4th of July - 2007

For the 2nd year, we spent the 4th of July in Canadian/Shamrock with my Sister and her family. This year, we actually stayed and watched the Fireworks in Shamrock. Although we thoroughly missed the Santos family, with whom we've spent the last 5 or 6 fireworks evenings with, nothing can compare to family. Hopefully, one of these days we can talk to the Santos family into joining us for some small town fun!

The kids entered turtles in the turtle race and Clarissa's turtle, Sally, won two heats! The competition was fierce and the excitment was unimaginable! We even witnessed two firsts: a turtle false start and a run-off in the finals! You haven't lived until you experience a tutle race!

Her time as a flower girl

As most everyone knows, Clarissa was a flowergirl in a wedding this past weekend. The wedding was a teacher friend of mine. Clarissa's social calendar was full this weekend!

After a busy week of VBS that ended Thursday evening, we were up bright and early Friday for a morning rehearsal. That evening we had the rehearsal dinner. She was so good at both of these activities, ESPECIALLY the dinner. From the dinner we went home to tuck her in for a good night's rest because we knew she would need it.

The big day arrived and thank the Lord she slept in! We went to get her hair done and it took TWO people to do it because she has so much hair! But again, she was so very patient. We left there and went home for me to get ready. When she walked in the front door, the first person she looked for was her Daddy. She didn't say a word to him but wanted his acknowledgement. As soon as he told her how pretty she looked, she went to find Jonathon. He immediately told her how beautiul she was and that is when she smiled. It was so interesting to me how she really didn't care whether or not she had my approval but she certainly wanted her Dad's and brothers! They are so important in her little life!

Once we were at the location of the wedding, she dressed and was one of the girls. She was so excited!!! She did a great job during the ceremony even though I had to remind her to throw the petals as she began walking. So...she threw petals on her entrance AND exit! :)

Even though she had so much fun doing all of this, the reception/dance was her VERY FAVORITE! She didn't miss a dance. She danced with her brother, her Daddy, the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, family members of Luke's, and herself. She had a ball!! She hung with it as long as anyone was on the dance floor! We left at 12:15 and arrived home about 12:30. Needless to say...I don't think she remembered much about arriving home because she was fast asleep!

I can't express how beautiful she was and how much fun she had. All she can say now is that she wants to have a wedding just like Stephanie's. I can't even imagine that day right now but if her beauty and grace as a flower girl is any indication as to what kind of bride she'll be......LOOK OUT!

Another edition of 'From the mouths of Babes'

While having lunch with the kids at Sonic on Thursday: After a male carhop walks by and gives me a long and endearing look, my son (age 10) profoundly states "Mom, I think he thinks your single!" (I guess once you're married, NO ONE is to look at you like that!)

Jonathon, telling his Dad about the above incident: He tells his Dad and then says "Ooohhh La La!!! It's because she's beautiful! Even without makeup!!!"

Clarissa while attending the rehearsal dinner for Stephanie's wedding: After seeing a bridesmaid visit the bar, "Mom, can I please have a margarita?" Hey, at least she used good manners!

When trying on the dress I was considering wearing to Stephanie's wedding: I asked Clarissa's opinion and she said "It's beautiful but could you please wear some makeup?" I guess she didn't listen to her brother and it's obvious they share differing opinions!

Until next time.....

Adolesence

We've lost our first molar!

Her first lesson

Clarissa had her first lesson tonight in Dating 101. Sal and I have always talked about him taking her out and/or Jonathon taking her out several times before she hits dating age so that she will know what to EXPECT from a date. We want her to settle for nothing less than 100% gentleman behavior. So, Sal had a banquet to attend tonight for MHMR and she was his date. She had a BALL getting dressed for it and was absolutely precious as they left. Her date patiently waited on her to finish getting ready (deciding on shoes) and opened the car door for her. I can't wait to hear how it ends up. AND, like any other proud Mom, I was out with the camera taking many pics. Visit my Flickr stream for more.

Persistence Pays Off

This evening we had Jonathon's 10th birthday party at a local pool. As soon as we arrived, I was met by a young man that none of us knew but he had no problem with that! He quickly asked me if we were cooking hot dogs and after I said we sure were, he asked for one. I told him that if he was still there after the party was over and if we had any left, I'd be happy to give him a hot dog. Well....over the course of the next 2 hourse, this young man asked for a hot dog at least, what seemed like FIFTY TIMES! It got so bad that other people at our party was frustrated. Finally, as Jonathon was fixing his plate, the kid yells at us from the water, wanting a hot dog. Jonathon looked at me and said, PLEASE.....give that kid a hot dog!!! We were ALL ready for him to hush! He proceeded to help himself to the chips, a drink, and some cake.

His persistence paid off. He got what he wanted....he just drove everyone else crazy but in the end...he was happy. Hmmm....I might try this technique sometime in the near future. We'll see! But in the meantime, can I have a hot dog?

Oh those lazy days of summer.......where are they?

Lazy days? I don't think so, at least not yet. The kids started Kaleidoscope this week and have to be there at 8:15. So much for sleeping in! I have to say though, I've gotten more errands accomplished the past two days that I have recently in a month! Sal even appointed me to have the oil changed this morning ( a whole other blog topic! ). Yesterday after Kaleidoscope, we went swimming for FOUR hours. My kids were in heaven!!! It was nice to relax by the pool and watch them just be kids. No worries in the world! Today isn't a swimming day for us and after we finally got home this afternoon, my kids and I laid down and read books. AWwwwww, now that was nice and it did give me a little glimpse into those lazy days of summer.

Before I leave this little topic, I have to share something about someone who has just blessed me so much recently. I got to spend some time last night with a young man who just recently turned FIVE! I was at McDonald's watching him carefully eat his Happy Meal (sitting criss cross applesauce in the seat) and he so innocently looked over at me and said, Thank you for bringing me here. A while later, after we had left McDonald's, he was getting out of my car and said "Gayla, I love you. You're beautiful." You know, I couldn't stop thinking about his words on the way home. God tells us to have the faith of a child but I believe He also wants us to learn from them. You see, this baby was so very thankful, sincerely thankful for a trip to McDonalds. It isn't like he isn't well taken care of because he comes from an excellent family. He just is honestly thankful for people being in his life. I believe he also sees the heart of a person. I hope he always sees me as beautiful. Not on the outside (we've got a long ways to go there) but as a person with a beautiful heart. And even though I am very aware of my faults and don't always have the "beauty on the inside" - he saw something I don't even see. I want to be more like that. I really want to see people's hearts (good and bad). So.....if you need some insight and a blessing......hang out with a 5 year old!