50 Years Ago Today

My mom grew up attending a Methodist church.  

Imagine her giddiness when as a young lady she learned that a new minister had been assigned to the church and he had FIVE sons.  What single girl wouldn't be excited about something like that?  (She has since said they forgot to announce the oldest was married, my  dad had a girlfriend elsewhere and the youngest two were just kids... I guess that would have ruined the excitement.)  Anyhoo, my mom was attending Ferris Institute as an English major.  My dad, who coincidentally was working at her dad's gas station, needed some help with his English class so she began to tutor him.  They started dating and a year and a half later were picking out an engagement ring.  

January 27, 1963, Douglas Randolph and Bonnie Hall made it official.  He was working as a student minister at the time and they didn't want their parishioners knowing they had made it home, so they went from the reception to Grand Rapids to take in a movie.  (January.  Michigan.  Snow tracks, you know...)  Then they headed home to Middleton, MI.  (Do you remember what movie you saw??)

Here is a nice picture of said Randolph clan with the five sons.  (This picture is very valuable.  WHY?  Because it might be the ONLY picture in existence in which everyone with the last name Randolph is smiling.  Take my word - this just doesn't happen...)  My grandpa performed the ceremony.  

 One year later, December 21, 1964, baby made three.  Enter Scott Alan. 

Five years later, October 18, 1969, they welcomed Joel Richard.

Five years later, April 24, 1975, they completed their family with Stephanie Lynn.

Over the years they lived in Middleton, Big Rapids, Pontiac, Ludington, Midland, Jackson, Blair, NE, Oceanside, CA, Independence, KS, and Baton Rouge, LA.  The two words that best define the family, I think, could be music and travel.  My dad sang in the "quire" as a child and passed that trait on to the rest of us.  Not many concerts go by in the Jackson area that my parents do not attend.  Travel has been a HUGE part of their lives and they have easily logged a billion miles in the car. They've traveled most of the country as well as Australia and Spain.  Hawaii remains the favorite though, I'd bet.  (Second to Overland Park, probably...)

 This past weekend, they had a couple of celebrations with family and friends.  They were even able to revisit the church where it all began.  

 So proud to be celebrating this milestone with my parents.  I was sad that I was not in Michigan to actually celebrate with them in person.  (My dad tried to warn me about things like that when I moved away, but I just didn't get it.)  But, we are looking forward to getting our chance to celebrate in March.  

 Congratulations, Mom and Dad!  

School is Supplied

(Originally published 8/11/12)

Have you met Benjamin?  He's 5.  He's starting Kindergarten.  He's VERY excited.  If you have talked to him at all in the last 4 months, you would know these things already.  You would know them quite well.  And ever since Kindergarten round-up when they passed out the supply sheets, EVERY time we got in the car he would say, "Are we going to buy my school supplies???"  SO, needless to say, when the day finally arrived, he was beside himself.

He very carefully checked his list and placed everything in the cart.

He was a little disappointed that he didn't get to take one of EVERYTHING.  This boy and school supplies, I tell ya...

Yes, Benj.  You get your own erasers.

And then when everything was labeled, it was time to deliver it all to school.  First up?  Kindergarten.  We found Mrs. Garlic's room.  (Surely, he will figure out it is 'Scarlett' soon, right?)

"My name is Benjamin and I am going to be in your class this year.  I am in Kindergarten."

He carefully unloaded everything

  and very carefully put it in all the right places.

 He then had to find his cubby

 and try out his coat hook.

  Next it was on to s-s-s-s-Second grade.  (Can that really be right??) 

 He was not as excited about getting all his stuff out, but he did it.

 He was pretty excited about having his own desk, though.  (They'd just had tables up until now.)

 One last check to make sure everything is in the right spot.

 And now we are ready for school to start.  Well, at least Benjamin is...  

The big 4-0!

(Originally posted 6/29/12)

Somebody in our house had a big birthday today.  I don't think he was as excited as the rest of us were about the whole thing.  I would try to leave his name out of it, but I think you'll probably guess who it is.

As is customary, the day started with breakfast in bed.

 I guess the boys were concerned daddy would be lonely upstairs by himself, so they offered to eat with him.

 But, the big event happened later in the day.  We had a surprise party at a nearby park.

 I had one of our friends ask Christopher to play in a church softball game with him.  My parents and Scott came down for the big event and we said we were headed to the Cracker Barrel for brunch.  

 Rain was predicted and it was hotter than blazes and WINDY!  But we got the place all decorated and the food delivered before he and Gabe arrived. 

 He certainly wasn't expecting a party, so I guess we pulled off the surprise.

 Everyone ate and made merry and the kids played and played.

 Abby's best friend Sophia was there.  She was one happy camper.

 We had Subway.  Noah was happy.

 The children were all too happy to help blow out the candles.

 But the biggest surprise came from Christopher's big sister.  A new kitty.  Does this look say "joy" or what??!?

We had a very fun day and I am so glad so many friends and family members were able to join us to help celebrate Christopher.

She's 4!

(Originally posted 7/24/12)

A certain little girl got to celebrate her birthday in Michigan.  And not just anywhere in Michigan - in Ludington!!  (I suppose that is one benefit of having a summer birthday.)  Because we were staying in a hotel, Grandma and I made sure we packed some candles to help us celebrate.  

We even packed matches.  However, we forgot to see if the matches were any good.  Lucky for us, she didn't notice that her candles weren't lit.  

She was just as happy with her birthday donut and Trix yogurt.

And what should we do after breakfast but head to the beach!!  It was HOT, but the water was perfect.

 They loved running in and out of the water and jumping in the waves.

They also loved playing in the sand.

 And after a full day at the beach, we headed to THE greatest ice cream place for some pre-roadtrip dessert.  Grandma let Abby open her presents so she and Miles had a little time for princess play before the food came out.

Superman for Benj.

 None for Noah.  When will I convince this kid he needs to eat ice cream??

  We were very fortunate to have some quality time with Cammie and family.  The kids totally hit it off.  So sad that they live in Vegas and we will not get to see more of them!

After ice cream, we drove back to Jackson.  Probably not the best choice for birthday activities, but I think all in all it was a great day.  Daddy did say that he hoped she didn't plan to spend her birthday at the beach every year.  (Maybe he just meant without him...)

I can't believe Abby is 4 already!  She is such a happy girl and a pure joy.  We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with her.

Introducing

(originally posted 7/1/12)

Our newest family member. Daddy got a special birthday present from his big sister. (She's the only one brave enough to try it...) I really didn't think she would get to stay, but I guess I underestimated her cuteness factor. She is 13 weeks old and we have named her Sasha Blue. She has been an instant hit at our house and takes surprisingly kindly to being chased and fondled - at least so far. I've tried getting them to stop so we don't end up with a big scaredy cat but she is just too much fun and no one can remember not to chase, pick her up, or scream at her. She's only been here a week, so maybe her novelty will wear off? Maybe? Until then, I'll just enjoy her in flashes as she zooms past. Welcome to the family, Sasha!