Prom

It was 21 years ago, but it seems like yesterday. Kim and I were getting ready for our junior prom. I remember it very clearly, Beau drove us in his mom's T-top Camaro, dinner at TK Tripps, and back to my parent's house after prom for an amazing breakfast prepared by my parents. I remember a terrible car wreck on Sweeten Creek Rd that night. Car was on fire, it had just happened and we drove right up on it. Seems like something happens on prom night every year. So not only was I excited for Madison, I was also worried. Their plans were to have dinner at Grove Park, then go to prom and then Ashley's parents drove them all down to the lake. It went off without a hitch. Everyone was safe and they had a great time! My mind was at ease, and I was very thankful they were in good hands.

A few of my favorite pics from the night:

They were so beautiful and handsome! 

Don't get your hopes up.

As an adult, I rarely get excited about anything. I've learned that nothing is real until it actually happens. Plans change, people change their minds, the weather changes, nothing is truly gonna happen until it actually happens. So I don't get excited, because I'll be disappointed when it doesn't go the way I envisioned it. 

I think this came into mind because of Easter yesterday. I used to always get excited around the holidays as a kid. ALWAYS. I don't remember ever being let down. But it's harder as a parent, trying to live up to your children's expectations. You don't want to let them down. You want to give them everything (mostly) that they want and need.

While typing this, I'm trying to thinks of things that I've been excited about that have actually lived up to my expectations. Unfortunately, it's easier to think of the things that haven't.... being off on a weekday to go to the lake or the pool, only to have it rain. Spending the weekend with just my girls, only for them to not be in the mood to do anything, or to make plans with someone else. Looking forward to seeing a movie, only to have it be terrible. Madison cheering on Varsity, but then falling and breaking her arm. Emma-Leigh's cheer team being good enough to get to compete, only to have one girl get hurt and there are no alternates.  Damion going to Switzerland, only for me to decide I'd rather stay at home than do anything with my friends. Not huge things, but you get the idea. I don't get excited about much anymore. Too many factors to screw it up and too many people with raging hormones and strong opinions that could get in the way.

One thing I am excited about? Hootie in Charleston in August. It'll be our 6th year. THAT never fails to disappoint.

And dinner at mom and dad's never fails me. And sleeping in my own bed is always good. And hanging out with family, even if it is just over a meal, makes me happy.

Life doesn't always turn out the way you expect. And if it did, you'd never learn anything.

Random ramblings

- Madison's prom dress and alterations cost more than my wedding gown.

- Visited Clemson University over the weekend (took Madison to a cheer camp) I can totally see us going there more often....

- It's spring break and I have to work. But I don't mind much, it's not warm enough for me yet to do anything else.

- I left the girls with a chore sheet today. All items were completed :)

- I'm doing anything and everything to avoid starting this new workout regimen that Sarah has implemented for the family.

50 shades.

I'm over all the hype on the Fifty Shades of Grey movie.  MOVIE. It's not a pornography, people. GET OVER YOURSELVES!

People are so quick to judge, standing in their glass houses (that's a sin, by the way).

I've read many reviews, Facebook statuses, tweets about this topic. It all boils down to this:  if you're a Christian and you go see the movie, I promise you'll still be a Christian when the movie is over and for anyone to say that Christians shouldn't see the movie - BACK.OFF. Are you perfect? That's like saying if you listen to certain types of songs, read books, have road rage, think bad thoughts about people, (the list goes on) that you aren't a Christian anymore. This is ridiculous.  Everyone sins. Heck, I disobeyed one of the 10 Commandments (I bet you have too) and guess what? I'm still a Christian. Surprising, huh? not really. Go see the movie, or don't. Your choice, and people shouldn't judge you regardless of what you choose.

Hopefully these people that are giving their "opinion" have read the book, because otherwise, what are you going by? It's an actual story and a fairly good one at that. I'm actually not looking forward to seeing it, mainly because I'm afraid it will be a letdown from the book; and there's 3 books people. Get over yourself, be a mature Christian and keep your opinions to yourself.

You're judging (sin).

Numbers.

I have an obsession with numbers. It can be overwhelming at times. Today it is unbearable. I do this thing where I worry about money, obviously. I would love to think that everyone has this problem. If not, don't tell me about it, let me stay in my fantasy world. ..

I add up license plate numbers and house numbers on mailboxes. To get one digit. It's ridiculous. (Don't worry, I've asked for medication. He won't budge.)

Today it's more about day to day operations though, and the fact that in the very near future we will be paying for college for Madison. She's going to college. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be successful in life. We will help her.  We will.

Is there ever really enough? I don't think so. Luckily, we aren't victims of credit card debt and for that I am thankful.

I received a call from a friend this morning that reminded me things could be worse. And to be thankful for all that I have, because it truly is enough.

Life.

I'm better at random ramblings than organized paragraphs. So here we go -

My sister started a blog. It's actually pretty good. I've taught her well I guess. You can read it here. www.makingtheswitchmom.wordpress.com

It's a pulic blog, she's trying to make herself famous. Pump her up, ya'll. Read it. It's real. Maybe I should make mine public, turn this in to a competition of sorts....I'll think about it.

I've decided that I no longer want any hard feelings, malice, anything like that in my world. I don't like to be mad at people, I don't want anyone mad at me, it takes too much energy to keep up with all that and I don't have enough energy for extra stuff. Some may say I forgive too easily. That may be. I just don't want to fight.  I have said this 525,600 times but I can't make anyone like me or hang out with me. You either do or you don't and that is fine. I don't always like to hang out anyway, you're probably doing me a favor! LoL

Damion is home from Switzerland and Austria. He leaves again in 2 weeks. The break is kinda nice, I am sure that he would agree - except for the part about how he only gets one blanket and one pillow in the "hotel" in Switzerland. That part he hates.

Madison texted me this morning to tell me she hates school, she wants everyone to shut up and she wants to go home.   Ditto my firstborn, I feel ya. But things could be much worse, which I told her, in different words of course. She didn't reply.

Tiff and I are going to see New Kids on the Block, TLC and Nelly in Charlotte in June. I CAN NOT WAIT!!! The last concert was one of the best nights of my life, and I think she would agree. We had a good time (with great seats)!

A question I've thought a lot about lately and just been afraid to talk about is this - Can you have more than one best friend? My answer is yes. There are certain people that know your depeest, darkest secrets and there are others that you choose to do things with; go to a movie, shopping or out to dinner. But who do you call when you're distressed, sad or lonely? There should be only one person. Right? Let me know what you think. I'm an open book so anyone can be my "bestie' at any given moment, LoL. I'm working on that ;)

Random thoughts

I've had a lot on my mind lately, with no real outlet  -  or desire to let it out, I guess... so this will be random, flowing thoughts, it probably won't make sense and I do not care.



Finally remembered to bring a different coffee mug to work today. It was the only reminder, and now it's gone.

Damion leaves for Switzerland and then Austria in 2 days, for 10 days.

American Sniper might be the best movie I've ever seen. You could've heard a pin drop in the theater when it was over. No one said a word.

This Is Where I Leave You is the worst movie I've ever seen. Had to make myself watch it.

It's okay to say no. Tell people the truth, they would rather be hurt by that than lied to.

I'm too old for drama, of any kind. Let our children have their own friendships, their own arguments, and remain neutral. It's too messy and deep otherwise.

Words hurt. I try my best to ignore them. I know the truth and that is all that matters.

I miss my sister.

People do, and will, hurt you on purpose. My skin is thickening.

Trust no one.

Memories fade.

I'm getting SO good at Pinterest dinner recipes. I'm actually pretty proud of myself.

Sometimes I wish I had more than one CLOSE friend. Sometimes.

I'm reading more. Watching less TV.

It is true that bad things happen to good people.

It takes life changing moments to change you as a person. As silly as it sounds, Madison's broken arm changed me and of course my grandmother dying had an effect.

Life is too short to be frustrated, sad, and disappointed all the time.

You can't make anybody be your friend. And why would you even want to try?