Birthday greetings and Calendar meetings

Happy birthday to the heaven's greatest angel. Joyce Lynn Darilek Stevenson.

Life was taken from you at 49, however you live forever in my heart as the 55 year old you would be today. My mother, the source of my strength. May you be blessed with eternal happiness living in the kingdom of your Saviour.

Love you always and forever.

6 More Days
One more week until Jamboree. So many in my family look forward to this event each year with great anticipation and this year proves no different. Three full days of softball, hamburgers, Miller Lite, croquet, volleyball, sno cones, sweating, swimming, horseshoes, music, and family. Three days of non-stop laughter, picture taking, and memory making. The only weekend throughout the year that everyone forgets their troubles to come together and rejoice in the family that we have which surrounds us because all in all, that's what this weekend is all about. It's not about the booze (although there is plenty), its not even really about the softball tournament (even though we are still waiting for the Rudy's Boys II's place in the sun). It is about our family and the ability to gather 71+ people together without even sending out an invitation. It's about sitting as one clan in the stands, cheering on fellow family members. It's about remembering that even though we have all started our own lives, going our separate ways and starting our own careers, this was how it all started. One love between a man and a woman created what we share in that one weekend, and to me, that is what is so special about Jamboree. 2 people created all of this. And even though we have lost a few a long the way, our ability to remain together and to continue on this great tradition speaks volumes about the type of family we are.

So next weekend, as everyone travels in from California, North Carolina, Alaska, and so on, we need to remember what the weekend is really about. As we fill our coolers and dance to polkas all Sunday afternoon we remember the power love has to create something so majestic and wonderful. Something so simple, yet so rewarding. I have no doubts that Jamboree Weekend 2008 will be another smashing hit and a continuation to our 50+ year tradition; and I can not wait. On this day of my mother's birthday I cross off my calendar and hope that the next following 6 days go smoothly and quickly, because I can not wait to share it with all of you.