Drivin' 55

May 5th, 1981...Cinco de Mayo? What the heck was that? I had no idea that this day was a Mexican holiday. Yet, in the Swyters' family, it was about to become a memorable day as our only son, Steven, entered into our family. As a baby, he refused to sleep in his crib for longer than 45 minutes. I spent many hours rocking him to sleep and gently laid him back in his bed only to have him wake up 45 minutes later. Steven was always a strong willed child with a great sense of humor and a strong sense of family. He will always be my little boy, regardless of how old he becomes. His father and I are so very proud of the young man he's become today and we look forward to observe as his life unfolds in the years to come. We love you, Son.

One month left to go, according to a bogus due date, and my little girl will become a mother. Where have the 31 years gone to? It seems like only yesterday I propped her up on my lap to brup her (she was a very difficult baby to burp). It seems like only yesterday she took her first step (she walked at 9 months, yes, that's what I said!). It seems like only yesterday she suffered from allergies to almost everything under the sun. Two years of allergy shots managed to overcome this and she was able to Trick N Treat for the very first time at age 5 (she was either in the hospital every October or too sick to go out). It seems like only yesterday that I put her on the school bus for the very first time as I balled my eyes out! I remember how her little blond ringlets framed her face. I remember that smile, toothless, but the most beautiful smile in the world. It seems like only yesterday that she put on that first little soccer uniform only to refuse to step onto the field. I could go...

Inspiration has finally hit me in the head and knocked me over! Yes, I am ready. Ready to take charge and begin eating healthy and excerising. No, I haven't lost my mind...although there are days, believe me. Yesterday, I signed up for Weight Watchers. My first goal is to lose 10% of my weight. After reaching that first threshold, I plan on setting another goal and so forth. I will need ya'll's help, support and inspiration so please, don't hesitate to cheer me on. The good Lord knows I'll need it!

Arizona...a favorite location of my husband and I. The desert landscape is quite beautiful but the photos don't do it much justice. As most large cities, the Phoenix/Mesa area is plagued with air pollution. This photograph is of Supersitition Mountain. For reasons unknown to me, I am very intrigued with the desert. Perhaps it's the simplicity of the desert and my true appreciation of finding a flower in the midst of tumbleweeds and cactus or maybe it's the Native Indians that I can invision riding across the desert on horse back. Nonetheless, Arizona is a place we could find ourselves living, as long as we make a rapid escape during the months of May through September, of course!

After spending the last month and a half in the state of California, we bid you ado! Things I'll miss... the beautiful mountains spectacular Pacific ocean friendly folks dog friendly atmosphere the vineyards Thursday farmers market exquisite dining USS Midway San Diego Things that won't be missed insane traffic secondary streets that are 6 lanes across the horrific gasoline pricing (highest in the US) outlandish real estate pricing ($675K is really reasonable for this postage size lot) the whole celebrity aura Leaving California behind us, we arrive in Arizona, Mesa to be exact. Mesa is a very cosmopolitan town. Great restaurants, wonderful people, just a good feeling here. Perhaps it is the desert that lures people here. At every turn, there are mountains on the horizon. And honestly, it is really dry here. Have you ever heard of 7% humidity? Well it exists here in Mesa. You must hydrate your skin and slather lip balm at every chance you get otherwise you just shrivel up! He...

Being on the road is really a fun life experience. Seeing new sights around our beautiful country is something I would recommend to anyone. But if there's one thing that I absolutely hate, it's trusting my hair to a complete stranger! Some of you will remember musical "Hair" years ago. The "year" is 1968. The "place" is a park in Greenwich Village, NYC. It goes something like this... She asks me why I'm just a hairy guy I'm hairy noon and night Hair that's a frightI'm hairy high and low Don't ask me why Don't know It's not for lack of break Like the Grateful Dead, Darling Gimme head with hair Long beautiful hair Shining, gleaming, Streaming, flaxen, waxen Give me down to there hair Shoulder length or longer Here baby, there mama Everywhere daddy daddy Hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair Flow it, show it Long as God can grow it My hair Let it fly in the breeze And get caught in the trees Give a home to the fleas in m...

Last Friday, was the best! My daughter played hokey from work to spend part of the day with me. After sleeping late, we were off to her favorite brunch place, Mittie's in Alpharetta. This location holds a very special place for both of us as it was right across the street from where she got married at The Arbors. Erika ordered scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, fruit and her favorite, orange cranberry scone. I felt adventuresome and ordered a Monte Cristo which is french toast stuffed with baked ham and swiss cheese. Surprisingly, it was great! Although we sampled the mini scones, the large ones are on display when you immediately walk into Mittie's. Who could resist? Thanks to the wonderful waitress that took such great care of us at Mittie's. After brunch, we were off to North Point Mall to buy the very necessary, new bras for the 32 week pregnant woman. I always enjoyed shopping with my daughter because she was always open to my suggestions. What teenage daughter would ac...

Anyone that knows Fred, knows he cannot keep a secret for longer than a minute and a half. Well, there was my surprize 50 th birthday cruise, but that is the one exception during the past 35 years of marriage. Waiting for me back at the RV, was a brand new Canon Rebel TXi digital camera! I am so excited, no giddy with joy! Now the responsibility lies on me to become the expert camera in the family. 7.5 weeks until my little dumpling arrives....I better get busy and start reading. Feel free to give me lots of advice, dear friends, as I know I will be need it.

If there is anyone that doesn't believe God has a plan for us all, let me tell you this story and you will soon agree that we are not in charge. My week and a half home was planned months ago. The purpose for my trip was to stay at Erika's while her husband, Aaron, was on a business trip. Erika is, after all, 32 weeks pregnant as evident by looking at her growing belly. I planned on staying with Mom for the first few days and then driving up to Roswell to take care of my baby girl. Several days before I came home, Mom went into the hospital with a crazy virus that really put her flat on her back. Luckily, I was there to take her home from the hospital and able to stay with her for several days. She was home for only 4 days when I had to take her back to the doctor who immediately admitted her in Piedmont Fayette last Tuesday. I had an eerie feeling after trying to contact Becky all day without success and I began to grow nervous that something was wrong with her father in ...

Finally, a day for just me (and well, doing things for baby Jack)! This is the first morning I got to sleep in, a mere 9:30 a.m. which when you think about it, is really 6:30 a.m. Pacific time. First things first, I started taking all of the little tags off of the little sockies , bibs, one- zies , receiving blankets, crib sheets and more! Do you know they no longer make Ivory Snow? It is such a shame because that was such a part of our baby prep when my children were babies. These days, one uses fragrance free soap. Four loads later, I decided to make a little time for me and get a much needed pedicure, manicure and eye brow wax. Pampering is when you have one gal massaging your feet and calves while the other tends to your manicure. If you can believe this, I have never had an American manicure so I said, what the heck, let's go for it. I was quite surprised by the outcome and will probably add this to my monthly routine maintenance . One of many things that my daughter ...

The highlight of my day today was getting to hear my little grandson Jack's heart beat. My daughter's doctor entered the exam room and asked my daughter "How is your little dumpling today?" She refers to all her patients' babies as dumplings! How adorable is that!!! I find that she connects with her patients as a mother which exhibits a comforting, nurturing manner and puts the moms at ease. I haven't posted the photos just yet from the shower because I have been running ragged between Alpharetta and Fayetteville. My mom is back in the hospital and I haven't found a moment to start working on Jack's nursery. If all goes as planned, I will dedicate Thursday to begin adding my finesse and give my daughter a hand. I am tired.