The beautiful spring-like days we have been have have inspired me to look at some photos I took at the end of last summer while on a walk along Lake Michigan.  We can only hope it will not be long before we get to see that beautiful sun again.

Pictures from the shore of Lake Michigan

Mommy and Daddy, or Mom and Dad or Whatever

I just received an email today from a friend informing  me that another friend had just had a baby girl.  This is always such an exciting time in the lives of the parents and grandparents, but it can also be very trying.  This particular gamily has 3 other little ones, all demanding attention.   I sent any email out (gift to some later) congratulating them and giving the parents a piece of advice that I have always lived by.
Your children will call you mommy and daddy for a few years, then it will be mom and dad.  And then there will be a few years where they will not call you anything for fear of saying something that might offend you.  As you come back into their "good graces"  they may even call you by your  first name.  When they finally become adults, they may be back to mom and dad again.
What ever they call you, you are always a parent, no matter how old they get. Just be there for them and love them through their lives.