My Dad is the famous "Papa Jon". He is adored not only by HIS grandchildren, but by all of my daycare children as well. He is such a softy! (There are many times I've asked myself, "IS this the same man that raised me??") *grin*

My Mom, Grandma Phyllis, has been battling cancer for the past 4 years. First it was breast cancer twice. Then when we thought she was finally done with chemo & doctors, we found out that she has lung cancer. Unfortunately, it is not beatable. :( She is living at home with Papa Jon, Jordie & myself. She has wonderful hospice care from her nurses. I'm just so thankful for every day that I get to spend with her. Even with all that she has been through, My Mom is still the most loving, sweet person you would ever have the privilege of knowing! Losing her will be the toughest thing that I have ever been through. She is my heart!

I have two wonderful big brothers. We have been through so much together. I am so proud of both of my brothers.

Steve... the oldest... is our family's computer whiz! He graduated from Washington State University with his M.B.A. Steve works for a freight forwarding company. He was lucky enough to have found the sweetest woman to share his life with. Her name is Maritza. They met online almost 8 years ago. Our family is so fortunate to have added Maritza, Macho & Jessie to our clan. It's funny, I wrote this part about Marizta and the kids so long ago. They are so much a part of our family, that it seems as if they have always been with us.

Jessie is an honor student in highschool. She is active in her youth group and plays the bass guitar in their band.

Macho is getting geared up to start his second year of college in the fall. He's a computer whiz just like Steve! He's living down in Florida while going through school... but it sure was nice having him home for a couple of weeks while he was on summer vacation.

David... my middle brother... he is the family man. He works hard to provide a wonderful life for his family. Marian is David's sweet wife. (Everyone calls her Meena) She is not only a super Mom & wife.. but she also owns a Montessori preschool. Where this wonderful woman gets her energy from.. I'll never know. But I promise when I find it, that I'll get you a bottle too! :o)

Dave & Meena have 2 kids. Jason is the oldest. He's almost 15 years old and heading to High School this year! (Remember that I taught this sweetheart preschool back in the day... that's how we met Meena... *ouch* that makes me feel old!!)

Katie Anne is the youngest in their family. She's almost 9 years old & what a cool kid she is!! She and Jordie play together... swim together.. sing together.. and mostly giggle together. I love to watch her perform (ballet, diving, or singing.... it doesn't matter to me!)

My brothers and I feel that we were very lucky to grow up in a home so filled with love. This is something that we're trying to pass on to our children. Thank you Mom & Dad!! We love you!!