Holiday preparations

The lawn is mowed. I think it is wonderful that my children are growing up and wanting additional responsibilities. I can remember when new chores were fun, almost a right of passage. Tatum now earns an allowance for laundry, emptying the dishwasher and mowing the lawn (under the careful supervison of her father). She is VERY slow, careful and methodical.

Rikard decorated. We can't have our own fireworks within the city or county limits here so we have to improvise. When the time comes, we will find a nice place to view the city's fireworks display, but chalk images of grand displays on the sidewalk will have to do at home.

And, we are doing all this to prepare for our weekend guests - the invited and uninvited ones. This little guy is making our carport home.

My sister and mom plan to hold a yard sale at our hosue Friday and Saturday and Rick's dad and uncle are scheduled to visit for the weekend. It will be an exciting balancing act to keep everyone properly entertained.

Our little man

Eight years ago...he entered our lives and changed them forever. Today he is entertaining, handsome, vibrant and challenging. He has the most creative though processes, doesn't let much deter him and always does things his way.

WARNING - self promoting post

Finally, a chance to talk - or brag - about myself. :-)

I walked through graduation this weekend, celebrating the near completion of a master's degree in communication studies. It was a gratifying experience, recognition for the time, effort and sacrifice it took to earn the degree.I asked Rick to take a photo of me with my parents. Somewhere there is a framed photo of the three of us celebrating my long-ago high school graduation. My mom has a photo of Rick, myself and the kids on her camera. I've learned to be patient.

I smuggled a camera in my gown and took photos of my classmates in the procession and while listening to speakers. If you look closely at the crowd you can pick out my fan club, my peeps. Rick, Tatum, Rikard, Keeli, Jim, Joyce, Kyle and Jessica all made the trek to watch this auspicious occassion.

All three of my children thought the ceremony had a lot of people talking for a long time, but overall they thought it was pretty good. There were a couple of speakers who should have been reigned in, like the one who reminded me to thank my high school counselor (whatever! like that would happen) and my residence hall advisor for helping me get to where I am today. That may have worked for the undergraduates, but not the crowd I was seated with.

Rikard wanted to wear the "smart hat." I look foward to the day when we can celebrate him wearing his own cap and gown. That should be in about 10 more years.Before he gets his accolades I will hopefully earn a doctoral degree. Keep your fingers crossed and hope I find a pot of gold to help pay tuition.