Baby Sister's Wedding

Mom is still cleaning, the arbor is set up on the deck, Dad is cutting stakes for yard signs directing traffic to a church parking lot a block away. The bride and Sister #5 are getting their hair done as we speak. I gave the Bride a manicure and pedicure last night. Soon there will be lovely dresses to don, family appearing at the door and new family to welcome and love.
Honestly, a year ago, we might have been surprised to have been shown this scene, but it is a joyous occasion. I doubt there will be many dry eyes. I'm starting to get a little teary just thinking about it. My baby sister was the consummate tom-boy. As a little girl, she was never "practicing" her wedding like the rest of her five sisters. It just wasn't her. She was out playing football with the neighborhood boys. She has always found her own way and taken on some hulking life lessons in her less than thirty years. She survived cancer at 18, and a somewhat troubled twenties. I am fairly sure that she would have been surprised at the scene as well - but she is happy. And we are happy. So Happy.
My baby sister is getting married today. It will be a wonderful day!

My 40th Birthday

I've been warned about today. I hear that there will likely be some weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. . . I'm not actually expecting any of that, however.

Here's what I'm expecting.

A day with my children, probably a pretty normal day. I don't have to go into work, so it's all about the six of us today and tonight. Maybe I'll make a dinner - I think we'll play that by ear. Something simple, no matter what we do. The order of the day is simplicity. We are going to have some Key Lime Pie tonight, because that is my absolute favorite pie. The kids like it too, so they are excited as well. Maybe I ought to go get another pie so that I won't have to share so much of mine. . . THAT is a very good idea!

I expect a phone call from my Sweetie. He is far away, but I did get to spend some time with him earlier this week and that was absolutely more than perfect and wonderful. He strengthens my heart and shines a very sweet & happy light into my soul. He sees and brings the best parts of me out to bless everyone around me. Every day with him in it is a very appreciated gift - whether he is near or far. I expect to be in love with him all day long, no matter what else is going on.

I expect to do some Yoga and take a Hot Bath. That is up to me, though. Sometimes I have to force myself do things just for myself - even when they are the exact things I enjoy most. It must be some kind of Mom Disease.

I want to do some work around my home - because I want that feeling of having accomplished something, as well, today. There is plenty to do in terms of things I've been putting off. I'm going to work on that to do list just a tad.

I am going to hold my Baby Girl for the absolute longest she'll let me. . . because I love doing that. She is a lot like me. Caring for her feels like caring for myself. Fun how that is. . .

I expect to break up some fights between the kids. . . that won't cease to happen just because it's my birthday.

I expect that my sons will mow the lawn. Ü

I expect that I will be very grateful to be alive and feel as blessed as I am - which is very very blessed. A lot has happened in the last few years, but it took me forty years to get here, and I can honestly say that I am glad and extremely grateful to be where I am RIGHT NOW. I believe that the best is yet to come. Some days, the here and now can be pretty overwhelming. . . but it is good. We will get where we need to go, in time.

And can I just say one more time how blessed I am to have my family and my love? Nothing compares to the blessings of precious people in your life. There are many people in my life that love me, and that I love. I am very very happy to be who I am today, and to have had 40 years of life - good growing years. Here's to the next 40 and all the wonderful people who will stay a part of and become a part of my life during those years. I look forward to loving you all.