Saturday, October 31, 2009

Transitions Are Interesting!






This has been a difficult Halloween. Let me rephrase that. This has been a very different Halloween. From the time we became a family of four, we have followed the same Halloween traditions. The girls always planned their costumes for weeks prior to the big night and began dressing for the festivities three hours before dark. Steven prepared his famous homemade chili with steamed hot dogs, corn bread and all the fixings. My in-laws and folks joined us at the house and simply enjoyed the evening...some staying behind to greet trick or treaters while the rest of us traipsed around the neighborhood accumulating bags and bags of goodies.

But, our former traditions have been set aside this year and I'm still not quite sure how I feel about it...a little sad, maybe, a little unsettled, definitely, but...like so many things these past few years...I have to recognize that the changes aren't necessarily bad, just different. So, when Alissa began preparing for Homecoming and dressing in her beautiful gown looking every bit a woman...ready to conquer the world...I surged with pride. And when my Kinsey set off for a Halloween party with her girlfriends without us..I was oddly at peace. I have all of these wonderful Halloween memories to look back on. So, as I notice the neighborhood kiddos dressed for the night with their parents following closely on their heels...I will remember and treasure those not so long ago traditions. And I will work hard to embrace the new traditions that now seem to be.


Senior Night






Whew! It's over...after countless hours spent chasing down teen girls for their quotes...after sleepless nights spent fretting over the details (the presents, the program, the dinner, the posters, the decorations)...after many minor meldowns, too many trips to Target to count and a few tears too...it's done. And I learned a few things about myself along the way.

First and foremost, I don't delegate well. But, I love to volunteer my time and talents for others. Second, I am a perfectionist and I have ridiculous expectations for myself. But, I love spending time with teens...because they really do notice when you put forth the extra effort.






And I'm thrilled to report that Senior Night was a huge hit...in fact, it exceeeded my type A expectations. And, looking back, I would do it all over again...exactly the same way.

(By the way, that's Alissa's boyfriend on the left!)





Friday, October 9, 2009

Enjoying the View


I really love the view. The way that when I'm sitting on my couch, tilted just so, I see nothing but palms fronds and the sparkling water of the fountain...how at that moment the rooftops around me just melt away.

I really love the view. The way I'm able to witness the sun dropping just behind the treetops when the clouds are extra heavy...painting a picture that takes my breath away every single night I'm lucky enough to catch it. And these random thoughts set my mind to thinking.



I really love the view. The way in which my tender-hearted girl wears her heart on her sleeve...never afraid to express her love for family openly for all to see. And the way in which my blue-eyed beauty continues to blossom before my very eyes...no longer the gangly and giggly goofball. This emerging young woman who is figuring out how to make her way in this world has somehow taken hold.

To state that I love the view seems so basic and simple. But I do.