We had the whole family over this weekend, four kids (but only one spouse could make it), 5 grandkids and me and the beauty. When you have all the grandkids over together it actually works out better because they tend to play together outside, which makes the house a lot quieter. Of course, you also have the potential for far more whinning, crying, hurt feelings, tattling and fussing, but that's considered part of the territory and is expected when one has children. All in all, the kids had a great time and we did too. And I only got aggravated once or twice.

We all went fishing on Saturday evening, with the grandkids trying to help and wanting in on the action too. Even the 2 year old was able to reel in line a little which produced a huge smile on his face. Chase got snagged by a hook which brought screams and tears for far longer than it was worth, but he wasn't hurt much. Unfortunately, we didn't catch much. I think we only got like 2 snags and only one made it to shore. Taylor, five, snagged one, started crying and wouldn't reel it in, so it got away.

It didn't matter though. We all had fun and I stayed busy unsnagging line and fixing hooks. When you have that many girls and children someone has to spend their time making sure everyone is doing things effeciently.

We celebrated my wife's birthday and I gave her a new rod and reel, which she loved. It's hard buying for her because I can't buy her clothes (don't know how) and she doesn't wear much jewelry, so the fishing gear made good sense to me. It's something she's always wanting to do and we've only got old cheap rod and reels. The rest of her present will be dropping everything in the evenings and taking her to the lake (on our street). It's loaded with bass and we've got a canoe, so it's just a matter of setting aside time and doing it (something I'm not good at).

Family is one of my favorite things and it makes for a great, fulfilling weekend.

I've found that no matter what may happen in my life that I catagorize as 'bad', I can find someone else who is going through something worse. Of course, we all know how easy that is, but we don't usually try when we're in the middle of some illness or family crisis.

I'm going through cancer treatment, but it's not chemo. I have some sucky side effects that I hate, but hey, it's not chemo, okay? I have a friend that has just wrapped up a round of chemo and it's not something I would order from a buffett. It makes you sick to your stomach and your bones ache. So, I can count my blessings even though I have cancer.

I have another friend who has a small child in the hospital trying to recover from brain damage. She was in a car wreck with her mom and ended up with the most injuries. I just can't imagine seeing my child suffer like that, so I can consider myself blessed.

My wife and I sat down the other night and took turns counting our blessings. It was an encouraging excercise that really helped us focus on how good God has been to us. For instance, all of our family has jobs, which is a big thing in this economy. We're not taking that for granted and we're giving thanks that God has blessed us in that way. And even though we have some health issues (at least I do), we are able to do what we need to do and we're able to enjoy ourselves without depending on walkers, crutches or motorized wheel chairs.

Bottom line: Thank you God

I'll never know what it's like to be mother. I know it's a little bit similar to being a dad, but based more on emotions it would seem. There's a solid, unbreakable bond between a woman and her child that is just completely different than that of a man and his children. I can often remove myself emotinally from whatever conflict arises in my child's life. I can say, "well, do this and that and perhaps you'll make it through". I can even step away and let them fall if they're heading over a hill, but mom has a tougher time doing that.

She wants to step in and fix things. She feels their pain and can soothe their wounds. She offers wise counsel when needed and can just as quickly step in with a rebuke. She knows how to sew and what knows which color of clothes can be washed together. She wipes away tears and knows what to do with a sore throat. She'll stay up late to sit with her sick child and will rise early to fix their morning meal. She is tireless; persisten; faithful; gentle or harsh, depending on the circumstances; watchful; caring; soothing; industrious; and can wear any other hat whenever she's called on.

I put my mom through her own private hell when I was younger. She prayed faithfully for me and was patient with me while enduring hardship. I was selfish and lost and did not appreciate her love for a number of years. I have found forgiveness and have tried to be a good son since those days. I will be eternally grateful for such a loving mother. I know I can never pay her back, except to love her. And that I'll try and do while we're together on this earth.

I love you Mom