!Yo Diggity!

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.” — Jewish proverb

I know that everybody probably thinks that they have the greatest mother, but this is likely because they don’t know my mom. I wanted to take a minute to thank her, for all that she’s done in my life and my brother’s life….

“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.” — Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1907- )

As kids, most of our vacations consisted of camping. Always a fun event and I’m sure a TOTALLY relaxing vacation for Mom (that was scarcastic if you didn’t catch it). Like the time the three of us slept in the two person tent that wasn’t exactly water proof, only to wake up in the middle of the night, totally soaked ‘cause the tent had leaked. Mom and I ended up most of the night in the laundrymat drying out sleeping bags. Seth… well… he wouldn’t wake up and we couldn’t persuay him so he spent the night soaking wet! He wasn’t too happy about that when he finally did wake up…. heehe I’m sure that that was a great vacation for Mom.

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” — George Washington (1732-1799)

I spent my first 12 years in a valley in the Southwestern part of Colorado going to First Baptist Church of Montrose. It was a wonderful church to grow up in. Living so far away from all our family in Indiana, the church family really was our extended family. One thing I remember was standing in the service next to my mom during the hymns… I thought my mom had the most beautiful voice EVER. I loved to stand next to her listening to her sing. I always hoped that one day, I too, would be able to sing just like my beautiful, beautiful mother!

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” — Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

Growing up, I certainly didn’t want to go to church. It wasn’t ‘fun’. What kid thinks it is fun to sit there for an hour, totally still and listen to an old guy talk about stuff that is completely bland?? Well, my mom made us go EVERY, SINGLE Sunday. Ugh!! She also had one of those Ryre Study Bibles which was marked all up from her reading and studying. Even today, I’ve seen her carry around that devotional ‘The Daily Bread’ and read it while standing in line at the post office or in the morning while making breakfast. My mom has been such a big influence on my spiritual life. She has lead by example and again, showed me what I wanted to be like, when I grow up.

So sorry I can’t be with you on Mother’s day, Mom! But I’m glad that you’ll be at the Foltz’s with Seth, Katie, Emma and Sox. I wanted you to know that I’m thinkin’ about you today and about how lucky Seth and I are for having just the most wonderful mother possible! We couldn’t have asked for more - we are who we are because you are who you are.

We love you, Mom!!

I don’t want anyone to think that I am ‘over’ being a new aunt. It is still my very favorite new position. Check out this picture.

Paul is just a little unsure of what is goin’ on here. So is Emma. Boy she looks like a little chunk. But you would too if you didn’t really know quite what was goin’ on and there was a camera in your face. Wouldn’t you?

Here is a better shot… a little, little girl in a big, big couch. Sooooo cute!!!

Today I’m in Houston on my way back to Hungary. I’ve been here just under 2 weeks. My dear, sweet friend, Sasha got married… she’s honeymooning now in sunny Cancun and I’m headed to fridged Budapest. Ah, there are fun things about winter… right?? (Some good suggestions here would be nice).

Here’s me and Sasha one week pre-Kuklis (this is her new last name). Of course I have my eyes closed. Wouldn’t be normal if I had them open!! heehe

Not sure when I’ll be back… was really too short of a trip. Love ya, miss you and see you SOON! Whenever that might be….

Again, these are pictures from my trip home to Indiana waaaaaay back in June! I’m catchin’ up here though so get ready!!

After Shilpa’s wedding I made a short trip to Indiana. I wanted to see everyone while I was there so I was making a mad run from house to house from city to city…. errr…. small town to small town. I still didn’t get to see everyone that I wanted to… maybe next time… Lord knows I’ll try!!

My first stop was Bourbon, Indiana. There was this maaaad kid:

… and this sweet, shining, happy kid!!

haha ….Awwwww kids. So Tyler is the oldest son of my sweet, very pregnant friend, Amanda. I say ‘oldest son’ as if there were two. As of one week ago… there ARE two!! I don’t have a picture yet but Amanda just gave birth to boy number two: let’s call him Jaydon Michael!! CONGRATS, Amanda and Adam!!!!

Next stop was Amboy, Indiana. I know, the huge metropolis of Amboy - another biggy. But on the scale of things… everything is big at the Martin house. They’ve got 4 kids… awesome kids at that. Just love these guys!!! Every time I’m there is just feel ‘home’. Debbie and I were neighbors growing up and more like sisters now. And watchin’ these kids grow up has just been cool.

While at the Martin house we got to attend some real good ‘ol Indiana summer events. Ball games, swim practice, whiffle ball in the yard, foot races in the drive-way. Yes, the adults can still beat the kids…. I wonder how long that is going to last?? Debbie, Joel - we’d better keep in shape… these kids are gettin’ GOOD!!

Next stop was Peru, Indiana. This is where my Dad grew up and I got to see my Grandparents there:

I love visiting with these two. Grandpa is always tryin’ to give me chocolate (yum!) and Grandma has got a heart about the size of a basketball. Just love her!!

Then down to Delphi… home sweet home. Did some maxin’ and relaxin’ here. Played some cards, went for walks… nothing stressful at all. Time to enjoy good company.

Sunday was a treat as I got to be home for the Paschen Grandkid’s picnic. Really good turnout this year! My grandparents (my mom’s parents) host a picnic every summer where they invite only the grandkid’s and great grandkids… basically just exclude my mom’s generation (the kids). You see, it’s quite a large family… my mom has six brother’s and sisters and I have 19 first cousins, all or mostly married and most with kids. So altogether… well… it’s a lot. I think there are close to 40 great-grandkids. Wow. So the picnic is good for just getting together and getting to know the people in your family - there are so many of us sometimes it’s hard to keep track. It is cool how my grandparents really encourage us all to just spend time with each other… with our families and enjoy each other. This will stick with me forever I’m sure. I couldn’t have picked a better role model in my Grandfather if I could pick. I really am very, very lucky!

After the picnic, I got to swing by my friend’s Adam and Amanda’s house (not the one’s in Bourbon - I have two set’s of friends named Adam and Amanda - haha). It was good to see them as usual… their daughter Allie is really a growin’!! And quite the diva already!!

Next and final stop: big brother’s house. I’ve got some big big news about Seth and Katie… but I’ll have to wait just a little bit to let that out… hmm….. (and obviously I was supposed to post this BEFORE I told ya’ll they are pregnant!!

You know I have an obsession with eyes. This will all make sense later. I promise.

And then it was back to Budapest for me… no rest for the weary though… Frey was soon on her way….

Stay tuned…. I’m catchin’ up!!

Hot off the presses… it’s official:

I’m going to be an AUNT!!!

I can’t hardly believe it!! My big brother, Seth, and his wife Katie are finally startin’ a family of their own! Here comes another ‘lil Foltzie!!! Oh man I can’t WAIT!! I know they are going to be great parents and of COURSE I’ll be the BEST aunt ever!! eeeeee!!

Congratulations, Seth and Katie!!!!!!