2 Down, 1 To Go

Turn down my music player at the bottom of my page to hear Miguel's grad video.

A Sitting Down Moment

Sometimes it is hard to find just the right words. But in spite of writers block, I persevere to find the words that express the exactness of my intent. It is when I delve into the depths of my emotion that I feel the true inspiration, and it is then that it hits me. One more Grad down, one to go.

As I sit here in the solitude of my room in a quiet moment to myself, I hear the clock tick. It's minute, infinitesimal movements slowly mark the passage of time. It ticks away the seconds, minutes, days, months and years. Where have they all gone?

Almost exactly one year ago I wrote a piece called "Bottles, Bibs and Diplomas". In this blog post,  I expressed the sadness I had over the loss of Air Force Man's childhood. I thought that perhaps with each child and the passing of time it would get easier. I want to say that I was wrong. It does not get easier, NO, not easier. My emotions bubble close to the surface as I contemplate the future: graduation, college, a church mission, marriage. The mere bubbling of emotions for me is a difficult feat so you KNOW this has got to be tough.  Scratching away at the surface, I am wearing away thinner and thinner.  Miguel is moving further and further from being my baby and closer and closer to the independent man that I hope I have prepared him to be.  I am proud of him.

As graduation this weekend grows, and the company comes to visit, and the barbeques are had, this last final moment of his childhood may slip away in the mass of events without notice.  Like the blink of an eye.  I blinked again...     

WOW

Photo Source: Miguel

Seminary Graduation

When you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you don't just have the opportunity to graduate High School but to simultaneously graduate from Seminary. Every day for four years, LDS youth attend Seminary. Seminary is Church classes taken off campus as an elective during the school day where they study from the scriptures, learn of church history, fellowship and perform service. Just yesterday, Miguel Graduated from Seminary, and in a few short days will graduate High School. May I be the first to say, Congratulations Miguel! And, we can't believe you really did it!

Not too bad for an old lady...

Last Saturday, I ran in the Famous Idaho Potato 5k with KT.  The 3.1 miles run along the beautiful Boise River.  It was a gorgeous, cool morning for running.  I am so proud of myself, because I finished 7/33 in my age group.  78/329 women, and 177/571 men and women.  The best part, now shhhh, don't tell anyone, is that I beat KT by a minute five seconds.  I finished in 32.15.9.  That beats out my first 5k.  Feels good to improve.

Travel Diaries

Photo Source

I have found that traveling with your spouse can either bring your closer together or drive a wedge.  Now if you are like me, I try to take a comedic approach to those wedge driving moments.


While on our recent trip to San Antonio after a long day of traveling, we were finally able to check into the hotel.  Lugging my large suit case, laptop bag and purse, KT pulled along his suitcase.  He opened the hotel room door for me, and like a gentleman let me enter first.  With my three bags, I walked into the room and KT followed.  As the door shut behind him, he turned to me and demanded quite seriously, I might add, "Why'd you leave my suitcase in the hall?"  I turned, looked at him and said,  "You are such a Jack Ass!" 

And that is how we roll....

I am not a child

Photo Source

I think my husband thinks of me as a child. Could be because I am seven inches shorter? Do I resemble a child? I really don't know.

The other day whilst perusing Wally World, You know the place, he was looking at boring old electronic components, switches and cables. I meandered my way over to the $5.00 movie bin. I am a collector you know. Can't get enough of movies. Anyways, I regress. My dear husband comes and finds me and proceeds to give me a bit of a tongue lashing in said public place. How dare I walk off? Really?

Let me repeat: I AM NOT A CHILD! Would you like me to hold onto the basket so I don't get lost? Just sayin'

Letters to Ladybug #5

Alrighty then, I've been home nearly a week, and dear ladybug already has the scoop on what happened last Sunday. But, you my dear blogging friends have not yet seen the last of my trip to San Antonio whilst I visited with my Military Man, TJ. So here is Mother's Day in a brief synopsis.

We went downtown again to the River Walk. We enjoyed a boat ride on a barge, ate Mexican food on the water, and walked to the sky tower for a look out over the city. Amazing view, by the way. Please enjoy my picture slide show below. The best was spending time with KT, TJ, Miguel and J-Thurbs.



Letters to Ladybug #4

Dear Ladybug,

We have been so tired, a lot of what goes on in the military is hurry up and wait, and wait, and wait.  We averaged 5 hours of sleep since last Tuesday.  We have truly felt like the walking dead.  Last night we slept twelve, count them twelve beautiful hours.  We needed them as we went to Six Flags Fiesta Texas yesterday. I know you were jealous. Even though we had fun, it was hot and muggy and dirty. It is no Disneyland. You would definitely had one of your heat sick headaches. Be grateful...


Love,
Mom

Letters to Ladybug #3

Dear Ladybug,

We are having an amazing time, but missing you terribly. Just so you feel better, I've got some surprises to bring home to you. It'll be like Christmas. We got to watch some pretty cool parade exercises yesterday. It was very impressive and patriotic. Then we went to the Alamo and saw this really cool store where everything is purple. So Yeah, I had to at least take a picture.

So how the heck does a whole softball team not show up. Does that mean you win by forfeit? I know how grandma doesn't like sports. Sitting out at the field must have been pretty torturous for her. Be sure to treat her extra special for Mother's Day for me. Here are some pictures...

Love,
Mom

Letters to Ladybug #2

Dear Ladybug,

How is day #2 going for you? Today we got to see your big brother. He looks great and did really well in his ceremonies. It was really awesome to go up to him and hug him. He couldn't move until a family member tapped them out. So I just threw my arms around him and chocked back tears. I have missed him. Here are some pictures for you to see how much fun we had. Don't worry, we bought the DVD so you can see everything you missed.

Miguel and J-Thurbs' plane is late and we are hoping they will actually make it in for the events tomorrow morning. Say a prayer will ya?

Love,
Mom

PS. Sorry you had a migraine tonight. I hope you feel better soon.

Letters to Ladybug #1

What's up chiquita banana? Whew! What a day, 4 states in five hours! Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Texas...We made it safe and sound to San Antonio and are excited to see your big brother, TJ, in the morning. He made Honor Grad! That means that he is ranked #4 out of over 400 recruits. That's pretty good if I do say so myself. Here are some pictures of your tired parents at the Hard Rock Cafe and a picture of the River Walk for good measure.

We miss you and love you!

PS:  Congratulations on winning your softball game and batting around three times.  Dad will bring Pizza to the next game.  Sorry we missed it.  YOU ROCK, sistah!