We have a College Graduate!

Our first born graduated from the University of Houston - Clear Lake on May 15, 2016, with a bachelor of science degree in biology! Can I just say what proud parents we are! It took him 7 years, but that's okay! He plans to teach science and coach. 

That night, as I lay in bed, it really hit me that nothing would ever be the same again! He would soon begin this new chapter in his life.  A new job, moving out, beginning his own life. I'm not ready, although he's 25, to let him go! I never imagined how hard it would be to cut those apron strings. Needless to say, I cried for hours. He came home later, laid next to me in the bed, as he often did as a child. He assured me I'd always be his number 1.  He may think that now, but once he's married, I know his wife will take that place, and rightfully so. 

We attended graduation, accompanied by Tyler's girlfriend and her parents, then celebrated with dinner at Pappasitos. Here's a few pics of this grand occasion! Party post to follow. 

We love you Tyler Sean Rhone and are so proud of your college graduation! 🎓

Mother's Day 2016

Mother's Day.  A day we set aside, always in May, to honor our mothers. Most Mother's Days I just choose to rest, nap, etc. A day to "just do nothing", which to me is very pampering! More pampering than going to the nail salon, massage, etc. 

This Mom's Day, Tyler was working at Floyds so we chose to go there for a late lunch and have him serve me. It was very special. The moms were being presented with a carnation. Ty brought be out three. The food was great, served by the cutest waiter ever, followed by an afternoon nap! 

Here's a pic of me and the reasons I get to celebrate Mom's Day!  (left to right, Jake, Tyler)

Look at those handsome boys! I'm the luckiest mom in the world. Not only are they handsome. But they are good boys that love and protect their mom!  If we've done anything right in this life it was having and raising these boys! 

They presented me with a live plant, fresh flowers and lots of love!

They really are the sweetest! I sure miss being able to celebrate this special day with my Mom and Grandma. Imagine what Mother's Day in Heaven must be like! All the moms gathered around Mother Mary!  Thank you, Jesus, for giving me these two boys who call me Mom!

My take on Selfies

Selfies. Is that even a word? I'm sure Mr. Webster would say no, but the Urban Dictionary is sure to have a nice definition. 

Do you have days you just feel pretty? Or you just feel like you are confident. If you're like me, most days I feel far from pretty, much less confident. Most days I feel just "thrown together", a weak attempt to look decent enough to be seen in public. Ask my kids, when at home, I'm in what they call my "uniform", one of Brian's oversized tees and underwear, yep, that's it! Oh, any my slippers. 

So, I decided I'd start taking a selfie on those rare days I felt pretty, or if not pretty, at least "put together".  I think it's funny. I think it's fun. I think it does capture the confidence on those rare days! Try it! You can delete them you know! (Believe me, I've deleted plenty!)  I even started sending a few to Brian. He loved them. Now he even says, "where's my selfie for the day?".  Here's a few of those days I felt confident enough to capture myself! 📸

Selfies. On the days I felt sassy, pretty, put together, or even just presentable! I've always looked in the mirror and just saw the flaws. Doing these selfies has made me realize although I'm not perfect, definitely not a beauty queen, I am Enough! Enough confident, enough pretty, enough because this is who God made me! 

And, I've decided I'm also "enough" on those days I'd dare not take a selfie! Learning to love yourself can be a liberating thing!

So, take those Selfies! Don't be ashamed! 

Just Say No

In March of this year, Jake and two friends were asked to help the League City Police Department with their campaign "Just Say No" to drinking and driving. It was a privilege for him to participate. And I received a message from one of the officers telling me what a fine young man he is and what a pleasure he was to work with! Big Mom smile! Here's some of the pics to be used in the campaign. 

Look at my sweet GIANT boy! Mr. Rocky! I'm one proud Mom! I just love this boy, he keeps my heart full! ❤️

Just Say No!