Did you see it?

Wow - what a sunset last night ................
Of course, this doesn't even begin to capture it. It looked like it was on fire!! Bravo God!! Magnificent!!

She's signed up

Weird - yesterday I signed Emily up for Drivers Ed!!!! When did that happen?!?! It really kind of caught me emotional!

Tomorrow we are heading in to get her Drivers Permit and NO, I'm not going to let her drive home from Bellingham!! I'm thinking we'll start with Wiser Lake Rd. and Blysma Rd. and work our way up to Hannegan to Lynden. Definitely NOT heading to the round-abouts anytime soon!!!

It seems like just a couple years ago this is the way things were...................
Seriously - I remember hearing this when I was a young mom (which I guess that makes me now an "old" mom :-( !!) and thinking, "right - I'll be doing this parenting thing forever and wiping snot off my knees every Sunday on the way to church!" BUT NO - no more snot!! Pretty soon she'll be saying - "I'll just meet you guys at church" - nope - not gonna happen - I can use the excuse of $3/gal. gas, but really, I just want her with us as much as possible - the next 3 years are going to FLY!!

A girls weekend

Saturday morning we headed down south. I let Emily take a couple friends and I took a friend and we shopped, saw a movie, spent the night, shopped - and came home!

I only took one picture because I didn't want the wrath of my daughter (I don't know how she expects to have pictures in her photo album!!). We were sitting outside Starbucks waiting for the movie to start and I snapped this picture without them knowing. I just had to capture this moment!!
All three girls were sitting there texting, Mikki had just put hers down to take a drink when I snapped the photo. Doesn't this just describe this generation??

We went to see "The Last Song" - personally, I loved it! It was a very good movie, very clean and make sure you bring kleenex! I definitely could see it again, and I'm not a Miley Cyrus fan.

On the way down Sat., we stopped in Marysville at the Outlet Mall and I spent all my shopping money (I had some thanks to my sweet hubby) in the first store we went in - Ann Taylor - what a sale they were having!!

Sunday we headed to Alderwood Mall. It was a beautiful day and Val and I enjoy coffee and then later, lunch outside while we soaked up the sun.

Hope you got to soak up some sun this weekend. Next week promises to be even better!!!! Yeah! Now if someone could just turn this blasted wind off!! I MIGHT take pictures of what I acquired just to show you the awesome deals I got!!

Another pile............

If you know me at all, you know I drink a lot of crystal lite! It's my feeble attempt at drinking water?!?! I'm one of those that consumes liquids all day long and I drink crystal lite as opposed to downing diet coke after diet coke!!
I decided months ago that I should save the containers that the mixes come in because I COULD make adorable "things" with them and give them to friends......................
Okay - I've shared - now I MUST fix one up all cute!! I've tried to decide what I could put in them. Maybe some homemade biscotti? Candy? I don't know...............Please - any suggestions? I will get one all fixed up and give it to the person who I decide has the best suggestion. NO I WILL NOT FILL IT WITH MONEY OR GIFT CARDS :-)! Let's hear it! You get busy with the ideas and I will get busy with the decorating!!!!

Piles of piles

Why do I do this?!?!?!?
Currently, I have 3 piles sitting there, staring at me, waiting for a response - looking repulsive!!

This pile is sitting on the desk in my office.........................
This pile is sitting by the desk in the kitchen..............
This pile is in my office in a cute basket trying to disguise itself..........but that doesn't help........
I HATE piles, I do however love files! I have a cute basket with matching, pretty files, waiting for me to break down those piles and get them organized.....................
I actually do love filing too - I enjoy getting things where they need to be.

I need to make a date with myself - AND GET RID OF THOSE PILES!!

Happy Birthday Emily!

Yesterday was Easter yes, but it was also my baby girls' 15th birthday!! I know we all say this, but "where has the time gone".........................
A family tradition - your choice of breakfast on the celebrate plate! The choice - Chocolate chip pancakes! That's my chocolate girl!
Saturday she had a group of friends over for a barbeque and movie! Great group of kids!
This is her opening a present that she thinks she knows what it is!
This is the look on her face when she realizes that she got what she really wanted - which she didn't think we'd ever get her. Her generous brother Nathan paid for half so we could swing it.............
AN IPOD touch!
I know Emily does not read my blog, but I just need to say, Emily Claire - you are growing up to be such a beautiful young woman inside and out! I love your independent spirit, your ability to make people feel comfortable and accepted, your musical talents, your love for animals, your spunk and your ability to think for yourself and have opinions about what's right and what's wrong. I am blessed to have you as my daughter!

PS I guess I'd better update her age on my sidebar profile!

He is Risen!

Today, I am reminded that when I focus on the cross and what God did for me in sending Jesus, his son, to be a sacrifice for me - my heart is full and grateful! I was on my way to church listening to an awesome CD, thinking about the cross and I was overwhelmed with gratefulness!

I am sad to say I don't dwell on the thought of the cross very often. That is very sad that I don't...........

It shouldn't take a "special day" to remind me of God's faithfulness and LOVE for me - as undeserving as I am.

HE IS RISEN INDEED!