Tiny ... and Big ... Bubbles!

This weekend was the Mechem Family reunion outside Cumberland. The rain held off and as always we enjoyed catching up with folks we see far too rarely. Owen and Cearra got to open a few birthday and graduation gifts (thanks Sherry, Mark, Em, and Taylor!); one of which was an awesome bubble machine! It was a big hit - Owen even said "bubble" for the first time.

Another highlight of the reunion is a game we play that often results in a few dubious take home prizes ... this year we were the lucky recipients of lovely fake crocodile, pale yellow "pimp" shoes that Bob happily modeled, much to Cearra's dismay! Owen doesn't look much more impressed with the can coolies does he?

We crashed for the night at Chez Nanny after enjoying dinner and a concert by Hannah at Uncle Todd and Aunt Maria's. It's so wonderful to have the opportunity to just sit and visit with these very special people that we are lucky enough to call family.

Gearing Up

Cearra and Bob made another trip to Mary Baldwin to finalize her course load for the fall. They also squeezed in a trip to the bookstore and came home with shirts for Bob and I, a hoodie for Cearra, and Gladys the Fighting Squirrel for Owen! Now we are truly ready to be a MBC family.

Owen has a few new expressions/words. Favorites are "wow" and "uh-oh" (used quite liberally; for example, whenever he accidentally drops something on the floor AND whenever he purposefully drops something on the floor like a six pack of Dora yogurt at the grocery store).

But the cutest word new word is "cookie", which he say "cook-EEEE" and finishes with a big grin (see pic). Lucky for him animal crackers come in a huge bag.

Please keep my dad in your thoughts and prayers as he bounces back from a hospital stay for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. He is at home and feeling good - playing golf on Weds. right after his cardiologist appointment! - and we all want him to stay healthy and happy! Love you Dad!

Cearra Graduates!

Owen clapped, Bob cheered, Cearra beamed and I cried ...

The First Colonial High School Class of 2008 received their diplomas Saturday night in Virginia Beach. We joined Cearra's mom Kathy, sister Kristine and brother-in-law Cliff, brother Marcus, plus Nanny and Uncle Todd in celebrating all the graduates, but especially our beautiful, smart, and wonderful Cearra!

The evening started with the traditional entrance of graduation candidates, followed by the presentation of the American flag by the school's ROTC, both which were greeted with thunderous applause. I love that the assembled crowd so proudly showed their patriotism and support for our military. Goose-bump time.

And as the ceremony progressed my heart continued to swell. Seeing the joy and hearing the accolades bestowed on the students by teachers and faculty made me feel good about their futures - and ours. And when the entire class spontaneously (and very loudly) applauded a fellow student who was wheel-chair bound and had most likely faced a few obstacles in his high school career, I realized that they had learned well some important lessons.

When Cearra's name was called and she strode across the stage wearing a huge smile, collected her diploma, hugged her principal, and turned to wave enthusiastically at us, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of how far she has come and how much she has grown. And I am so excited for her and the adventures that await at Mary Baldwin College.

So yes, I cried. But for all the right reasons.

Introducing Owen and C's Newest Cousin

If Its A Weekend ...

... the Mechems will be busy!

Our jam-packed June continued with the arrival of Cearra Friday night, and a trip to Aunt Pam and Uncle Gene's 63 acre retreat in West Virginia for a family gathering in honor of Nanny's retirement.

We talked and laughed and ate; Owen hung out with Haily and his beloved big sister, got some piano lessons from Hannah, and discovered that perhaps tractors are best viewed from a far.

Breaking News ... Riley Thomas Mommaerts arrived last night at 11:59 pm, giving him the very cool birth date of 06/07/08! Mom and baby boy are doing great and awaiting visits by big sisters Samantha and Mackenzie. Pictures to follow!

Kathie's Night

I've always thought that seeing your loved ones as others see them is an interesting - and usually positive - experience. Last night we had such an opportunity as we joined my mother-in-law's friends and co-workers at a surprise retirement dinner in her honor. Held in downtown Cumberland (where Owen enjoyed the fountains and statues afterwards) this was indeed a wonderful event.

Kathie's peers had many memories to share of her 30 plus years teaching and facilitating Special Education for the Allegeny County Schools. A few themes quickly became apparent: Kathie's patience and sensitivity; her dedication; her creativity and artistic abilities; her way of making each child feel unique and special. Every person who spoke thanked Kathie not only for her long service to the school district and the children, but also for being an inspiration to them in their professional and personal lives; for being a loyal, giving, kind friend; and for being a positive model of faith and optimism (as well as a keen bargain shopper and bulletin board creator extraordinaire!).

Quite an accolade - and absolutely warranted. For Kathie is truly a special person. I know Bob and Todd feel blessed that she is their mother, and I know I also speak for Maria when I say we could have no better mother-in-law. Cearra, Hannah and Owen's lives are richer for her presence, guidance and love. And while I have no doubt the students and teachers will miss her, we're excited about the possibilities of more visits to and from Nanny! Congratulations and happy retirement Mom!

Of Projects and Proms

Last Thursday I got a call from a very excited Cearra, letting me know that she had just been awarded "Best Senior Project" for her work collecting and distributing care packages for the troops! The board that judged all the projects praised her initiative, determination, and positive impact on the community; as well as her oral and written presentation. I know that many of you reading generously contributed to her efforts and I thank you (she assures me notes will be in the mail shortly)!

Needless to say I was busting at the seams proud of her. Her voice barely contained the huge smile that I know lit up her face, and it was wonderful to hear Cearra so happy. Best of all was when she said "you and Dad have always told me that I don't give myself enough credit, and that I can do anything I set my mind to. Now I know that you were right!". Bob and I are so very grateful that Cearra will head into college this fall with a renewed sense of her abilities and the confidence to take on the world ... watch out world!

And so it was with high spirits that we drove to Virginia Beach on Friday to spend some time with her and see her off as she and Curt attended her senior prom. For this special night Cearra chose an elegant long black gown and vintage looking earrings (borrowed from me!). She was - as always - beautiful, and Curt looked dashing in his VMI uniform. They had a great night, and during our visit we all enjoyed the hospitality of our friends Amy & Jack, and Gary & Gail. The greatest blessings in life are truly family and friends.

We have a busy few weeks ahead - keep checking back for more updates and pictures!