Happy First Date Anniversary!

Thirty-four years ago today, these two teenagers had a first date.  This picture is not of the first date, but several months later -wow!  The first date was on Friday, October 13, 1978.  Thank you, God, for choosing this man for me.   It has been a blessed 34 years. 

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday! Sweet C made these Apple Cider Caramel Cookies for me, and they are delicious! I do not eat chocolate; I know, my family tells me it is crazy.  But, caramel is a definite weakness, so chewy and gooey- yum! She got the recipe from Six Sisters. They have the best recipes!  My family also gave me a new bike, as you can see.  I like to ride in the morning, thus, the reason it is dark.   My bike has a basket, which is my favorite feature.  I love it! The basket is removable so I can carry it into the co-op, shop, and ride home.  Love, love, love!!

Dress Fitting

We went for the first dress fitting today!  Can't wait to go for the second in a month, but we will not be sharing any pictures.  ;-)

Congratulations!

Yesterday, C received a letter informing her that she passed the state bar exam!!  It was one happy day around this place.  She was crying and shaking like a leaf as she read it.   We are all SO proud of her and extremely glad that it is over.   Thank you, God, for our C and her ability to "do hard things."

Off to College

Today we took our sons to college.  JM is a returning sophomore, and J is a freshman, both at the same great school in our state, not very far down the road from us.  May I just tell you that I am very thankful for that! We got an early start this morning and it was a gorgeous day.  It took us about half a day to get everything in and them settled. JM's roommate moved in today also and joined us for lunch after the moving party. J's roommate doesn't move in until Friday. C even got to help her brothers move today.  She was excited since they have helped her move, ahem, 13 times!  I am not sure exactly what came over me today, but I held it together VERY well and didn't even cry.  And, for me, that is HUGE! You might say I am a tad on the sentimental side (if any of my children are reading, they are laughing hysterically.)  I cry at the drop of a hat, even sappy commercials!  So, the only explanation I can come up with is that the good Lord is preparing my heart for this season that our family is getting ready to experience.  And, I am grateful and my heart is full.

Summer is Winding Down

Just spent a few days enjoying this view and these people...and a couple others that I somehow missed getting pictures of!  Now, we are home packing to move these two handsome young men, pictured with their grandmother, into college in two short days.

Woohoo!

C sat for the bar on July 24 and 25 and moved home on the 27th.   We drove to meet her, G, and G's parents for dinner after the bar to celebrate her being finished!  It was a rough couple of days  (especially considering the power went out for an hour in the building where they were testing - unprecedented, I believe!)  Check out those big smiles!   Now, wedding planning full speed ahead...