The "BOSS"!

Nearly two weeks ago on Friday afternoon, Ronnie and I skipped work for the afternoon and hit the George Washington Parkway -

Passing by the Washington Monument -

Arriving at our destination =)

BTW - the name is very fitting....Here's the night view from our hotel -

We got settled in -

then just hung out for a while - checking out the hotel decorations, lol!

enjoying an 'adult' beverage -

eventually we headed out -  avoiding traffic

avoiding parking fees -

following the signs (on foot =) -

passing by many police,

limos,

a beautiful church,

and even a Wells Fargo, ha!

Where were we headed you ask?

Yep, Nationals Park!  But not for baseball....

to see none other than the BOSS himself!

And it was like NO other concert!  This 62 year old played for four hours straight.  The house was packed and the show WAS awesome!

There was a really cool tribute to Clarence Clemons....his nephew, Jake Clemons.  Awesome!

For the last hour, the lights were on and the place TOTALLY rocked!

And then shortly after midnight...

the place turned back into a ball park.  Wow!

If you've been to one of his concerts, I'm sure you understand.  If you haven't and get the opportunity, GO!  You won't be disappointed.  I promise!

After breakfast at one of our favorite places, we headed home.  GREAT time!

The Lord is my shepherd....

It seems that's the Psalm that is typically written in loved ones memorial card  and I've always loved this for many reasons.  First because Brittany used to recite this in her car seat over and over.  Without prompting.  In some ways it scared me because I used to wonder if she knew something I didn't.  

Secondly because it is so powerful.  So full of meaning.  So comforting.

Today another angel makes her way to the pearly gates.  Will get to see those open arms.  Will meet up with those that passed before her.

Today Millie goes home.

I am not only saddened by the loved ones hurt but also because I can't be there.  I can't let them know that I care.  That I feel their pain.  Be supportive.  And while I may be 1,000 miles away, I hope they know that I am truly with them in spirit.

I remember the first time I met Millie.  I rode in my now brother-in-law's jeep.  Over the blue bridge and up into the mountain.  Way up in the mountain.  Windy roads that I thought were very scary.  I thought we would never arrive but nearly a half hour later, we did arrive.  Millie and PopPop made me feel at home.  I sat in their living room with my sister and answered whatever questions Millie asked so she would know me a little better.  

The years passed and we shared many dinners with Millie.  She always made us laugh.  That's how I will remember her.  And while I know this is a very difficult time for PopPop, John, Donna and her many loved ones, she is in a better place.  

So until we all see her again, take care Millie.  You will forever be in our hearts.

xoxo

She's growing up....

I definitely have some reading up to do on this program but we were really excited to learn she was interested -

Ronnie took her to the first meeting and I had the honor of taking her to her first class last Thursday. This course is a full semester and prepares her for college. If she does well, college credits will be received. Obviously we have no doubt that she'll do good =)

So yes, she IS growing up. Already thinking ahead and planning for college.

And today her and Robert celebrate two months together. They are just too cute!

I've done ALL I can do...

I've cleaned
I've sorted
I've straightened
I've prepared

And, I'm still not done.  But, time is up.  I'm tired.  Better yet, today is the day!

Yep, now I sit back and relax and wait for our guests.

She's the cousin I used to fight over.  I always wanted to carry her around.  I was always so excited when she (and her sister/brothers) was coming down to see our "ma".

She's the cousin that lives the farthest.

And now we get to meet her new husband.  We get to catch up on what's happening in both our lives.  We get to share old stories and make new memories.  This visit has been planned for months now and we're all pretty excited -

Safe travels Stephanie & Don.  We'll be waiting on you and ready to kick off this much awaited weekend =)

This silly girl -

was SUPER excited to turn in her birthday papers -

 for her concert seats -

She didn't get the 'full' picture of tailgating because it was just a little rainy -

She saw rain coats, LOTS of cowgirl/boy boots and even a portable "John" - 

needless to say, she was definitely entertained for a while =)

We decided to head in fairly early to take cover and get ready for the show.  She picked out her shirt -

The stage was set up.....

She 'met' Boxer from WMZQ -

who introduced the singer of the National Anthem.  Then shortly thereafter the opening act!

Next up?!  Luke Bryan....YAY!

and FINALLY her MAN made his way to the stage!

and he put on a GREAT show!  She was one happy girl and many times could be seen holding her phone up (along with many other young girls), just trying to capture his voice...

The only complaint was that he didn't sing "A Country Boy's World".  That is our ALL TIME favorite song for now on his album and we practiced and practiced, LOL!   I told her I was going to send him an e:mail and let him know he missed his opportunity.  We called that song to be a #1 hit soon.

Ronnie and I enjoyed spending the evening with her and Robert.  It was definitely a memorable time.

A beautiful, crisp morning.  Not a cloud in the sky.

Exactly how I remember the day, 11 years ago.  I remember where I was.  I remember who I was talking to.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I remember sitting in front of the TV all night.  Watching intently.  Being sad, how unbelieveable it was and how difficult it was to understand. 

That day changed our lives forever.  Today we remember those heros.  We remember those we lost.  And we understand what our flag really means. 

I will forever remember that day. 

Five Minute Friday!

So......I decided to join Lisa-Jo and the rest of the gang for Five Minute Friday!  Honestly, five minutes seems like a really long time but I have never had trouble writing (or talking, ha).

Here's how it works.  Every Friday Lisa-Jo picks a word.  Any word.  Then for five minutes (set the timer =)  you write what comes to mind.

Today's word is graceful -

grace·ful/ˈgrāsfəl/

Adjective:	Having or showing grace or elegance.
Synonyms:	elegant - charming

Let's get started.

Graceful.  The words that come to mind are dancers, swans, horses, God.   Wow what a variation of words.

I have never been a fan of ballerinas however both my girls danced.  As part of dancing, ballet was one of their classes.  They both did a fine job.  For some reason though, that part of the recital I always found less entertaining.  But when you watch ballet, it is a talent.  Smooth, soft, graceful.  Pretty.

Swans - they are so graceful.  It looks like they are just sitting on the pond.  Rarely any water movement yet somehow they make it across.  In a peaceful kind of way.

Horses.  Why in the world would I think horses are graceful?  They are so big.  So massive.  So unpredictable.  Yet, to me they have always been very graceful.  Crazy, I know.

In a different light, I am far from graceful.  I have my issues with breaking glasses, knocking stuff over, dropping things.  NOT graceful.  Have never been a ballerina and have been referred to as a 'bull in a china shop' a few times.

If I break down graceful.  GRACE is a sub word.  I LOVE, LOVE saying grace before meals.  Please understand that these days, it doesn't happen very often.  But there's something to be said about everyone bowing their head and saying or listening to grace before a meal.  The quiet is so full of meaning.  

God comes to mind.  His grace is always upon me.  Sometimes I can't feel or see it but I know it's always there.  God is graceful to me.  The first image I have of Jesus is him standing there with a white cloak.  Robe belt.  Long hair.  Holding his hands out as if he's saying "come to me my children".  He appears very graceful.  He traveled many, many miles but somehow I see him doing so very gracefully.    

How?  When he was trying desperately to save the entire world?  What a job but done with dignity and grace.  

There you have it.  Come along =)

Happy Labor Day!

It's time to say good-bye to Summer -

Time to close up the pool -

Time to clean out the flower pots -

Even time to put away those white pants... (white shoes and handbags, too!)

But today's going to be a lazy day.  Just a few things I need to do then hopefully we'll fix something yummy on the grill.  By the way, Labor Day does not mean we're done grillin' =)

OR flip flops (hehe)

It's back to school tomorrow and the kids have a few things to prepare.

Yep, time for change (again).  Fall is upon us and I'm ready.   Bring it on =)

Then off to another 'short' week that's packed with baseball, school stuff then we wrap it all up with these two.  YIPPEE!

Happy Labor Day to all my blogging friends!

Fresh Brewed Sundays...

I'm linking up with Barbie today.  This is my first time although I spend lots of time on her blog each week.  I love reading her insight.

This is a verse that I have taught Chase and Cierra to recite just before getting on the bus in the morning.  This started as early as kindergarten and has continued (even though I no longer walk out with them).  They say it.  Sometimes it sounds like they are just repeating what they have learned without putting thought into it however.....there have been many occasions where we were shopping or out and about when we stumble upon a sign or something that has this verse.  Both are very quick to show me.  That, makes me smile.

When I think about this verse, it is very true.  This IS the day that the Lord hath made.  You can either rejoice and be glad in it or simply exist and not really recognize how blessed we are to wake up.  To have another day.  To get one more chance to share God's love.  One more chance to be at peace and make things that are 'not so right', right.

Happy Sunday!  I hope each of you share in this verse with me and rejoice in this day that the Lord hath made =)

Feel free to click and check out Barbie's friends....