a birthday treat

celebrating 15 years

having to work on your birthday (for the first time)

thinking no one will remember

a little planning on my part

ssshh

Surprise!

Lawman and I picked up the birthday girl from work at 9:15 tonight. Little did she know that her 2 BFF's were in the backseat. It was so worth it just to hear her squeal when they yelled 'surprise!' One quick stop to pick up big sis and her friend and we were off for a surprise birthday treat. Orangeleaf frozen yogurt ~ have you tried? (Oh, the brownie batter and chocolate cookies & cream are to die for.) Singing happy birthday to her on the sidewalk. Trying to get a candle to stay lit in the Kansas wind. Seeing her smile. Hearing her laugh. Those were the gifts I received today.

On the way home, it was quiet in the front seat. Lawman asked, "what are you thinking?" I said, "nothing. just listening to the girls in the backseat." He asked, "what do you hear?" My reply...."happy girls."

Madison celebrated her 14th birthday with her girlfriends on Friday night. She's always had a large circle of friends which has always made birthday parties challenging for me. A large group can get pricey if you don't watch it. This year we had the birthday girl + 12 others.

She wanted an evening of water fun in our back yard so that's exactly what we did.  A slip 'n slide was on the list of activities. The commercial ones that are wide enough for at least 2 people at a time start at $35. I didn't want to buy a water toy that probably wouldn't get a lot of use given the ages of our girls. So, we improvised and made our own.

A $20 tarp and our yard sprinklers worked like a charm. The tarp came with grommets so we used the stakes from our tent to hold it in place. And, the tarp will become part of our camping gear as our old tarp needed replaced. Other activities included water gun fights ($3.00 for 12), water baloon toss and fights ($2.75 for 250 baloons) and flash light tag by the light of the moon.  Dinner was a simple meal of hot dogs on the grill, chips and water melon with birthday cake for dessert (of course). 

The girls all said the highlight of the evening was flashlight tag. It was so much fun that my girls organized a neighborhood game on Saturday night and plans for a large co-ed game on July 3. I would have never guessed that something so simple (and old fashioned) would have been so popular with the teenagers!

This belonged to my maternal great grandmother. It was her spoon holder. For years it has held a place on a shelf in my mom's home. A few weeks ago, she passed it on to me.

I was glad to have it but I wondered where I would put it.

Then after my 'a-ha' moment last week to make every day special, I decided to use it.  

Now it will have a home on my kitchen counter. Perfect for that morning bowl of cereal or the late night bowl of ice cream.

making every day special

I'm changing out my every day dishes. Why? So that I can use the 'special' plates.

I purchased 4 of each of these dishes in Germany in 2002. How often have I used them? On July 4th and the days immediately before and after. You know, for 'special' occassions. Dumb. I know. Why do we do that?

I decided earlier this week that these would be our summer dishes. So until Labor Day these will be our every day dishes. Making every day special. Care to join me?

Moonlit Garden - Prom 2010

It was prom weekend.  Yes, on Mother's Day weekend. Go figure. Oh well. Enjoying these special moments with my girl is part of the joy of motherhood. Fleeting moments, that's what they are.


She was beautiful. He was handsome. Quite a pretty couple. Wouldn't you agree?


I love seeing all the kids dressed up in their finery. It's almost necessary to do a double-take given the fact that their usual attire is jeans and tshirts. It's amazing how well they clean up.


Lawman and I chaperoned at the dance and we were part of the security detail at After Prom. It was a long day and a very short night, considering we didn't get to bed until 4am. It takes me longer to recover than it used to.


Lawman scored BIG brownie points with the girl this weekend too. He made arrangements for a special ride. The dads chauffered the kids to the prom.  Lawman says he did it for the girl but  personally, I think he found some enjoyment in getting to drive it.  He did something else too. He set the bar really high for the rest of the proms. Even for the little sister's.

From Tween to Teen

It's happened. My baby has grown into a teenager.

It's official. That much anticipated birthday has arrived. She is no longer a little girl. No longer a tween. She's 13 today.

Gone are the days of letting me comb her hair. Needing me to tie her shoes.

We've moved on to bigger things. Like needing a ride or cash.

I've seen many changes in her. My favorite is that her relationships with those she shares a house with are changing. We're becoming friends. She invites us to do things with her because she wants to. Yes, all of us -- Mom, Dad and Sister.

Happy Birthday, my little M&M.

Yes, we do make a difference.

It's the time of year when many young people are moving on to that next phase of life. For some it is college, others choose to serve in the armed forces, some enter the work force while others have yet to decide what their next move will be.

We've had the opportunity this weekend to share in celebrations with several young people and their families. I've enjoyed reflecting on our relationships with these kids and their families and how we've connected.

Some connections were made years ago. Some just a few months ago.

Throughout the weekend we saw many of the same faces over and over again. I've shared here before that we live in a small community so we know a large percentage of the population. This weekend it was obvious that we are a tight-knit community and that yes, we do make a difference in the lives of our young people. All the more reason to be more aware of the decisions I make, the words I say, and the actions I take because people are watching.

Princess for a Day

Finally, the big day arrived. It's been on the calendar since January.

Prom 2009.

Many preparations had been made ~ new dress, shoes, accessories, hair appointment, flowers ordered, reservations made.

Alison was excited. Madison and I were excited. Lawman was nervous. Guess that's what dads do. Oh, but he was proud. I knew it even if he didn't say it.

I went with Alison for her hair appointment at noon. She wanted an up-do. Lots of curls. She got it.

Lots of hairspray and bobby pins too. Multiply that by a couple hundred girls and it makes me wonder what happened to the ozone layer yesterday. But just look at the end result....beautiful!

Once we had the hair done we had to do nails ~ toes and fingers. Then make-up. And finally it was time to put on the dress.

Doesn't every girl love to have a day of pampering and a beautiful dress to wear? Not to mention a handsome date. And of course, the ever difficult task of pinning that flower on. Lawman gave her instructions but said she had to do it. How is it that we can make everything else in life easier with new technologies but we still have to do this with those awful pins?

That photo.....that's how I know Lawman is proud. That bike is special. He wouldn't let just anyone use it as a photo prop. His idea too.

Following photos at our place, they went to the date's house. More photos. Then meeting everyone in the city park at 4:00 for more photos. Left for dinner at 5:00, back to town at 8:30, horse & carriage ride to the dance, and making a red carpet entrance.

Oh, but that's not all. Dancing til midnight, after prom party til 4am, breakfast and finally home for a good rest.

This photo is my favorite from the entire day. I think I'm going to have to get one framed. Don't you just love the tulips? They're everywhere in the park. Thousands of them. And I'm not exaggerating.

Bunny Treasure

We didn't color eggs this year. First time ever. The teenagers never even mentioned it until Easter morning. I was disappointed. They weren't.

Ah, but some bunny did all the work for me.

Easter morning we found 33 plastic eggs 'hidden' in our front yard and filled with goodies.

The surprise brought smiles. And here I thought they were too old for such traditions.

A Fiery Birthday Celebration

I shared here that Alison turned 16 last week. She wanted to celebrate with her friends but didn't have a definite idea for a plan. What do 16 year old girls want to do for a celebration? Well, if you don't have a limited budget, they do outrageous, extravagent parties. Since we're on a more modest budget, I suggested a Japanese Steakhouse thinking she and her girlfriends would find it entertaining to have their food prepared right in front of them. Not to mention the assortment of fire tricks they do.


She was willing to try that and called for reservations. 16 and took one of mom's suggestions seriously? Oh my. How long will this last?






It was a huge hit complete with fire, catching shrimp and a birthday peacock.

A last minute suggestion from the birthday girl was a bonfire. Um....not something one can throw together at the last minute when you live in the city, right? Well, fortunately for her she lives in a town surrounded by prairie and it's currently the season of an annual prairie tradition. Burning. Yes, burning of the prairie.

As a farm/ranch girl, I grew up participating in this each year and to this day it is still one of my all-time favorite activities. I love the smell, the sound of the fire crackling and more than anything, the look of the hills alive with fire. If you've never seen this in person, you can't fully understand what I'm talking about nor will you appreciate it. I will suggest that if you ever have an opportunity to observe this spring time ritual, jump at it. It's unbelievable.

As the birthday girl's luck would have it, her dad was helping friends burn pasture at the family farm. And, we had to drive right by it on our way home. So she called Lawman and said we were going to stop by.

We even managed to do a little muddin' on our way there. Trust me when I tell you that it wasn't planned. I, um, took the wrong dirt (more like mud) road and soon found myself stuck. Telling a car load of 16 year old girls that you're stuck??? Not a good idea. Panic ensued but I did save the day as I got us out. Thank the Lord for my 4-wheel drive vehicle! The sound of all the mud flying off my tires as I drove on down the road? Let's just say it was pretty loud and I was saying to myself, "Thank heavens I got us out of that one. I wouldn't have wanted to call Lawman!"

As soon as we arrived at the right place, Alison and one other girl popped out of the truck and parked themselves on the back-end of the mule Lawman was driving. Talk about a happy birthday girl.

You can't top a bonfire that consumes the entire hillside!

Sweet 16

Someone at our house celebrated a milestone birthday this weekend. Alison turned 16. I can't believe it's been that long since we brought her home from the hospital. Honestly, it seems like it was just a couple of years ago and then I look at her. She's a lovely young lady who can make me smile in the blink of an eye.

Photos (top to bottom): Alison, Alison & Madison, Alison sporting a sombrero, Alison & the boyfriend, Michael

Speak to Me, My Love

Be still my heart. Lawman is speaking my love language this morning. He made breakfast -- biscuits, sausage, scrambled eggs and a diet coke on ice.

He worked at McDonald's during high school so he knows this routine.

I can't think of a better way to begin my day than fresh baked biscuits with butter and honey. No chocolates or flowers for me thank you.

What's your love language? Hope your Valentine speaks it to you today.

A Late Delivery

Turns out our mail carrier is one of Santa's elves. I received a gift in the mail today. Lawman, bless his heart, got a subscription to this magazine for me.

Heeding Advice

Tonight I'm taking some advice from Rachel.

We just returned from Christmas Eve services followed by marveling at the beautiful Christmas lights in our little town. Now I'm feeling the Christmas spirit. Just wanting to enjoy each and every moment.

Girls are in the kitchen looking for a snack. I'm off to find my comfy pajamas, a fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot cider. You can find me on the couch enjoying a Christmas movie.

There are things on my list that didn't get done. There's not a thing on it that matters. Tomorrow will come and I plan to enjoy it -- just as I am.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

A Moment of Quiet Among the Madness

Lawman and I found a moment of quiet last night. Something that seems difficult to do during the holiday rush.

Christmas carols playing, a glass of wine and enjoying our Kathe Wohlfahrt insence buring snowman we picked up in Germany in 2002.

Discussion of the New Year; healthy eating and new goals.

Today there will be rushing with wrapping and the last of the shopping but that stolen moment of quiet will see me through.

Visions of Sugar Plums

Our family had never made a gingerbread house and I thought it would be a great Sunday evening family activity.

What was I thinking?

All week I had asked the girls to please leave Sunday evening open for a family Christmas activity.

By 6pm I had everyone assembled in the kitchen with gingerbread, frosting and decorating materials laid out. Oh this was going to be such fun!

Suddenly my bubble burst.

Just listen to the comments that were made (by 15 and 12 year old daughters) and you'll know why.

Can we just do this already?

This is dumb. Why do we have to decorate a gingerbread house?

What's the purpose of this thing anyway?

I'm starving. What's for dinner? I forgot to eat lunch.

Who invented the gingerbread house? They must have had NOTHING to do.

I'd rather watch a movie.

Can't you and Dad just do this?

Ok, so it wasn't all visions of sugar plums like I had hoped but I'm sure that in about 10 years they'll look back on this and laugh. They'll probably feel guilty that they didn't humor their mother and decorate the dumb gingerbread house.

Lawman and I had fun with it. And maybe we'll laugh at the memory in 10 years too.

An Art Form

We are hosting our annual holiday open house this evening. For dessert we will be offering sugar cookies decorated for Christmas. (Ours look just like the ones on the right hand side, silver tray of this web page.)

They truly are an art form. I can't imagine the number of hours nor the amount of patience required to make them.

Some things are worth paying for.

Bling and Wheels, Exercising My Right and a Birthday

I've got lots to share today. Can you tell by the title? Nothing that's related but newsworthy. Guess the newsworthy part depends on who you are; not everyone would think so.

B3 got some bling this weekend. (This is her new keychain -- it's her initial with lots of crystals/rhinestones. My intention was to show you a photo of it but someone has borrowed my camera's memory card and now they can't find the camera. Use your imagination.)

Wheels too. (Again, this was to be a picture of her car. Not a new one but used. Again, imagination required.)

Yep. The girl has transportation.

It was a complete surprise to her. Her dad told her he was "going down the road" with one of his buddies and when he returned, he was driving her vehicle. Oh the smile on that girl's face. Lasted for days. I would imagine her cheeks are quite sore because of it.

She drove herself to school today. Lawman gave her instructions to "park in the boonies." I also recall a couple of last minute instructions this morning from him. Something to the effect of, "Today's a big day. Don't screw it up."

She's driving on a restricted license which means she is legal to drive herself to/from work and to/from school. No more. That's the law in our State and our house. I would imagine the girl will abide by the rules considering that Lawman wears a uniform, packs heat and has sirens on his office, um, I mean patrol car. Not to mention the fact that every other patrol car in the area knows who Lawman's daughter is. Word of wrong doing travels fast in our neck of the woods.

Now, on to the 2nd item of today's title....Exercising my right. My right to vote and yes I did. This morning before work. I decided that if I was going to have to wait in line it would probably be shorter this morning than it would be at 5:30 this evening. I did have to wait. It took about 35 minutes to get to the voting booth. I would have never thought that possible in my little town. I'm not going to discuss my choices but I will say that regardless of who is our next President, history is in the making today and I was part of it.

Another thing that surprised me about our election was that the world is watching. Yes, the world. We had an exchange student from Germany living with us 2 years ago. Yesterday I received an email from her father which mentioned how they are "anxious to see the results of our election because it will effect them too." Guess I haven't thought outside the box. I've been watching our political and economic situation unfold from the American point of view. Makes me wonder if I shouldn't be paying more attention to the politics and economy of the world.

And last but not least, the birthday. It's mine. Today. And I get to share it with politicians. How lovely. It's not a big milestone, just another notch in the belt so to speak.

I was laying in bed this morning after my alarm went off, trying to force myself to get up. I heard a noise in the kitchen. It wasn't the cat because I could see him laying on the floor next to the bed. I asked Lawman if he heard it. Yes he did but he didn't move. I got out of bed to go see what it was and he said, "You better just get in the shower." What? There's an unusual noise in the house at 5:50 a.m. and you want me to get in the shower? Turns out that the noise was B2 making breakfast for me in the kitchen. She served me in bed. How sweet is that? Especially considering that she was up about 40 minutes earlier than usual. Bless her heart. B3 wanted nothing to do with it. B2 tried to wake her up and the noise errupting from the bedroom sounded like a cat fight!

Tonight I'll be having my birthday dessert. Coconut Macaroon Pie. My mother made it for me every year rather than a cake. Well, most years and if I did have a cake it was German Chocolate. I have a thing for coconut apparently. I'm gonna go get a slice right now.

A Birthday Shout-Out

It's my brother's birthday today. Rick, here's a birthday shout-out for you...HAPPY 57th BIRTHDAY! Love you. Hey, did you notice I got the age right?!

Somebody Loves Me

It's a special day for Lawman and me. As of today, we're celebrating 17 years of marriage.

I reminded him of that today as we woke to his alarm at 6am. I also told him I'd do it all over again.

Apparently, he didn't need reminding. He left for work at 7am and I was still in bed. Later, as I entered the kitchen there was a nicely wrapped package on the counter. My first thought was, "Shame on him. We said no gifts or cards." That's just like him though.

So then I wondered, "Do I open the package now?" I shook it. Hmmm. It made a noise. I thought it could possibly be new perfume; I need some. I couldn't wait any longer. I tore back the paper and found a box from a jewelry store. In it was a beautiful bracelet. Individual flat stones in browns and golds linked together with silver chains. (Bracelets are one of my absolute favorite things; apparently he knows that.)

I'm wearing the bracelet as I type this morning. It doesn't quite match my green and aqua summer pajamas but I will be selecting my church attire to match.

Lawman will be home from work this afternoon and I'll have to give him a proper thank you. We have a date scheduled for this evening. The girls will be home and we're headed for the city for a dinner out.