The bairns

At Easter, Craig took two photos of all the bairns. The first one has most of the grandbabes looking at the camera and I love it. But I love this one too as you can see the character and personalities -- and energy! -- coming through. Morghan, wrinkling her nose, is holding tight to Joe, as she has been asked to do. Joe, good naturedly, is thinking about his next move. Gabrielle has been walking around in high heels and may just be counting the minutes until she can get those silver slippers on again. Madeline and Jack have been exploring or playing some game and Maddie has her stick and Jack his, his, well I think that is a rain gutter! Wonder what that game was all about!

I had been told but it was not until I had grandchildren of my own that I really knew it -- that to a "Nana", each precious babe is unique and special. The love I have for these five souls fills my heart to overflowing. I love each of these sweet babes "to pieces".

Once upon a time . . .

there was a child ready to be born. The child asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow. How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God replied, "Among the angels, I'll choose one for you. Your guardian angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you." The child further inquired, "But tell me God, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will smile for you every day. And you will feel your guardian angel's love and feel very happy."

Again, the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear and, with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"I've heard that on earth there are bad people. Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your guardian angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but the voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my guardian angel's name."

"Her name is not important, child. You will simply call her Nana."

(borrowed and adapted from e-mail)

Maddie Mae, child

Madeline Mae is two years old! We gathered together on April 24 to celebrate her second birthday. Maddie wasn't so sure about the whole thing. She let me hold her and then would point out the door to my car, "go bye bye; go bye bye". And Nana wanted to whisk her away to the park or to Nana's house but didn't, of course, because it was Madeline Mae Frey's time to be celebrated.

Madeline is usually a gentle, mellow little girl but she has moments where she puts her foot down and says "No!" and times when one can see a bit of sass in her beautiful blue eyes. Every little girl and woman needs a bit of sass and, on occasion, a strong will lest she be run over, intimidated and taken advantage of. Madeline, may you grow into a sassy, strong, caring woman!

Several weeks after Maddie's birthday, during Morghan's dance recital, I took Jack and Madeline out into the beautiful cool, spring evening. Like colts put out to pasture, these two kicked up their heels and ran and pranced and laughed. It was there, in the twilight with the evening breeze in our faces and the smell of fresh mown grass in the air, I saw Madeline's long legs race to keep pace with Jack and realized that she had left babyhood behind. She is a child, a lovely, long-lashed, quick to smile, twinkle in her eye, "big" girl.

Maddie Mae, Happy 2nd year. May all your days be as carefree and fresh as that spring evening in May. Love, Nana

Madeline Mae, Safety Baby

Madeline had scraped her knees -- both of them. Her Mama, feeling sorry for her, decked her out in this safety gear. Notice that Madeline is applying chapstick so that even her lips will be protected!

Craig Dale Hofmeister 

My son, Craig

"The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat. "-- Robert Frost

Craig celebrated his 29th birthday back in February. The "girls", his sisters, always tease me about catering to this male child, "spoiling" him. I deny it, I give instances, I proclaim my innocence. I loved, and love, all four of my children deeply and well, I think. At all times I tried to be an "equal opportunity" mother and at Christmas when the children were small, I figured and budgeted and could come up with appoximately the same number of packages for each child and spend equal amounts, down to within pennies, so that the gifts were all equal -- and fair.

However, that said, a mother's relationship with her son is different than with daughters just as the relationship with one daughter differs from that of another daughter due to personalties, interests and character. And now that Erica has a son, and Traci, (and hopefully one day, if they so wish, Kristy and Johanna will) they will know the bond that exists between mother and son.

So, Happy 29th year, my son. May your son give you the rewards and blessings that you have given me (with maybe a few less worries and gray hairs)!! And would you like those meatballs WITHOUT onions? Love, Ma

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone