Jeffery's 16th

We celebrated Jeffery's birthday on Wednesday. Just us--Ryan, Matt, and me. He is currently celebrating by having two of his friends spend 4 days/3 nights here at our house with him, with random other friends stopping by throughout the visit. It has been fun for them--I woke up this morning at 5 AM and they were awake and in Jeffery's room laughing away. They hadn't gone to sleep yet! Those were the days. I remember going to slumber parties or staying the night with friends and trying to stay up all night.

Anyway, here are a couple of photos from Jeffery's actual birthday:





I want to tray and get of picture of Jeffery with his 2 friends but we'll see how that goes. He might be embarrassed for me to do it. ha ha

First Day of Kindergarten

Ryan's first day of kindergarten was last Wednesday, July 8. He was excited and ready to go. Matt and I took him. I think I embarrassed both of them with my picture taking!

This 1st picture is in our back yard before we left:

This is outside his classroom:

We had to wait a while and he got a little impatient:

He sat right down and said goodbye without a problem:

Overall, I was quite surprised how EASY it was. He didn't cry or anything when we left. He was ready to go!

Grad Night

Here are some pictures from Ryan's preschool promotion program.

Before the program:

Ryan and his friend Christian.

Waiting to go out for the promotion:




Receiving his "diploma":



Overall a good night but don't get me started on how rude people are. You should have seen they way some of the parents acted, standing on the chairs, etc., blocking everyone's view. Anyway, it was fun seeing Ryan perform his little song/dance (all those pictures came out blurry though).

2009 Graduate

I'm finally back posting to my blog. Hi mom! Here is Ryan's preschool graduation photo:



I just absolutely love it!

And, since I'm learning how to add special effects to my photos, here's another version I made:




More to come . . .

A big surprise

I went to feed my dog Sandy the other night and THIS is what I found in her bowl! I was about 4 inches long. I screamed and Matt came out to see what was up. Matt, Jeffery and I just looked at it, totally puzzled as to what it could be. Was it a tarantula? Was it a scorpion? It looked like a cross between the two. Well, Matt called our exterminator and he came out and said it is a sun spider, also known as a wind scorpion. They are common out here. Yes, COMMON. This is the first one I have ever seen in my life and hope to NEVER meet another one. They are not venemous to humans, but their bite is supposed to really hurt. Look at those fangs!

Rosa

My friend Rosa would have turned 39 today.



My life has an empty spot since she died. When I moved out here, she was such a good friend to me, helping me to feel at home. I spent many lonely nights when Matt was working hanging at her house. She was an amazing, one-of-a-kind woman.

I don't know if there is a heaven--but if there is she is there. And she is brightening that place up with her laugh and her smile. And livening it up with some dancing and music.

I miss you Rosa.

39th

Happy birthday to me!

It's my 39th birthday today. I never thought I'd be this old--not that I thought I wouldn't make it to 39, it's just hard to imagine yourself growing older. I still feel about 30 on the inside. . .

My friend Kathy Leonard (who is in her early 60's) says that's the way it is . . . you keep getting older but you still feel 30 inside. You look in the mirror and can't believe it's you . . .

I wish I had some great insight on life to share. I'm still learning, growing, still trying to accept myself and love myself for who I am. Still trying.

I never thought I would be 39 with a 5-year-old! Ryan has enriched my life in so many ways I never thought possible.

I never thought Jeffery would turn 15 on me! Or be driving a car!! He's growing into an amazing young man and I am so proud.

Another milestone this year--Matt and I will be married 10 years in November. It is my good fortune to be sharing this journey with him.

Today I'm just thinking I want to be healthier--I haven't been the healthiest person lately. I just want to take care of myself so I can enjoy my life as I get older . . .

I've also been thinking of my friend Rosa today. Her life was so tragically cut short. She was so vibrant and bubbly, and, mostly, a caring person. Her birthday is exactly 2 weeks after mine so I always remember it. She would have been 39 on April 28th.

So, no matter what joys, miracles, trials and tribulations the next year may bring, it's good to get a chance to experience it all. It's good to be able to watch my children grow up. It's good to be alive today.