Class of 2011 - Hilary's Graduation

This is the first of many “catch up” posts. Since I have my blog printed up in book form each year, I want to document certain things even if I’m late posting about them.

Hilary and Ethan graduated with honors from Shasta College on May 27th. It was such a wonderful evening! My Mom graciously treated us (yes, all 15) to dinner at Cattlemen’s before graduation. What a great time of fellowship we had around the table – Grandma, Uncle Wes, Bob, me, Hilary, Lyle, Ethan, Ted, John and Peggy (Ethan’s parents), Hannah (Ethan’s sister) Aaron and Christy (Ethan’s brother and girlfriend), and Larry and Melissa (good friends/neighbors of Ethan’s family). After the ceremony, everyone came to our house for cheesecake and fellowship.

The graduation was LONG but nice! It was soooo cold. I had a new outfit to wear, but ended up wearing winter clothes. Hilary had on her big winter coat under her graduation gown. Hilary graduated with three AA degrees – Engineering, Mathematics, and Quantitative Reasoning (don’t ask me what that means).

Gramz, Hilary, and Uncle Wes

Our Family

Hilary and Ethan with Ethan's parents

Hilary, I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you. I've been given the opportunity to watch you grow form an incredibly cute little baby into a beautiful young woman. You have achieved so much in such a short time that it’s hard for me to keep track of it all. Only yesterday you were just a short chubby-cheeked little girl and now you have graduated from Shasta College and will be heading to Humboldt State University. Though it may seem to you that it’s taken forever to reach this point, it has happened all too quickly for me. I’ll admit here that it saddens me to see you start the rest of your life, however it cannot compare to how happy and proud I am that you are so well prepared and dedicated to your dreams. Never lose sight of those dreams and never compromise anything to reach them. No matter what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future, always know that I love you and will always be here for you. You have made us so proud, and I know that you will continue to do so during your time at Humboldt. Congratulations Hilary!

And, just for fun, here's a picture of me graduating from Shasta College in June of 1979. (Notice the long gunny sack dress.)

A Small Glimpse Into My Heart

Finally this evening I have a few free moments AND a turn on the computer (which doesn’t happen very often). I have so much “catch up” posts to do -- Hilary’s graduation, a wedding, Haley Family Reunion, etc. But, the last few weeks have been especially busy and difficult. I have spent myself on other people, and I am suddenly feeling the emptiness of pouring out. Life has left me feeling weary!

My Mom was “under the weather” for two weeks and then ended up in the hospital for five days and Copper Ridge Care Facility for a week. Needless to say, it has been an exhausting and emotional few weeks.

Our 4th of July camping trip that I had looked sooooo forward is off. I have not been able to spend the quality time I dreamed about with my daughter this summer before she leaves for college. And, I must admit, I am feeling disappointed and discouraged right now. Yes, life hands us lemons sometimes! I know, my woes are petty compared to what some of you are dealing with. I admit they are petty and small, but they are mine.

I don’t want to waste time feeling depressed over what I can’t do this summer. I need to find delight in the small pleasures that are mine this summer.

Well, so much for a “catch up” post. Instead, just a small glimpse into my heart!

Good Friends Sometimes Come In Threes

I am EXTREMELY blessed to have many wonderful friends in my life, and I enjoy spending time with each one of them. Recently, I realized that some of my good friends come in "threes".

I used to work with Audrey, Kim, and Patty at North Valley Baptist Church. We had some really fun times and great memories of those years of working together. Life is sooo busy, and we don't get together as often as I would like. We still get together for our birthdays, and we always have a great time and typically "close the restaurant". Good thing restaurants don't charge rent by the hour on their booths. We would be broke! Also, you wouldn't want to be sitting anywhere near us because we laugh sooooo loud and sooooo hard (and later we can't even remember what we laughed so hard about).

Here's 3 more precious friends that I used to work with at NVBC - Mary Ann, Sheila, and Dixie. I literally watched their children grow up and love each one of them and their kids. We try to get together every other month to "catch up" on each other's lives. Last month we got together at Mary Ann's house, and she fixed us her famous Chinese Chicken Salad that she made so often for our luncheons when we worked together. We have shed many tears and celebrated many milestones together over the years.

What can I say about these wonderful ladies - Becky, Karla, and Kim. I have known Kim and Karla for many years, and God brought Becky into my life about 9 years ago and she's became my best buddy! We meet once a month (and take turns picking the restaurant). We never leave lunch without getting our calendars out and planning the next time to meet. It's neat because we take turns sharing about what's going on in our lives and our kids' lives. I know I can count on these ladies to pray for me, and I pray for them also.

And, last but not least, I meet with Carmen, Debbie, and Linda the first Friday of each month for breakfast at Marie Callender's. You can't bet their $4.99 breakfast! :0) We spend time catching up on all the news. This month, Carmen told us all about her son's wedding, and Linda shared her news about becoming a grandma again (her daughter, Shannon, is having a baby in December).

A big thank you to Audrey, Kim S., Patty, Sheila, Mary Ann, Dixie, Becky, Karla, Kim F., Debbie, Carmen, and Linda for their friendship! I love you all sooooooo much!

Thank you, also, to all my other friends who live near and far that are not mentioned in this post! Each of you are so special to me and have touched my life in a different way! God bless you all!

Shasta College Awards Night

NOTE: Yes, I've got a lot of "catching up" to do on my blog! There have been some technical difficulties with my blog, and I have had such a frustrating time trying to figure them out. Sorry!

On May 20th, we attended an Awards Night at Shasta College. Even though Hilary applied for about 25+ scholarships, she only got 2. (That sentence made me laugh because I thought of how my Daddy would have said, "Well, it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!) Hilary received a Shasta College Math Achievement Scholarship for $300 and a $250 scholarship from the Shasta Builders' Exchange. Even though it seems so small when Humboldt State University costs approximately $22,000 a year, every little bit helps!

A family picture taken at the Awards Night. Which one do you like better - A or B? I prefer A but my husband and kids prefer B.

Family Picture A

Family Picture B

Sacramento/Cousins' Fun

On Sunday, we took Lyle to Chico to meet up with Bob's cousin, Natalie. Natalie had to come to her brother Leonard's to pick up a BBQ, so it was the perfect time to "kidnap" Lyle for his annual week in Sacramento. He's having lots of fun hanging out with Micah (same age as Lyle) and Caleb (2 years younger). Also imagine he's playing some Lego's with Josiah and Webkins with little Esther. Everyone LOVES Lyle at Natalie's house! Last year, they sometimes fought over who got to do something with him. Always nice for an "ego boost"! :0

Lyle, Bob, Natalie, Caleb, Leonard
Esther, Spencer and Ethan (Leonard's sons)

The Royal Life

When you are royalty, you can demand someone hold your head up while you sleep...

What a life! :0)

What's The Deal?

Winter just won't let go!!