Senior Ring :(

Back in September Garrett ordered his senior ring and it about did me in. Well, yesterday that silly ring came in and off the HS we went for a ring ceremony. I really did fine with it because he was so happy. All the Juniors were just all smiles about the adventures before them. It was a very casual ceremony and just a time to recognize the kids and their "new" style. Today, Garrett walks into my classroom wearing that silly ring and my heart sank.

There are days I could kick him straight out on the sidewalk and smile the whole time. Then there are days (like today) that I can't believe this time next year we will be getting ready for graduation. Seems like just yesterday we brought him home from the hospital with a houseful of guest to help us celebrate. He cried all night (colic) and we paced the floor all night just trying to help him. I knew that night he was mine forever. I would give my life to protect him or to make him happy. Garrett has always been special. There is just something about his personality that can grate on you like no other while your heart is melting at the same time.

I guess it is inevitable that he is growing up and soon he will go off to make his place in this world. I just pray for his safety, happiness, and success (just not too far away LOL).

Valentine's Day

Every year Lonnie and Garrett are off at the San Antonio stock show on Valentine's Day. Boooo! This year I thought they were actually going to be home and how fun that was going to be. BUT, NOT, they are leaving on Valentine's Day. Guthri and I are a little bummed! But, we did come up with an early Valentine's idea so tonight we are having dinner at home, we made banana pudding (L's favorite) and maybe will rent a movie. We'll see.

I just have to say that no matter when we celebrate or don't celebrate I am one lucky gal. Lonnie and I have been married for over 20 years and have faced some trials; however, I think we are stronger today, more in love today, better friends today! What a blessing he has been to me. My life would never be what it is today without him.

Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. What are you planning? Just remember that is not the only day to let those you love know how precious they are!

New Character Trait?

I am serious here so read with whatever attitude you want!

I do believe we are all born with character in some form or fashion. It is just one thing that we all have the potential to build or to destroy. However, there is one that as we grow older we completely destroy by our own doing. Have you ever noticed that children can be treated like they are dogs and have no clue? Other kids can just lam-blast them or ridicule them and they just go about their happy lives like nothing ever happened. Now, I know that at times they get upset but in the end everything is good, it is fine, like nothing ever happened. I call this OBLIVIOUSNESS. What a blessing to have. I am serious.

When Garrett was little he was completely oblivious that someone did not like him. I used to feel sorry for him because he had no clue. But later I saw it as a blessing for him. Now part of his obliviousness is ADHD but the other part was just not worrying about what others thought. It really affected him in no way on what you thought. How blessed was he?!

I wish I could be more like that. I wish that I could just be oblivious to others actions, their hateful remarks, their dishonest talk. I guess over the years I have chosen to throw that character trait out the window. Not a good thing. I am working on restoring that trait and I hope you do to!

A Good Time was had by ALL!!

This past Saturday (29th) was Guthri's 9th birthday. :( She is growing so fast! She is a completely different girl today than she was just two short years ago. Still takes my breath away for her to approach situations with confidence and determination.

For her birthday party she wanted something different. So, through the suggestion of a friend, we planned a surprise "Come as You Are" party! Too fun! I contacted all the parents to let them know what was headed their way. On Saturday morning I woke up Guthri and two friends she had spend the night at 6:30 a.m. They were not thrilled since they didn't go to bed until 1:30 a.m. We loaded up and made our first stop around 7. I will have to say that Ansley was the best sport of the day. She woke up laughing and laughed all morning. We made six more stops and finally made our way to the bakery. Spent about an hour doing all the birthday festivities (doughnut cake included) and those silly girls wanted to head out to WalMart! We had a blast. They found the hula-hoops so we had a hula-hoop performance right there in the isle. They were so funny. Kaleigh was the champ. 3 hoops at a time and almost had 4 going!!! Woo Hoo!

The party was simple, exciting and just fun. Loved spending time with my daughter and her friends in their "truest" form. It was just a fun morning!!

Well....He Won!

At Garrett's high school they have a PRIDE program once a six weeks. Those students with good behavior, good attendance, no tardies, etc...may have an opportunity to participate in a game with the chance to win some pretty cool prizes. Garrett was asked to "play" yesterday at the 3rd six weeks program. He got to choose a partner to help and he chose wisely!!! The game was to put on three different pairs of sweats and then go to each end of the basketball court and make a lay-up. Now, Garrett is not an athlete in any sense of the word so he chose Jacob Darter (one of the all-time basketball stars...hee, hee, hee...smart kid!). The senior girls team actually beat Jacob but they didn't understand the rules. The basketball player HAD to put their arms into the arms of the sweats but they only put the top around the neck. :( Poor girls BUT lucky Garrett :). I do believe he owes Jacob at least a coke!! Maybe I'll get him a Sonic card or something. See Garrett's prize... a Sony stereo! Have to say that thing has played non-stop since he got home. It has a dock for his iPod so makes it just that much better. Does my heart good for him to "win"!

Sags & Bags

Well, I have really worked at this weight thing but fell of the wagon during Christmas. Set me back several pounds but I hit it hard again and I am back on track. BUT.....with the weight loss comes the saggy skin...baggy eyes...droopy arms! OH IT IS JUST NOT NICE! Seriously under my chin looks like a deflated balloon! I am trying to exercise a little so maybe that will help. If not....anyone know a good plastic surgeon? LOL

Good Bye 2010

Everyone makes New Year's Resolutions and in the past I will have to admit I did to. I wrote them down, posted them on the frig, put them in my checkbook, put them on my computer....tried it all and never seemed to stick with them. So for several years now I just didn't do it at all. Didn't want to fail at one more thing. This year I am looking at it a little differently. Instead of making resolutions I decided to get rid of some things from 2010. I like that idea. I am a little OCD with clutter and throw everything away so this is right up my alley!

1) WORRY: Quit worrying about everything. I question everything I do. How do others perceive it? Will I succeed? Can I financially afford it? You name it, I can worry about it!

2) OBLIGATIONS: As a family we have decided to let go of some obligations. Not to each other but to organizations, activities. Let someone else do it for a while so we can focus more on our family, our well being, our souls. It's amazing how obligations can engulf your life and completely destroy what you have built. It has been hard for us to make the decisions we have but completely necessary for our family.

3) TIME: Not get rid of it but find it. My kids are growing so quickly and I am missing so much. I have allowed my time to be stolen by other obligations and have left my own family to raise themselves.

4) OPINIONS: Let my heart guide me and not my head. This is a hard one for me but opinions are now in the garbage!

Not only am I throwing things out the window but I am taking some time to look over this past year and see the successes.

1) My marriage is stronger than it has ever been. I have a spectacular husband that continues to work on our relationship and cherishes the life we have built.

2) Garrett is maturing into such a great young man. He has always been a blessing with a challenge. It seems maturity is kicking in and a tad of responsibility is poking its head through the teenage fog! I know he still makes mistakes and will continue to do so but all in all he is a good kid and knows right from wrong and wants to do the right thing. I am a proud mom!

3) Guthri....well what can I say about Guthri? WOW! She is nothing what we thought she would be like 3 and 4 years ago. To see the progress she has made in self-esteem, school, personality there are just no words to describe her. She has a tender heart like no other, yet the fight of a mad bull. That is exactly why she will be just fine in this world!

4) Mine and Lonnie's parents are aging and we are blessed there have not been any major health issues for any of them. They continue to provide us with examples of how we should live. Completely blessed to still have them for us and our kids.

Well, I hope your 2011 will be all you expect. If not tweak it a little and make it what you want!