After 5 years of going to school while working, being a wife and raising a son with autism, my sister-in-law Lisa has achieved her goal! She is now a nurse after graduating Tuesday evening from Everett Community College. 13 members of the Mantzke/Teays clan were there to watch her accept her diploma. Lisa is amazing and we're all so proud of her! She even has a job already working at Providence Hospital. She's going to be an awesome nurse!!!! Way to go Lisa!
I thought that I would share with you a tradition that our family has enjoyed for a while, thanks to my mother-in-law, Marilyn. She has Irish ancestry, so that means my husband and children share that as well. Marilyn's grandfather married an O'Connor, and that's where her Irish lineage came from. When Kendal was in Middle School her grandpa Mantzke told her that he too was Irish, an O'Mantzke, and that when they immigrated to America they dropped the O. Kendal thought this was true, but in reality it was just a fib grandpa would tell on St. Patty's Day to get a free beer at the pub. Anyway, Marilyn cooks corned beef with cabbage, potatoes and carrots. It's always so good and since we only eat it once a year, a nice treat as well. Thanks Marilyn for a delicious dinner and Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Grandma's cat Shelby, is an Irish kitty too : )
Sunday was Mike and Derrek's birthday. Mike turned 47 and Derrek is now 20!! We had an amazing weekend, because not only did we celebrate birthdays, but everyone was here for it and that's what made it so special!
It was so awesome seeing Mike's reaction as he opened his gift and how much this painting touch his heart <3 It's titled, "Prayer at Valley Forge" and has a quote from George Washington that reads, "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of the Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His Holy keeping." I'm so glad Mike loved his gift!
I ordered Derrek's Griffey jersey from the Seattle Team Shop right after Griffey's return to the Mariners was announced. They told me that Derrek's jersey was the first to arrive in Kitsap County! Pretty cool and he LOVED it!!!
Derrek, Hanna, Katy and Taylor building with Kapla blocks! Very fun!
This crazy bunch are all suckers for backrubs! Must take after Mike!!!
