Congratulations, Braden!

I couldn't be more proud of you, Braden!

Love, Mom

Let the Graduation Festivities Begin!

Today is our 1st official school related Graduation Activity. Well, I guess the Awards/Scholarships thing last week might really have been, but there was no "Pomp" or "Circumstance" lol, so no real need for tissues! But today is an actual cap and gown day! I'm awake this morning with a tummy ache, which better go away really quickly, because we've got a full day planned. It's prep day at Debbie's for the Teacher's Luncheon which is tomorrow. So, I've got my "assigned items" on the island, ready to go. Blake has ortho which means I need to drive to Siloam to grab him and run him back to school asap. Then, the assembly at school starts at 11 a.m. with a picnic to follow. My parents are driving up this afternoon in order to be here for Blake's band concert this evening. They're bringing Matt and Miah, my nephews, and today is Miah's birthday! Busy BIG day!

I am so proud of Braden. We have truly been blessed with a great kid with a BIG heart for God! I love that he has chosen JBU, and I love that it's close by, but I'd really still take that little boy making messes and asking me to make puzzles with him!

Braden's 1st Day out of high school!

This morning, I woke like usual and went downstairs to make school lunches for the kids, and for the first time, I only made 2, instead of 3. Wow!

I made Braden and Blake haircut appointments, so I pulled Blake out of school and we went to Fayetteville. He talked me into letting him stay home the rest of the day. Call me crazy!! He's been practicing for drumline tryouts, so that's my excuse. And, he finally cut his hair!! That's huge reason for celebration! I need to post a picture.

Promised to bake cookies today, so I'd better get started! Bren will be home soon!

May...coming and going too quickly

I can't believe it is May 7th already! (Happy Birthday Lisa Evans Gaines!)

Yesterday, Bren and the entire 4th grade visited Prairie Grove Battle Field State Park. It was a fun day, made most eventful by the squirrel that decided to hop on the school bus. Thankfully, the children had just unloaded! Though still cloudy for most of the morning, the rain stayed away! Bren's Uggs were soaked from all the puddles, and her tiny toes were all raisiny when she finally got to take them off, but it was a good day.

I left the fieldtrip after lunch to rush home to get ready for the big Wedding Shower for Garland and Sarah, the 9th grade cell group leaders who are getting married next Friday. We had a house full! It was great fun and we were happy to host.

Today, Mr. Watts will serve the PTA officers lunch. What a great guy!

Senior Debate Dinner on Saturday night. See...May is going to fly!

It's a Great Day!!!

Happy Earth Day! Happy 25th Anniversary Darryl!!

25 years ago today, we went on our very 1st date. It was Easter Sunday 25 years ago today, and we went to see a play at Victory Christian Center, "Toymaker and Son". My sister and his brother went too. What a great start to an absolutely incredible life!!

My friend is taking the day off and we're having lunch and pedicures! I can't wait! She's getting a massage too...I probably should have tried to book one also. But, I have 1000 things to do, so I'll try to catch up on some things at home and then enjoy the rest of today with her!

We are hoping to see the "Earth" movie, but I'm not sure we can squeeze it in tonight. I wonder how long it will play?

Need to get started addressing graduation announcements! Not sure I'm ready!

Last day of Benchmark Testing! Yeah, Bren!

Bren will be so happy that today is the last day of Benchmark testing (for this year)! I've decided that little girls "feed off each other" when it comes to anxiety about "testing". That's certainly been different than with the boys. I don't really think they gave one minute of thought about those silly tests.

I think Abby is spending the night tonight, so that should be lots of fun! I'm going to surprise them with Reese's Peanut Butter Squares, the homemade kind! They both love them! Bren requested them recently, so she'll be extra happy when she gets home from school today!

It's Friday!!! Yippee!!

Essential Oils

Beth came for a visit yesterday and shared her new love of essential oils with me. I had no knowledge of essential oils...except that little vase in the bathroom with the sticks in it. They are supposed to smell good, right? Aromatherapy? Wow...it's so much more than that! I'm excited to learn more about them.

Really, I'm just excited to have my friend back. We've missed so many years, but God always has a plan, and I think God will reward those years of being mommy's to our children and focusing on them, just as it should be, with years of loving friendship in the future. I love just sitting and listening to her talk.

Bren is going to Ella's "Swimming" birthday party after school today. Hmmm...I think it's 66 degrees outside right now. The Johnson's have heated their pool. Glad this mommy doesn't have to swim with her!!! She won't care though. She's got a brand new Limited too "Peace" swimsuit to wear...and of course, that's what's most important!!

Had a mammogram today. Everything should be fine. Didn't even have to have the ultrasound this time, so I'm expecting great results.