Graduating Class of 2018!

The graduating class of 2018 had over 500 students tossing their hats in the air! 

Getting dressed for her ceremony I grabbed my phone and snapped a couple photos of her when she came over and hugged me and said, "Awe, mom, you are already crying." 

She did it! Thank you, God, she graduated! 

I am so proud both my daughters graduated from the very best high school around! It was so important to me when I moved into this community over 18 years ago and I am grateful. 

Impressively, five from this class graduated with a 5.7 GPA, and 189 of 500 had a 3.9 GPA or higher. The ceremony was in pure, Jackson-style class and extensive recognition went out to so many of the students with a shocking 7 million dollars in scholarships! 

Hearing her name called as she walked across that stage accepting her diploma was exhilarating! 

Sweet sisters celebrating together ...

Brooke's love by her side ...

And Grammy & Papa ...

Lots of photos, but these were my favorites. 

A beautiful diploma that reads my daughter's name. 

A milestone accomplished.

Congratulations, sweetheart, I am so proud of you!

It's Graduation Day!

Some moments feel surreal. One moment I am holding my granddaughter at our last cookout in this home ...

... then I am ironing my youngest daughters graduation gown. Tonight will be Pomp and Circumstance and I will be breathless is gratefulness and praise!

So many changes, so many blessings.

Memorial Day

It amazes me on social media American's who still do not know the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. 

It's safe to say they most likely order Expresso's (Espresso) and say exspecially (especially). 

MEMORIAL DAY

A day to remember and honor

those who made the ultimate

sacrifice while serving in our military

VETERANS DAY

A day to show appreciation to

those who have served in 

our military and are still living

Before I opened my eyes this morning, I thanked God for our freedom in this country. I am also known for extending thanks in prayer to those who served and died for our freedom. 

Today looks to be my last cookout in my home. Sunny & 90's, thank goodness for large trees and their shade. A relaxing weekend off, time with family and friends, my now quiet home will soon be filled with laughter and loud conversation, good food and a day in the sunshine. 

#Gratefulforfreedom

#Knowthedifference

#Educateyourkids

Momma to the Rescue!

I was in a meeting on a conference call when a text came through from my mom, "Mariah called, Sofia's been crying for 45 minutes!"

Then, came a phone call from my Mariah. She always Facetimes and I knew the phone call was different. Stepping out of the meeting I answered the phone to Mariah crying, that she was having a really bad day, and the baby won't stop crying ..." my sweet girl needed her Momma.

Assuring her I would be there directly after work, canceling plans, I was on a mom mission to get to my daughter. Sofia is teething, miserable multi-symptoming, but it was my little girl that needed me most.

Regardless whether they are 9 months, 2 yrs, 15 yrs or almost 23 years old and a mom herself, there is a sense of urgency that is triggered when you hear your child cry.

A teething, miserable baby makes for an exhausted momma. She needed a shower. She needed to go to the bathroom without Sofia falling apart. She needed to eat without shoveling food in her mouth. She needed to get something accomplished, and I know she could use a good weeks worth of sleep.

Standing in my arms for hugs, soft kisses on her cheek, it was my Mariah who needed her momma most.

I told her to get out of the house for some quiet me-time. Take Jeremy and enjoy that alone time. I have Sofia. She wanted all of us together.

Sometimes a girl just needs her mom, no matter how old she is.

Jeremy brought a delicious dinner home after work. A gorgeous evening and a walk in an absolute beautiful park, her disaster of a day turned out just what she needed.

Graduate Class of 2018

Sleeping in every day, a slight increase in her hours at work, spending the evenings with Alex or a group of girlfriends she hangs out with, I asked her how she likes being out of school?

"I knew I would like it, but I didn't realize how good it would feel!" 

Cap and gown pick up today. TGIF tomorrow. Home inspection Saturday. A 3-day Memorial Day weekend. Graduation Tuesday. Sunny and 80's.

Thank you, God! 

My Sun, Moon & Stars

Oh, Sofia, you are my sun, moon and stars.

I love your crazy hair, sissy! Her hair is getting thick and fluffy and it suits her personality so well.

My precious granddaughter is quite the bulldozer. She is a bit rough on things and I was amazed when she in baby strength was lifting her baby bouncing seat off the floor, several times. She looked like Bam Bam from the Flinstones and I just watched her.

She gets pent up energy and will lock her arms and grunt. I'm certain this terrifies other babies uncertain of what she is capable of. That's okay sweet girl, a healthy fear is a good thing! [laughing]

Those big brown eyes and a beautiful smile and thank God for your kissable skin, because you are one loved little girl with nothing but love and attention.

I love you, Sofia.

xo

Exhale

Exams are finished, she made it ...

    An offer on my home accepted ...

                                                   ... exhale.

Thank you, God.

A Facetime call to my Sofia while they are in Kentucky visiting family and I see from the Facetime in the living down the hall into the kitchen, my precious granddaughter on the floor with her cousins bent over talking/playing with her and I say, "Sofia, it's grandmomma!" 

At the distance she hears me and little arms start waving, chubby little legs start kicking, she knows. My heart bursts with love.

That sweet, little face excited to see me on Facetime talking to her and her little cousins popping over her shoulder to see who Sofia is talking to. Me saying hello to all of them.

There are so many things to be grateful for. 

Her Super Hero Cape

My sweet Sofia came over last night while her mommy & daddy had some things to do.

I was caught off guard when a few minutes after being dropped off she went from being happy and smiling to her little mouth turned down, the bottom lip pushed out and the tears began. I seldom ever hear her cry and I'm around a lot. She fusses when she's overly tired, but this was tears filling her eyes looking up at me in an "I'm hurting" cry. My heart broke.

Quick! Baby pain meds, her teeth are really hurting her. She was sleepy and a poopy diaper.

Aunt Brooke jumped for the baby pain meds, I can change a diaper pretty quick, snuggling with a bottle while kissing her soft cheeks calmed the storm. Ten minutes later she was back to 100%.

Great Grammy & Papa came over to see their sweet great granddaughter and little miss Sofia was loved on and entertained.

"Look mommy, at Grandmomma's house I get to relax in the tub while wearing my super hero cape and have a snack. Grandmomma doesn't care at all if I make a mess, I wash right off!"

Oh, Sofia, how much do I love thee? More than the stars in the sky and the fish in the sea.

Between Two Addresses

My home is for sale and I've run out of checks.

I'm caught between two addresses.

I have my apartment address, you know, the one with the "Aha!" moment and all the bells and whistles? Well, my home hasn't sold and while they will hold my brand new, never lived in apartment until August, I can't help but wonder if the delay in my home being sold is divine intervention.

What if I'm not meant to be there?

Isn't it odd to think of selling your home, the one that has been your oasis and you've raised your family in not really certain where you'll go after 15 years of residential stability? What is Plan B if my home sells and I've released my apartment? 

While that should be the forefront of my mind, I find I am worried more about ordering checks and wondering what address is going on them, as if anyone even really uses checks anymore. 

It really is an odd transition and somehow I am at peace knowing where ever I land, is exactly where I am supposed to be. 

A resort-style swimming pool, tiki bar, patio grills, a state of the art fitness center, movie theater and free 24/7 Starbucks sounds logical. Then, I think while this new oasis has a dog park, if I had a neighbor with a barking dog, God knows my Christianity would be tested.

What comes next is meant to be.

4 Generations

Mother's Day was a perfect day for our 4 generations photo.

My Mom, me, Sofia, and Mariah ...

Chubbilicious Snugglicious is quite the armful! We are crazy about each other!

Mother's Day Blessings

There I sat in church by myself as the pastor was talking about Mother's Day. Mentioning Mother's Day is a hard day for so many, mothers who have lost a child, a mother has passed, a woman who has not been able to give birth, or a mom who has given their child up. My tears were falling and I'm certain I looked hurt.

They were actually happy tears. Odd, huh? Yep. Once I found out I was going to be a grandmother, I find I get emotional even when happy.

Perhaps it's love spilling out when outwardly I am not showing exuberance.

I woke up happy and was surprised when I came into the kitchen and Brooke had a banner of lyrics beautifully written as a Mother's Day wish. She had the coffee pot set and there sat a spiral album of my granddaughter and my family.

Brooke's goal is always waterworks, she was still sleeping and missed the show.

Then I see a small note written in the middle of the banner and the gift and it said,

For the most

perfect mother 

in the world

<3 Brooke

Perfect. 

That word stuck with me that she would chose that word to describe how she sees me.

I'm sitting in church and as the pastor is talking, the memories of years ago play like a movie reel in my mind. The years we battled so hard. Locking horns like mighty rams.

God never gives you more than you can handle, yet He gave me her and knew I could handle it. He provided the strength as the weeks, months and years blurred into battles and brokenness and I met her at every ugly boundary.

The years she really wanted to quit life and that dark place that I went to as a mom that only God really knows. 

Those years have passed and it's safe to say our whole family is celebrating she made it to graduation.

Nobody gave up on her. I think of kids hurting in pain and families worn out turning their backs. Don't. 

She is graduating. She's happy. She's in love. 

Healing happens.

Both my girls often reference who I love the most. Good grief is that exhausting. The truth is, when Brooke was in her darkest hours, weeks, months and years, I never once loved her an ounce less than Mariah. 

And on this Mother's Day as I am sitting in church with happy tears. I'm thinking of my little girl who made it, when the bowels of hell tried to destroy her. Yet, today my relationship with her is extremely close and I know I am her best friend. 

My Mariah's Mother's Day card to me had a repeating theme about being a strong woman.

Alex, Brooke's fiance thinks of me as fearless. That is a healthy respect I'm glad he has for me. 

My family all together. Everyone happy. My beautiful granddaughter whom I love so, so dearly, I am grateful.

It was such a good Mother's Day and as I reflect over the last 21 years of being a single mom, I am blessed beyond measure for the relationship I have with both my daughters, my son-in-law(s), and granddaughter. 

Don't think for a second I don't look back and remember everything it took to get here.

It was so worth it.

That Moment When ...

"Mom, I'm going to need more toothpaste" she announced across the house in normal, she speaks the words, and her items appear. The prattling of her needs list I hear at least 3-4 times per week.

That beautiful moment when I smile to myself knowing next week when she asks, I will casually say, "Okay, go ahead and buy it."

Brooke & Alex Senior Prom 2018

She felt beautiful and she was! Always going with up hair styles, for Prom she decided to go with the elegance of long, soft curls and her hair in an ombre of darker to light. Subtle on her make-up she is a natural beauty.

Alex looks so handsome in his suit and bow tie (Brooke is all about bow ties) and that weeping cherry tree in bloom was the perfect backdrop for this photo montage.

Brooke cried today that morning when she saw so many girls have their prom photos with their dad and hers is no longer here. Papa surprised her and dressed up to have photos with her. When she walked in the room in her grand presentation, she saw her Papa in a suit. He stood up and told her how beautiful she is. He hugged her for a full minute and with tears in his eyes told her he loves her and how proud he is of her. She said, "Papa, your going to ruin my make-up." She needed him. He has always been there for her and he always steps up. He is a good man. 

Grammy & Papa, Mariah & Jeremy and Sofia came to see Brooke ready for Prom and to be a part of her photos. It made her feel so special. She is!

Oh Sofia, you are a hoot! Sofia's first Prom photos. One day we can use this as her "Then & Now".

My girls ... xo xo xo

Brooke has planned for Prom for over a year. She is so happy and they are truly in love with each other. They've come into their own after all these years and they work. They are perfect for each other.

I am excited for her to wake up so I can hear all the details.

Beauty Faux Pas

Ohhhh, the world of beauty and the price that both men and women pay.

I work as an Office Manager/Patient Coordinator in a cosmetic surgery center and am a patients first point of contact, through their consultation, scheduling their procedures through continuum of care.

I love their stories. The stories that bring them through our doors, how quickly they are to be so open, raw and candid with tears in their eyes and hugs before they leave. Some are just cosmetic junkies, what procedure haven't they had, yet? It's still fascinating and I love being on the front line.

There is a fine line between natural beauty with gentle enhancements and maintenance versus looking plastic.

Clearly there is a beauty faux pas that makes beauty experts gasp in horror! Bar soap.

Well, bar soap and Walmart make-up. How could you ever be beautiful using this sludge? It cracks me up!

One of the first and most popular questions a beauty, skincare expert will ask is, "What do you wash your face with?" This is a trap! They are sizing you up to see if you're cheap or they can financially suck you into their high dollar products. They feign a gasp and make you feel as if you've found the fountain of youth coming to them.

I smile sweetly and say, "Oh, you don't want to know."

"Please tell me you don't use bar soap?!" They shudder.

"Sometimes" I answer feigning in naive victim innocence. I want to hear about their products. Different product lines do offer different gems, you just have to find what you like.

Here's the thing, I do use Dove bar soap sometimes on my face, 40/60, I also use different kinds of gentle cleansers. I always hydrate with a toner before using a moisturizer.

It's simple. Cleanse, hydrate, moisturize.

If you pay $67 for a gentle cleanser, $87 for a renewal serum, $72 for shield protection, redness defying, anti-aging, blah, blah, blah, $91 for must-use moisturizer or you will look 80 when your 40, before you add your primer, foundation, and paint your eyebrows on with a marker, that's your choice.

Here I sit at a high-end beauty counter looking for a foundation that was recommended by my friend who is a seasoned beauty expert and has worked in most lines of beauty skincare and cosmetics. She is my "What is the best" go to, shoot it to me straight person. I'm almost 48 years old and I still do not use foundation. I use a tinted moisturizer BB cream that is light but does not give that flawless finish.

She swears by Dior's Airflash Spray Foundation, so I went to try it out. I really like it! Incredibly light and natural, my face had an unusual flawless finish that is controllable applying with a brush.

I will use it when I want to look flawless, but I'd like to say for the record, my keep it simple and natural look has me at almost 48 years old with skin that doesn't use foundation, and with only one very slight hairline that desperately wants to become my first line at the crowsfeet.

I've watched that fine line for the last couple of years wanting to become my first wrinkle and I water it with moisturizer two times a day. I could easily and at no cost hit it with Botox, but there is something beautiful being natural that I love.

As I left, I looked around at the make-up masks every woman wore. The time and layers they applied to achieve that look that must have co$t a fortune.

What happened that caused a garish make-up mask? God said in the garden, "Who told you that you are naked?" Who told you that lie? Who told you that stenciled on and marker painted eyebrows are considered to be socially beautiful to women?

Both my daughters keep it natural with gentle enhancements. Keeping it clean, simple, and natural.

That's what we need to teach this next generation.

Rainy Day

Rainy day, what a blessing you are!

I love the rain! I've put the name Raine as a name option for my grandchild (girl or boy) with a star by it. Perhaps, I love the names of nature like I've named my own daughters, Storm (Mariah's middle name) and Brooke (brook).

The air is humid as I walked in the door after work this evening. The house quiet, Brooke at work, and my first initial thought was to close the windows and run the dehumidifier.

Then I thought, no ... it's perfect.

I opened all the windows and I can hear my wind chime play it's music in the breeze, and I watched the rain fall, listening to it's soothing sound.

The grass is so green, my flowers are popping up from the ground, I love to see their life. My flowering shrubs with their bright green leaves getting larger every day.

Closing my eyes, I can hear the birds. There are so many. You don't hear them when your eyes are open and your looking at a television or your iphone. Sight drowns out their song.

It's beautiful and I am grateful sitting here, in the peaceful quietness of an unrushed evening.

Three Decades Later ...

It was the week of March 6, 1990 when we went on an ocean cruise to the Bahamas. Our last trip together as a family, it was on my brother's 16th birthday. I was 20 years old.

That's when I met him. So sexy, so charming and that accent! He was an entertainment waiter on staff on the cruise ship and our table was in his area. I remember when my mom said for a younger guy she thought he was sexy!

He could barely speak English, who cares I was in vacation heaven!

I remember the day we went into port in the Bahamas, he and I spent an afternoon at the beach together. When you're young and so alive in vacationing sunshine, who cares if there is an English barrier.

That evening we went into town to an open air night club and danced to Top 40 hits to a steel drum band. It was magical and I when I left the ship, I was heart broken.

We wrote to each other for a short time, this was back before social media. Life happens and we stopped.

Fast forward almost three decades later ... my mom text me this photo two days ago.

[As I am writing this, Ting! I smile and I know ... it's him.]

My mom text me his photo and last night I wonder if I could find him. Guessing he is back in his country or perhaps anywhere in Europe, I put his name in search.

I knew him immediately.

Sending him our photo, a brief conversation, he Facebook friend requested me. I learned he is living in Florida, has been since the early 1990's and doing remarkably well. Oh my goodness, had I of known all those years ago.

Still a total hunk!

Total confession ... as I was checking his life out on his Facebook page, I saw some videos he posted. In one he was talking. Surprised, his accent still thick, after all these years. I closed my eyes and listened and remembered after all these years.

Oh, Mighty Monument

Oh, mighty Monument, you are a force to be reckoned with! 

First run of the year I make it up 4-5 times, by the end of the season I can do 12-14. This year, I made it up 6 times, although the last trip up wasn't pretty. 

A group of of us went down and I teamed up with a sweetheart of a colleague who is 20 years younger, a runner, and can talk up and down those stairs. Not sure she was breathing hard, that's youth and I admire and respect her no-woman-left-behind encouragement. I'm already thinking this group may do Warrior Dash this year.

I've challenged Brooke if she trains through the summer and does Warrior Dash with me, I will pay her $500. She readily agreed. 

This is going to be a very fun season!