What a month it's been...

 

In just 5 short weeks, our family has celebrated Sam's college graduation, Christmas, New Years, Sam's birthday, and Kyle getting engaged!! It has been a month of great joy, pride, and pleasure for me. I have to admit that it hasn't been easy to keep up with how quickly our family dynamics are changing, but the changes are all good. I have already covered graduation and engagement news on my blog, but wanted to take a minute to acknowledge Sam's 24th birthday.

Three days old.

Sam didn't seem to mind that he was turning 24, but when I innocently said, "Wow, I can't believe you are now in your mid 20's," he suddenly got depressed and decided he was getting OLD! Apparently there is a big difference between being 24 and being in one's mid 20's! I had to laugh because he actually dwelled on the 'mid twenties' remark for a couple of days, and I kept wondering how anyone in their twenties could think they were old!

Always clowning around!

First guitar. (Today he plays a mean bass.)

Sam has always been the clown of our family. Whether he was making up silly songs, telling knock-knock jokes, or just making funny faces, he kept us laughing. He has been a constant source of pride and joy for us and he makes Steve and I look good as parents. He is a blessing for which I am thankful.

Sam & his girlfriend Amy.

Happy 24th Sam! Just remember that mid 20's is NOT old, however, the big three-o is just around the corner.

Congratulations...it's a daughter!

We are so happy and proud to announce a new addition to our family...after having boys all these years, we're finally getting a girl! No, no, no, we aren't still having babies (don't be absurd), we are thrilled to be getting a daughter-in-law! Kyle and Holly are now engaged and we couldn't be happier.

Congratulations Kyle and Holly!

I have been praying for Holly for years. I didn't know her name or what she looked like, but I have prayed for Kyle's future wife since the day he was born. I asked God to bless Kyle with someone special... someone who would see his kind, compassionate heart and share his love for God. Someone who would love to laugh and find joy sharing Kyle's daily life. Someone Kyle would be excited to invite into his life with a heart full of love. I prayed and God answered with sweet Holly. She is a special girl and she looks at Kyle with the love this mother's heart always prayed he would find. I welcome Holly to our family with open arms and pray she and Kyle have a bright future filled with God's blessings.

Let the wedding plans begin!

Leisurely Drives and Lovely Distractions...

 
For Christmas, my hubby gave me a camera. It is a Canon Power Shot SX10IS and I absolutely love it. The only problem is that it has more settings than I will probably ever conquer! I have been practicing and experimenting every chance I get and still feel like I am barely skimming the surface of what this camera will do.

Yesterday afternoon Steve and I took a lazy Sunday drive and I grabbed my camera as we were heading out the door...just in case any photo ops should arise. It still amazes me that although we live in the middle of the city, within about a five minute drive, we can encounter such beautiful rural sights:

For some reason that I don't even understand, I have an affinity for lone trees...

and also a soft spot for old crooked fences...
as well as black and white photos!

But even I know some things just have to be seen in color!

Many of the pictures I took yesterday are blurry and I haven't yet discovered what I am doing wrong, but I am still learning and having a great time in the process. Kyle is usually my "go to" guy with photography questions, but alas, he has been distracted lately, so I will continue to read the manual and attempt to learn on my own!

Kyle and his sweet "distraction", Holly.

By the way, Sam also has a "distraction" these days, but I don't have a picture of her ...yet!

 

From our Family to Yours...

 

May God bless you with a Merry Christmas and keep blessing you all through the New Year!

Two Down, None to Go...

 
I am now the proud mom of two college graduates! Sam graduated from CSUS with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Not only did he graduate, he graduated Magna Cum Laude! He worked so hard and we couldn't be more proud!

Sam and I had many discussions over whether or not he would attend the commencement ceremony Friday evening. I wanted him to go and he kept refusing. Basically I ended up playing the ultimate "Mom" card called "guilt" and he eventually gave in and agreed to attend.

After it was over, he had to admit that he was really glad he attended and he actually had a good time with his friends.

Sunday afternoon we had a pizza party to celebrate with friends and family. The pizza was so good it was gone before I could get a picture, but at least I got one of the pretty cake!

Although the party was really for Sam, Steve and I were celebrating too...for after 8 years of sending kids through college we are done! Ahhhhhhhh, maybe now we can actually save for that RV we have been dreaming about for so long. Or maybe we should do the kitchen remodel. Or perhaps take a real vacation. Hmmmmm...

By the way, is anyone interested in hiring a good mechanical engineer? I just happen to know one that is looking for a job!

We wish you all...

 

A very Happy Thanksgiving Day!

May you gobble 'til you wobble!

The Final Blast...

 
After many months of planning and hard work, today was the big test for Sam and his senior project group.

Everything is set up and ready for countdown!

The engine fired successfully, but not perfectly...the nozzle cracked. Sam called the test 85% successful. I call it a HUGE success for students building their first rocket! The best part...everyone made it back safely and there were no injuries! Way to go CSUS engineers! You made us proud!