She's coming home!!!!

My baby's coming home. I pick her up from the airport about 6:30 pm tomorrow night.

I can't wait!

The older she gets the more I miss her. I think it goes hand-in-hand knowing that she will soon be moving on with her life without me.

hmmmm

Which would be worse - her leaving for college in 4 years or living at home until she's 30????

Things they are a-changin'

So I'm a little nostalgic.

There are some big changes happening on Murray State's campus right now. They are almost finished building their 2nd new swanky dormitory so now it's time to start tearing down the old ones.

They've had it blocked off the old Clark dormitory for a few weeks, taking the windows out first. Then I drive by today and see this!

Isn't this so eery? Reminds me of ground zero in New York.

I've never NOT seen these old dorms where they are. It's going to look so different coming around that corner and not seeing old Clark.

First Flight

Today was definitely a new experience for me as a mom. Elizabeth flew to Texas by herself - well with her friend Amber. Yes I know she is 14. Yes she is taller than I am. Yes she can take care of herself (mostly). But it's still scary sending your child several hundred miles away


floating in the air


in a big tin can


without me


without me.




Ok I am a little nervous. I didn't sleep well last night. I woke up very early with a very nervous stomach. All day at work I felt like I needed to run to the bathroom.



But the girls were excited. They were going to visit my Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob in Austin, TX. When I was their age my sister, my cousin and I would fly to their house for a week every summer. We have lots of great memories of our time spent in the Lonestar state. I know the girls will have lots of fun.

When we got to the airport, we had plenty of time to eat supper at O'Charley's. I think the girls were a little anxious too. They enjoyed laughing and letting off nervous giggles. That's Amber's little sister Morgan.
Amber has never flown and Elizabeth flew once at age 7 when we flew to Orlando. So they had a big time watching out the window.

Before Trish (Amber's mom) and I were ready, they were on the plane and in the air.

After calling my aunt to let her know the girls were on the way, we made our way back to Murray. Before getting home, we got the phone call that they arrived safely.

Now I could sleep!

Happy Bday to Me

June 30, 2009 was my 39th Birthday. My REAL 39th birthday. I had a few ask if that was my '39 and holding' birthday.

Definitely 39 years on this earth.

Some days I feel every single month!

This birthday was one of the best days of my life. Several coworkers, friends, and family made me feel so special.

The day started as a normal work day. Then for lunch, eight of us went to Shogun's to eat.

About half had never been before, so it was fun seeing their reactions to the food preparation.

Too bad we had to return to work.

Little did I know but my birthday fun was far from over.

Elizabeth planned a surprise party for me ALL BY HERSELF! She contacted (a more appropriate word my be 'badgered') several people through Facebook, email, and phone. She also spread the word on Facebook so I received several email birthday wishes.

I thought we were just celebrating with Papa (Pansy was sick). Elizabeth had told everyone to arrive at Sirloin Stockade before 6pm to surprise me.

I walked into the restaurant and there were friends and family, balloons and cake, presents and flowers. In the middle of it all was Elizabeth grinning ear to ear taking pictures.

All this work Elizabeth went through for her mom! She is growing up way too fast. I'm so proud of her thoughtfulness and hard work. I am also thankful for all the support she received to make it such a special day for me.

The truth of it all - I'm happy to be alive, to have so many that love and care for me. I feel blessed!