .
because, after all, today is Kirk's birthday....and well, Danae likes to have fun with mirror writing and balloons.
So after I trudge through the balloons, take a shower and gulp some coffee down, I start doing some cleaning around the house because at 10 am I have lots of people coming to help Kirk work on the barn as a surprise -- he knows nothing about it. At 9:00 I start waking him up telling him to rise and shine so we can get busy on the shed. He slowly comes to life and moves slowly through breakfast -- and coffee -- and now it is 9:30 and Cara calls to wish him happy birthday....and talks til 9:45 when I finally tell Cara we need to "get going". Now I'm getting a bit antsy -- Kirk is still in his pajamas and decides to clean the chairs at our table!!! He says it will only take a minute. He heads up to get dressed and brush his teeth. A friend arrives. I yell upstairs, "hey Kirk" - Terry is here....do you know why? Kirk greets Terry and while they are talking, another friend shows up....it's Dennis. I get a funny look from Kirk --- and smile and say "happy birthday honey!" --- and surprise! -- and by the way -- you should go get dressed cuz there are lots of people coming this morning to help you with this shed! In total shock, he does as he is told. Meanwhile, more people show up. I bring out the coffee cake, coffee, OJ to the worksite. Terry takes control and starts giving people jobs to do. Awesome. Progress.

With the guys hard at work, I head in to start on the evening meal for all who help during the day (and their families). I ordered pizza delivered for lunch at noon....clean it up then do a little more dinner prep. At 1:15 I head to the Plummer House where a friend's daughter is getting married on Sunday. Why???? Because they asked me to take her wedding pictures! JoLynn called and asked me at 8:15 am THIS morning!! (good thing I woke up early) Another detail --- she asked if I would be the wedding coordinator too. Oh, and make the bride's bouquet. and grooms flower. and the table favors -- small wedding - only 22 people....and pick up the cake at the bakery tomorrow . Of course I'm more than happy and excited to do all this! At the Plummer House Gardens, we go through the ceremony order with the pastor marrying them (a friend of ours). Back home I go.

At home the pastor calls and asks if I'd do the calligraphy on the marriage certificate...they can stop by right now. Cool. They come, I do the calligraphy while they wait. Off they go ..... and I'm back at work in the kitchen! By now Danae has called me and asked if Mickey, Jaden and Steve can have dinner with us. I tell her sure, if they will help with the preparations. . . and they did....they were troopers -- stirring, chopping, washing and drying dishes, running errands, moving tables, blah, blah, blah. (Thanks kids!)

meanwhile, back at the barn, things are moving quickly. Many hands make light work. A steady stream of men have come and gone according to their schedules -- 2 friends stay all day!

To be continued . . . page down. . .

Did I mention my baby chicks arrived? I picked them up at my friend Craig's house Friday night. They are in the garage...with the heat lamp til they grow feathers. I digress. Back to the day . . .

So, while I was at the Plummer House I snapped a few pics. I love this place. This is just one of the beautiful areas . . .
Here's the actual Plummer House.... built by Dr. Plummer, an inventor, physician, and architect....he was also "in at the beginning of the Mayo Clinic" --- this was his house. (for those of you not from Rochester)

It's 11:22 pm --- the day's activities are done, and cleaned up, and put away. I've made the grooms flower and the bride's bouquet. The candy gift bags are filled (thanks Brenda!), the camera battery is charging. . . .

Church at 9:30 tomorrow. Pick up wedding cake on way home. Change clothes. To the Plummer House by 1:00 pm for pre-wedding pics. Kirk is coming too, I volunteered him to take video! 2:30 wedding. After the wedding --- to Hubbell House (very nice restaurant) --- Kirk and I are going too. I hope to post some photos when I get home. We'll see.

Wish me luck. And for those of you who pray --- when you think of me --- go for it!Good-night blog friends. Bless you friends who helped in so many ways today.

Amen.

Happy Birthday Kirk!

fun, energetic, quick-to-laugh, joke-teller, advice-giver, respected, admired, intelligent, capable, patient, considerate, loving, kind, helpful, generous, "mr. fix-it", talented, self-less, understanding, wise.

In a few seconds that's what Danae and I came up with to describe Kirk. I know my life changed for the better when I met him. Kirk brings out the best in me, and his children, and those he comes in contact with.

Join me in wishing him a happy birthday ---

Happy 23rd Birthday Andrew !

Born May 1, 1985 to Bob & Sandy

to be married on July 26, 2008

I have this really awesome photo of Andrew taken when he was a toddler. I've refrained from posting it today....but fair warning Drew....it will appear soon!

Love ya,

Aunt Cheri & Uncle Kirk

Happy 25th Birthday Josh!

March 9

I'll never forget getting the call from your dad that you'd arrived in our lives. We were so excited...first born, first grandchild, first nephew. Unfortunately we haven't seen you in a long time...so I didn't have any recent photos of you. Hope you don't mind that I "borrowed" this photo from your Facebook! I think it's a great pic of you! Look forward to seeing you in July!

Happy Birthday Sandy !
March 4Sisters by chance, Friends by choice. Sandy has been a part of my life since I was about 17 years old (she was 19!) when I started dating her little brother. Over the years she has been in our wedding, made several holiday dinners together, made late night "raids" on each other when they stayed with us (before kids), loaned me maternity clothes and vacationed with us. So many fun memories. Sandy, I'm glad you are my sister in law...happy birthday to one classy lady!

Mail delivery....
and more presents for me!

A Pottery Barn outdoors tablecloth and sunless tanning lotion! Now I'm really getting anxious for spring! Thanks Dee, Amy, Scott, Dirk, Bailey, Kenzie, Molly, Tristan, Brigs, Jersti & Kale!
Later all, I'm going tanning!

Happy birthday to me!

Bring on the birthdays if they all can be as wonderful as this one!

The cards and gifts poured in...and the good times rolled! Last night we had a cooking night at the home of good friends Brenda and Steve. We get together and cook a gourmet meal together and savor the good food and friendship. The menu last night was coconut shrimp appetizers, Mahi Mahi encrusted in macadamia and coconut with a mango, pineapple, papaya sauce that had a kick of habanero peppers; a salad with some of the same fruit, coconut cake dessert, Challah bread and Mai Tai's. Brenda set a beautiful table and we had a wonderful time cooking, eating and hanging out together. Getting the Hawaiian night started
The beautiful table
Brenda gave me the oil diffuser....I love it!
Flowers from Nate...I love carnations!

Cards and gifts... I love this card from Kirk!

Cards from Nate - (on top)

& Danae... (on bottom)

Willow Tree "Heart and Soul" from my dear friend Jackie. This has LOTS of meaning behind it!

And some more... From Kirk: GAP Essentials Jeans & a pink shirt
A beach stamp from Bob & Sandy

'cuz they know how much I love the beach! Can't wait to make cards with this one!

New brown crocks from Kirk

And the list just keeps going...

• Gift card from Sara (and Kelli and Kelsey)
• Gift card to Olive Garden from friends at work
• Gift card for Caribou from my friend Dan at work
• Calls from my girls
• Call from mom telling me she got me a turquoise & sterling pendent in AZ !!
• A blog written by Kirk...that was sweet.

Another year older? Yep, you bet, but it beats the alternative....and I'm enjoying life and love and friends and family.

Another birthday...
Friday 2/22 is Cheri's Birthday --
So in lieu of her writing her own birthday blog -- Kirk is helping today.
Here's a picture of her when she was 2 years old -- gotta love her -- beautiful as a child too.

Tricks on bike - 3 years old
Children have such a way of being innocent and laughing a lot --

as we get older we tend to laugh less, how sad.
I'm so happy Cheri is a person who laughs a lot, and although not as innocent as she once was -- she still has a child like curiosity that helps her put aside adult pride (fear of failure?), and try new things. She still loves to learn. What a special gift.
Please join me in wishing my bride a very Happy Birthday!

Happy (9th) Birthday Brigitta !

February 22

This beautiful 9 year old is my niece!

Brigs and I have a special bond as we share a birthday. Neither of us will forget how old the other one is either, since she was born on my 40th birthday!

I will never forget getting a call on my cell phone while I was at the mall with Kirk (birthday shopping) telling me that Brigs had arrived! How cool is that to have a niece born on your birthday?! Next year Brigs...let's celebrate in style!!

I love you sweetie.