Sunday, August 30, 2009

Disneyland

You all know I love going to Disneyland. Especially when I take my girls and their friends and I know they are having a great time. Last Friday I had a very new and enjoyable experience at Disneyland. It really warms my heart. My nephew Brent wanted to surprise me and go to Disneyland the same day I was going. It was a GREAT surprise and we met for dinner and chatted for almost 3 hours. He told me a bunch of stuff and he asked me tons of questions. It was truly magical.

So here is the break down of the day. I picked Emily L., Jessica Adcox and Kellie up from school. We got into the park around 4:30. The girls ran off to play and I sat and watched the ceremony that they do when they take down the American Flag. (If you haven't seen this I highly recommend it.) I love the marching band playing and the quartet singing patriotic songs. They encourage the audiance to sing along too. They honor the men and woman who have served our country and invite them to circle the flag pole. Old and young come and stand military style and salute our beautiful flag. I love this and am a bit silly and get teary every time. Then I met up with Brent at the Hungary Bear and we chatted. A wonderful and inspiring talk. By the time we finished it was dark. So I walked over to get a mint julip (with extra cherries) and then waited for the fireworks. Again, I get a little teary even though I have a huge smile on my face because I love the fireworks...and then I try not to have too silly of a look on my face when I see Dumbo fly!!! After the fireworks I went to buy some Mickey Mints (very delicious) to share with the ladies at work for being so sweet to me around my birthday. Then waited for the girls looking down main street near the train station. It was a very special trip and I am so grateful for family and friends who enrich my life.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The youngest has her license.

2 big things happened today. Caleb and Holly celebrated their wedding anniversary. What a BIG day for them!! Congratulations...your gift is in the mail. (sorry it's late)

The second BIG thing that happened today is Kellie got her driver's license. Some moms might be thrilled at this happening because they don't have to drive their children every where, etc. I however was always a little melancholy when each of my girls got their license. That means we won't get to have chats in the car as often. I loved picking my girls up from school, church, or any activity and instantly knowing their moods when they got in the car. I loved hearing thier stories and simply enjoyed being with them. It seems that once they can drive themselves, from the time they leave shool and get home the activities of their day seem less intersting to them so they feel I won't want to hear....and if they do tell stories it is way less animated. However, when I got my license and could get myself places and didn't have to rely on others I was super excited. So although it changes things for me....I love that they want their independence and that they are growing up to be competent young adults.

The thing that really is strange about today is that this will be the second to last thing that kellie does before she has total independence and of course the last thing will be when she graduates from High School. This is definitley a mile stone...and one that changes my life forever.

So what did I do this evening while Kellie went driving over to people's houses (and yes, one of the visits was to Marshall's)? I scrubbed my kitchen floor grout. Paul was at meetings and Kellie was gone...so I cranked up 5 for Fighting and scrubbed away. It looks amazing by the way. I have a feeling with all my free time while Kellie and Paul are gone I will clean and organize. Fun times. =/ I am happy to report that Angela and Emily came over to visit me and we made some fun plans for the group...so all is not lost.

So here is to changes...and to exciting things in the future.