August and Feeling Nostalgic

It's August, and, as usual l when this month rolls around, I am feeling rather nostalgic. You see, my husband, my oldest daughter, and my youngest daughter all have birthdays early this month. Top that off with back to school season which means moving up grades, and, well, I get a little sentimental.

It starts with the hubby's birthday. Now, as we get older, at least around here, birthdays get a little less momentous, so there was not a big celebration as his birthday came and went this year. In fact, it was a rather ordinary day. That doesn't mean, though, that it didn't have significance. Celebrating my husband's birthday makes me grateful for two things: 1) That he will always be older than me, so he can never ever tease me about my age, and 2) All that we have been through together. When I first met him, I wasn't even 20 yet and we got married long before either of us was 30! I see people that age now and think, "Gosh! They're such babies!" (And, I mean that in a sweet, affectionate way - not an insulting manner). But, we were babies, too - we jsut didn't realize it then. We thought we knew it all and had everything figured out. Since then, there have been job changes, moves, kids, financial ups and downs, lots of laughter, oodles of joy, and plenty of times we didn't quite see eye to eye. Birthdays and anniversaries are markers to measure the time we've spent together,how we've grown as individuals and as a couple, and to think about what the future might hold. 

Next, just three days later to be exact, comes my oldest daughter's birthday. This year she turned 15!! Kids' birthdays make me cross-eyed as I try to look forward and backward simultaneously. I thought back to the day she was born in 2002 - the labor pains, the joy, the fear. I looked forward to the next birthday when she'll get her driver's license, and a couple more after that when she will be a legal adult at 18. In only 5 years, she'll be 20. TWENTY!!! As the song says, "Don't Blink!" It feels like that day she was born was eons ago and only just yesterday all at the same time. When she was a baby and I was a new mom, there were days when it felt like we would never possibly be where we are today - for better and for worse. I love the amazing, independent, confident, tenacious young lady she has become (and is still becoming), but I would be lying if I said that part of me doesn't sometimes miss the curly haired, ruffle wearing, Elmo loving toddler she used to be. 

After that, I get exactly 24 hours of respite from the wistfulness, and, then, it's my youngest daughter's birthday. This year, her day is extra special because she turns 10! That means everyone in my house will be in double digits. Again, it's milestones like these that send me into a whirlwind of memories from the past and visions of the future. I think about she when she was born, surprising us all by weighing in at just over 10 pounds. I think about the first few weeks with her at home. She was born exactly two weeks before the oldest started kindergarten and their two year old sister was in the middle. Those days are a blur in my rearview because I spent most of them in an exhausted, overwhelmed fog. Fortunately, she was a pretty easy baby who, like most third kids, had no choice but to adjust to the schedules already dictated by her older sisters. To make her birthdays even more heart wrenching, she has always been my most sentimental kid who often daydreams about going back to "being little" or to "when we used to have special Mommy and E days." Sigh . . . . .She often doesn't want to grow up and I often wish that my "baby" was still a baby so I could savor it a little bit more than I did (or could) back then. However, she is growing up into one of the sweetest, most compassionate kids I've ever known that that is something pretty special to experience, too.

OK . . . deep breath here. I need a minute to let all that emotion settle down.

Now, then . . . 

As if all that birthday sentimentality wasn't enough this month, August also brings the back to school season, of course, which is just another arrow taking target practice on my heart. My oldest has already started back to school - 10th grade, which means, by the end of this year, she will be half way finished with high school and about a billion steps closer to leaving for college. My middle daughter starts 7th grade which means this is her last year with no really major milestones - which actually IS kind of a milestone. Next year will be filled with high school choices, "make the most of the moment" moments, and last times. I have to remind myself not to get so caught up in what's coming next year that I miss this one. Finally, the youngest starts 5th grade. At their school, 5th is considered part of the middle school, so I officially no longer have any elementary school kids. No more class holiday parties (Yay! I think) and she won't think it's cool to have her mom chaperone the field trips anymore - maybe. I suppose that, with every school year, there are always firsts and lasts. It's par for the course, but when it comes on the heels of so much birthday reminiscence, it's just a little bit harder to swallow. 

Yep. It's August and another round of flashbacks and forecasts has me reeling. I can't believe my babies are growing up so much and so fast. I suppose all parents feel that way, though - especially when birthdays come around. I just trying to treasure the memories and delight in the future without forgetting to savor the moments that are right in front of me. 

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This post is linked up with Finish the Sentence Friday hosted by Kristi at Finding Ninee. This week's sentence was "It's August and I can't believe . . . ."
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The Beach, The Mountains, Paris, and My Bed

"When the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things, 

and then I don't feel so bad."

A familiar verse that Julie Andrews (as Maria) sang in the "Sound of Music."

Sometimes, the things that make me feel better, though, are not things at all. They are places - some of my favorite places. Whether I can go there in person or just by closing my eyes and letting my mind wander, they are places that bring me comfort and peace.

The Beach

The sound of the waves, the breeze blowing, and the sand between my toes. I find the beach to be supremely peaceful and relaxing. All my worries and stress just melt away as I close my eyes and listen to the waves.

The Mountains

I grew up near the mountains of North Carolina, so now, going to the mountains feels like going home. It IS going home and home is comfort. It's family, unconditional love, a slower pace, and my mom's cooking. 

Paris

Maybe it's because it was my first time outside the US. Maybe it's because it was a trip my husband and I took without the kids. Maybe it's because it was near Christmas. Maybe it's just because it's PARIS! I loved going there and would go back in a heartbeat. While there, I was overwhelmed and enamored by it's history. It was all-consuming in a wonderful way.

My Bed

Yes, I'm totally stealing this one from Dana, but it's true. Like most moms, I'm usually the first one up in the morning and the last one to go to bed at night. And, let's be honest - the days are long, parenting is hard, and, by 9:00pm, I'm exhausted. Nothings feels as good and putting on comfy pajamas, snuggling under the covers, finally relaxing a little with TV or a book, and falling asleep with hopes that I'll dream of Paris, the beach, or the mountains while I slumber. 

Another reason I like my bed? I always try to remember that, no matter how wonderful or horrible the day may have been, if all go to bed knowing that we are safe and loved, then, it's been a good day. My bed is where every day begins anew and ends victorious. 

What are your favorite places?

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This post was written s part of the "Who Am I" Project hosted by Dana of Kiss My List and Bev of Linkouture. This month's prompt was Favorite Places.

Looking Back - Memories From My Childhood

Memory is a funny thing. Personally, I'm great at memorizing lists of facts and, then, spitting them back out. It's one reason I made good grades in school. However, I'm terrible at remembering names. If you introduced yourself thirty seconds ago, it's likely that I have already forgotten your moniker. I might remember that it started with a particular letter, but the whole of it escapes me. 

Likewise, I'm pretty good at remembering schedules, but would really have to concentrate to remember what I ate for lunch yesterday. I could rattle off a list of all the birthdays of my closest relatives and friends (and it's a lot!), but I always double check recipes for fear that I will forget some key ingredient even if it's something I have made hundreds of times. 

When it comes to long term memories, things get even trickier. Some long term memories can be extremely vivid. However, time makes some seem fuzzy. There are still others we remember one way and then discover that perhaps we are remembering them incorrectly.

The memories I have of my childhood are all those things- some vivid, some fuzzy, some that I remember differently from others. I'm certain there are some things I have forgotten altogether, but these are some of the things I remember clearly despite the passage of time.

I remember playing with my dolls - lots of dolls. They were my favorite toy and I had lots of them. I can remember all four of the Cabbage Patch kids I had and all their names as well as a few other favorite dolls and their names. I remember the cradle that sat in my bedroom for years holding my dolls. I remember lining them up just so every night when I went to bed leaving just enough room for myself right in the middle.

I remember playing. I played grocery store. Sometimes I was the mommy pushing my doll through the store in our kitchen in a toy shopping cart. Sometimes I was the cashier, ringing up the "customers" who came through. I loved dressing up and wearing my mom's shoes.

I also remember playing shoe store, lining up my mom's shoes and taking her play money as she paid for the shoes she had chosen (again).

I remember riding my bike in endless circles around our driveway as I listened to Alvin and the Chipmunks sing the Beatles on a cassette that played inside my Walkman. I also remember riding repeatedly through my brother's makeshift basketball court one day and him throwing the basketball at my bike causing me to wreck and skin my knee. I still have the scar. 

What are you favorite #ChildhoodMemories ? @TheGoldenSpoons

I remember playing wedding consultant. I have no idea why I was so interested in weddings (other than the fancy dresses) because it is not something that gets me excited now. However, then, my mom had bought me several Bride magazines. I had notebooks and some of those carbon copy receipt pads that I used to take notes on when I met with my imaginary bridal clients in my office (i.e. my bedroom).

I remember sledding down the big hill when it snowed and trudging all the way back up so we could go down again. I often rode down on my dad's back or sharing the sled with my brother. I remember my mom making us hot chocolate and tomato soup when we came back inside.

I remember sitting around the Christmas tree every Christmas Eve night reading the story of Jesus' birth from the book of Luke together as a family. (A tradition I continue with my own family now.) I also remember peeking out from my bedroom door down the hall toward the living room on Christmas morning to see if I could make out what gifts Santa brought. My brother and I would wait impatiently for the clocks to get to the time when we were allowed to wake our parents and find out if our gift guesses were correct. 

This picture is terribly blurry and I have no idea what that is I was clutching under my chin, but, obviously, it was something I treasured at the time.

I remember going to my MamMaw's every Saturday - going with my dad to pick her up at the hair salon from her weekly appointment because she didn't drive, herself. I remember she always let me pick out a treat from the candy shelves at the checkout of the convenience store that was next to the "beauty shop." I remember her house- the brown couch, the orange-y rug, and the black rotary phone. 

I remember my PapPaw's house, too. The classic 70's shelves that let you see through from the den to the kitchen. I remember how I loved to walk through his garden with him and pick the ripe vegetables - especially the cucumbers and the "Tommy-Toe" tomatoes as we used to call them, even though I didn't (and still don't) care for either of those veggies. 

I remember family dinners and family TV nights watching the Cosby Show or the Dukes of Hazard. I remember laughter and love. Some other memories may have become blurry or dim over the years, but these memories are strong ones that I carry with me everywhere I go. They have shaped me and guided me through my 38 (almost 39) years. They have made me the parent I am to my girls and, therefore, the parents my girls will be to their own children. 

Some memories fade, but some stay forever ingrained in our minds and our hearts.

What are your most vivid childhood memories?

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This post was written as part of my friend Dana's Who I am Project. Head over to her blog to check out the project and link up your own post! 

Whispers Running Through My Mind

This week, I sat down with the word prompts for today's post and waited for that elusive muse to come whisper inspiration in my ear, but I think she was on vacation. That left me with the following thoughts that I'm sharing in this "stream of consciousness" post. This is me thinking out loud.

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There are whispers of fall in the air. There are back to school ads and school supplies are on sale. Stores are putting out school uniform clothing and, last week, Target had a big display of jeans out in the girls clothing department. My girls' summer reading assignment deadlines loom heavy. Four more weeks until our alarm clocks shatter the summer routine of sleeping in.

Summers always seem to go by so fast, but this one in particular has simply flown by at light speed. Soon it will be done and I'm not ready.

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This time of year, I always hear whispers of the past. My oldest, youngest, and husband all have birthdays in the first 11 days of August. As my girls get older, I can't help but look back on the past. I remember birthdays that seem so long ago but also as if they happened just yesterday. I love watching them grow, but I miss the days when they were little.

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As those birthdays roll around, the past whispers in one ear and the future whispers in the other. My oldest will officially become a teenager in less than two weeks. She's been talking a lot lately about "when I get my driver's license" and reminded me that in just a year and a half, it will be time for her to start drivers' education classes. I am so incredibly NOT ready. 

My youngest will start third grade next month. Third grade?? That seems so old, but she still seems so little in many ways. She is my snuggler; my hugger. Rarely does she pass me without stopping for a hug or to plant a little kiss on my cheek. She will start third grade, but there are still hints of "my baby" in her.

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There are whispers of change that are beginning to get louder as my two youngest prepare to start a new school next month. It's a decision we made in the spring and have been anticipating for months. As reality approaches, though, one is excited; the other apprehensive. It will require many adjustments - new friends, new teachers, more travel time. I hope we made the right decision. I hope they will be happy there. I hope I will be happy there. 

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What whispers are running through your mind today?

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This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyaholic and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Blessing and Absurd. If you would like to join the linkup you can find more information HERE, sign up for weekly emails HERE, and/or join our Facebook group HERE. Every Friday, two prompts are emailed. Choose one and write a post using that word as inspiration. Linkup up any time between 6:00am EST on Wednesday-9:00pm EST on Thursdays on any of the host sites.

An InLinkz Link-up

When Life Comes Full Circle

In high school, I had a small core group of friends. There were mainly four of us, 2 girls and 2 boys. We weren't the popular kids or the jocks. We weren't the Holy Rollers or the Artsy ones. We were smart, but we weren't the nerds, either. J, the other girl, was definitely my BFF. We spent hours talking on the phone (back before texting was a thing), hung out on the weekends, had sleepovers, and helped each other through what we thought at the time were difficult situations. 

Once we graduated, all four of us went in different directions - 4 different colleges; 4 different career paths; eventually, we settled in 4 different cities. Sadly, during our college years, the friendships I thought would last forever simply faded away. I really only kept in touch with M, one of the guys, but even that was sporadic and, admittedly, he was the one who put in most of the effort to keep in touch. (M and I continue to keep in touch, by the way, and are still great friends. We live in different states and don't get to see each other often enough, but we do get together when we can and our families have a great time together!) Sadly, B, the other guy, soon fell off my radar completely and, today, I have no idea where he lives, if he has a family of his own, or if he is still following his original career path. 

J, on the other hand, moved back to the town where I grew up and where my parents and brother continue to live. Although I didn't talk to her directly, my mom would occasionally bump into her or hear things through the small town grapevine and pass them along to me once in a while. I knew where J was working and that she had had two little girls of her own. At times, I wondered how such a strong, beautiful friendship could just fade away the way ours did. It was nobody's fault, really. There was no big disagreement or falling out. At least as far as I remember, there was no one big thing that cased our friendship to split. Life just happened and took us in different directions. Our connection simply disappeared like a ship sailing off over the horizon.

Sometimes, though, that same life that happened and separated people has a way of bringing them back together. 

This past weekend, I headed back to my hometown to celebrate my brother's upcoming 40th birthday. I had no idea that J would be there, too, but, of course, I recognized her the minute I saw her. Like me, she looks that same as always with a few years added on. As it turns out, her husband and my brother work together and have become friends themselves, so they had been invited to the party. 

For a few hours, J and I stood by the pool watching our daughters - my three and her two - splashing and playing together in the pool. I asked about her family and she asked about my blog. We talked about our 20th high school reunion that is coming up in the fall and whether or not we planned to go. We talked about jobs, and mothering, and M. I won't say it was like we picked up right where we left off - after all, we left off 20 years ago - but, it was great and, maybe, just a little surreal. 

At one point, as J and I stood there talking, her youngest, 4, was jumping off the side of the pool into the arms of my oldest, 12. It was really very sweet. They were smiling and laughing; we were smiling and laughing. My mom came over and commented how strange yet wonderful it is when life comes full circle that way. 

Sometimes, there are people who come into our lives for just a short time. (High school feels like forever at the time, doesn't it?) Even though they don't always stay long for whatever the reasons my be, they make a mark on us. They share moments and memories that, perhaps, no one else can share. Although high school is a time that I would mostly rather forget, I will always remember my good friends fondly and I'm glad I had a chance to reconnect even for a just little while. 

J's girls and my girls all together!

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This post was part of the One Word Blog Linkup hosted by, Janine of Confessions of a Mommyholic, Marica of Blogitudes, and me! This week, the word prompt choices were Soon and Sweet. If you would like to join the linkup you can find more information HERE, sign up for weekly emails HERE, and/or join our Facebook group HERE. Every Friday, two prompts are emailed. Choose one and write a post using that word as inspiration. Linkup up any time between 6:00am EST on Wednesday-9:00pm EST on Thursdays on any of the host sites.

An InLinkz Link-up

Don't Cry Over Summer's End

Don't you just love that quote? I do. In fact, it is one of my favorites even though I sometimes struggle to embrace it fully.

Lately, I have found myself saying those words to my younger daughter quite a bit. She has such big heart and she loves so fully, completely, and intensely. The only problem is that, sometimes, she holds on so tightly to moments of joy that she doesn't want to let them go.

Recently, my three daughters and I were fortunate enough to spend four days in San Francisco with my husband while he traveled for a business trip. It was the first time the girls and I had been there. We saw so many wonderful, beautiful things and spent four days together. It was wonderful. Until it was over. The night that we returned home, my sweet little Emily lay in her bed sobbing with tears streaming down her little, freckled cheeks because she was so sad that the trip was over; so sad that we had to go back to our "real" lives which means not being together around the clock.

Just a week later, after the start of school, I, once again, found her in tears. "Why are you crying?" I asked. Eventually, she said through her tears, "I don't want summer to be over!" She went on to explain that she has "the best sisters in the whole world and the best mommy and the best daddy." She said she misses us when she is at school all day.

My heart broke into a million tiny pieces.

Of course, I wanted to wrap her in my arms as tightly as I could, tell her that she could stay with me forever and that she never had to go to school again.

Instead, I quoted Dr. Seuss.

I told her to be happy about all the fun things we did over the summer. I reminded her how much she likes her new teacher and that, if she was always at home, she wouldn't see her friends. I also pointed out that, if we really did spend all of our time together, then it probably wouldn't seem so special anymore.

As I was caught up in all the back to school madness, I was looking forward to finally having some sense of routine and maybe even few moments of quiet time. However, I paused for just a minute as I hugged her and wiped her tears to reflect and remember all the wonderful moments of the summer. 

I breathed in the afternoon spent with cousins laughing and splashing in the pool. I reabsorbed the lazy mornings and the staying-up-too-late nights. I recalled the Fourth of July cookout with friends. I could almost feel the ocean breeze as I thought about our two trips to the beach - once with family; once with good friends. I closed my eyes and saw the mountains again, recalling time with my parents, brother,  nieces, and nephew. I heard the music of the Happy Birthday chorus. Of course, I treasured the memories of San Fran. 

At the end of each summer, I usually feel very conflicted - sad to see summer end, yet happy to get back to a more regular routine. This time around, though, I have been leaning more toward the sad said of that seesaw. This summer seemed to pass by more quickly than any I remember in the past. We didn't quite manage to check off everything on our Summer Bucket List, but it was still full and wonderful. Honestly, the last couple of weeks my kids have actually gotten along pretty well, so I wasn't really even that anxious to kick them out of the house. 

I could have used a couple more weeks of summer vacation; a few more days to soak it in. Alas, time marched on and days passed. I barely had time to blink before we were school shopping and making lunchbox menus once again. I will take the same advice I gave my sweet girl, though. I will not be sad that it's over (not too sad, anyway). Instead, I will be happy - so very happy - that we had such a wonderful summer!

This post is part of the Finish the Sentence Friday Link Up Hosted by Kristi from Finding Ninee and Stephanie from Mommy, For Real.

This week's co-host is Kerri from Undiagnosed But Okay.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

The first two times I was pregnant, we decided not to find out the gender until the baby was born.  It was really hard to wait, but we liked the "old fashioned" idea of being surprised.  Both times, I knew in my heart they were girls long before the big day came and confirmed it.  

The third time, however, I just had to know early on.  My first two daughters were old enough to understand what was happening (at least a little). I also was not happy about the timing because my third was due just a couple weeks before my oldest would start kindergarten.  I knew our lives would be crazy and I needed to be as prepared as possible mentally and functionally.  

As the day of the ultrasound got closer and closer, I got more and more certain, too - certain that this one was a boy.  My cravings were different this time.  I had a touch of morning sickness which I had not had with the two previous pregnancies.

As I lay on the exam table awaiting confirmation of what I already knew, I envisioned going home and announcing to everyone, "It's a boy!"  I already had his name chosen, too.  

"Right there," said the ultrasound tech.  "That's how I can tell it's a GIRL!"

"I knew it!" my hubby chimed in.

Honestly, I'm not quite sure what I said.  I think I was a little in shock and I'm certain it took a few minutes for the reality to completely take hold.

As the months went on and my due date got closer, I got more used to the idea of having three daughters.  I pulled out the tiny clothes my other two had worn and actually got to put pink in the nursery instead of just green and yellow.

Finally, the big day arrived.  And, today, here we are seven years later.

As it turns out, the baby I was so certain was going to be a boy, is actually the girly-est one in our house.  She insists on wearing only dresses and skirts.  Even at night, she only wears nightgowns.  She loves anything pink and frilly and sparkly.  She loves shopping, shoes, purses, and makeup.  She adores princesses and can spend hours playing with her dollhouse and princess figurines.  She squeals in terror when she sees a bug and she does not do outside or dirt.

The one I thought was a boy is pure girl through and through.

On top of her femininity, she has the most compassionate heart.  She cares for others and wants so much to help.  She is witty and smart, but timid and oh so tenderhearted, too.  She has a faith that simply amazes me and she moves at her own leisurely pace, taking in the world around her.

Best of all, when I put her to bed at night, she frequently throws her arms around my neck and says "I'm going to give you the longest hug in the history of hugs, Mommy!" and, then, she squeezes with all her might.  I melt.  Wrapped in her hug, I close my eyes and think to myself, "Please don't ever get too big for these hugs!"

I admit that there was a time when I "mourned" the loss of the son we would never have and that the idea of a third daughter took a while to settle in. 

Now, though, I look at those freckles and that perfect smile and I cannot imagine our lives with any one else - with anyone other than this sweet, beautiful, delightful little girl.

Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!  I love you to the moon times infinity and the morst!  I love your girly-ness and your gigantic, soft heart.  I love the way you love others.  You give the best hugs, too!  I wish you many, many, many more happy birthdays and the biggest hugs in the universe!

  

Tuesday Ten - Year End Countdown

As has been my tradition for the past couple of years, today I am sharing with you the ten posts from 2013 that have been my favorite.  In 2013, my blog grew by leaps and bounds.  There were some posts I thought would do well that bombed.  There were others, written on the fly without much thought that were big hits.  This year, especially, it has been fun to look back at what has happened, how my writing has changed, and how my blog has matured.

My Ten Favorite Posts from 2013

1.  Letting Then Spread Their Wings - This one was written as I prepared to let my oldest go on her first big trip away without me.

2.  What I Learned on a Fifth Grade Field Trip - Written after accompanying my oldest daughter and her entire 5th grade on an overnight field trip.

3.  Summer Bucket List - A list of all the things we planned to do over the summer.  (Definitely have to do this one again!)

4.  A Belated Father's Day Post for my Hubby - This was a Tuesday Ten in which I asked my daughters to tell me the things they loved most about their daddy.  So sweet!

5.  Ten Favorite Family TV Shows  - I listed my favorite TV shows from when I was a kid.

6.  One Word - This was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday.  It really seemed to resonate with readers.

7.  Letter to My Daughter Upon Entering Middle School - Just as it says, a letter I wrote to my oldest daughter as she began middle school this year about all the things I wanted her to do and remember.

8.  Things I've Learned from My Kids - A Tuesday Ten list of lessons my kids have taught me.

9.  Godspeed, Sweet Dreams - Another Finish the Sentence Friday where the prompt was "the best part of my day" and I wrote about watching my girls sleep.

10.  Great Lengths - Another FTSF post.  It was fun to walk down memory lane for this one and remember how much trouble we once went to in an effort to find the perfect Halloween costume.

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There were three other posts that were very special to me this year ben though they didn't run here on the blog.

1-  In July, I had this post on Scary Mommy about how different date night is after you have kids.  Getting a post accepted by Jill Smokler of Scary Mommy was a HUGE deal for me and I was so excited about it!

2 - Just this month, I had this piece featured on Mamalode.  It was a tough piece to write.  I was nervous about publishing it, but it got so much support and I consider it an honor to be on Mamalode.

3- This one isn't exactly a post, but I had and "essay" PUBLISHED in a Book!!!

Of course, it is awesome to be able to say "I'm published!" but being part of this book was so much more than that.  I met 29 other wonderful bloggers that have become a support network and a sounding board.  I consider each and everyone of them a friend and I look forward to working with them again in the future!

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My next Tuesday Ten will be published on January 7th.  It will be a New and improved Tuesday Ten linkup party!!!  I'm going to be co-hosting with Rabia from The Liebers.  Each week, we'll be giving you a topic for the coming week.  For January 7th, the topic is New Year's Resolutions.  We are very excited about this venture and we hope you will consider writing a post and linking up with us! 

How I Met my Husband

It was September 1996.  I was 19 and had just started my sophomore year in college.  At that time, the thing to do on a Friday night was to go Cosmic Bowling.  What is Cosmic Bowling you ask?? Well, basically, the bowling alley turns off the regular lights and turns on laser lights, a disco ball, and cranks up the music.  It was a night club atmosphere in the midst of a bowling alley.

Happy to be back on campus after the summer, some girlfriends and I decided to go out and give it a try.

The cosmic stuff didn't start until 11:00 I think.  We arrived at the bowling alley, put on our lovely bowling shoes, and took our place on the lane to which we had been assigned.  A little bit later, a group of guys laid claim to the lane right beside us.  They were obviously a little older than us - probably mid-twenties.  Also obvious was the fact that they had had "a few" beers already.

Eventually, the laser lights went on, the music got loud, and the guys started making conversation.  Now, I'm not a proficient bowler, but apparently I was having a good night and I had bowled a couple strikes.  My "talent" caught the eye of one of the guys in the other lane.  He was not bowling very well himself (maybe too many beers??) and he finally said that he wanted me to bowl for him when his turn came around again.  I reluctantly agreed.  Then, when his turn came, I bowled the most perfectly beautiful gutter ball you ever did see.

Of course, I was embarrassed, but "that guy" seized the opportunity and said that I owed him a date because of my faux pas.  Well, I was not about to go out with an older, less than sober guy so I brushed it off.  We continued to laugh about it while we finished our rounds of bowling.  Then, my girlfriends and I left.

I thought that was the end of it.  After all, I hadn't given him my number or anything more than my first name.

On Saturday, the phone in my dorm room rang.  It was him.  As it turned out, unbeknownst to me, some of my friends had given him my number and he was intrigued enough to call and formally ask me out.

We went out to lunch the next day, Sunday, and then headed to a local park for a walk.  As the old saying goes, the rest is history.  We dated for a year and a half before he proposed.  Then, about 7 months later, we got married.  That was 15 years ago today.

If anyone in that bowling alley had told me I would end up marrying the guy in the next lane, I would have surely laughed hysterically.  I didn't even want to give him my number!  I still remember going back to my dorm after our first date that Sunday and the first thing the girls wanted to know was how old he was.  He was 25 and they proclaimed, "Wow!  He's old!"  I guess, compared to 19, he was old, but that just seems so funny now - to think that 25 was "old."

He quickly became my best friend.  Since I was younger, he often had to choose between bar hopping with his buddies or hanging out with me.  Fortunately, most of the time he chose me.  I'm sure he took some ribbing from the guys for it, but just look at us now.

Somehow we went from this:

to this:

to this:

and this:

The past 15+ years have been full of challenges and joys, tears and smiles.  He is still my best friend. He reminds me to laugh and he makes me feel beautiful in spite of myself.

I love you David!!  Thanks for 15 wonderful years!  I'm looking forward to spending many, many more with you! 

When Memories Come Full Circle

I have had a couple of weeks to mull over this week's Finish the Sentence Friday prompt:

One of my favorite childhood memories is . . . . . 

At first, I thought this one would be easy.  I had a great childhood that was full of great memories.  I remember cooking with my mom, playing basketball and baseball with my dad.  I remember family TV nights and family vacations every summer.  I remember get-togethers with extended family and sledding through our neighborhood on snow days.  As you can see, my trouble became figuring out just which memory should be my focus.

Earlier this week, I pulled out a photo album  my mom had put together for me.  She filled it with pictures of me throughout my childhood.  They start with me as a baby and go all the way through high school. This is my favorite picture of me as a child:

I was looking for some inspiration to choose a particular memory about which to write.  However, I found something a little different.  As I was looking through these pictures of me, I saw reflections of my own children in the photos.

It was almost uncanny, really.  Have  a look:

Rachel is 11 now, too.  She and Sophie have a special bond.

I remembered dressing as a clown one year and even told Megan about it.  I hadn't remembered it was when I was eight years old as well!

I remembered playing with dolls a lot, but had almost forgotten how many stuffed animals I had. This is how my little Emily sleeps every night - and that's only about half of her "friends". :-)

This last was the proverbial icing on the cake:

Perhaps the best thing about my childhood memories is watching them come back around full circle now as I watch my girls grow.  I hope and pray that, when they eventually look back and recall their  own childhood memories, they can say theirs are and wonderful as mine!  

What are some of your favorite childhood memories? (I want ask you to pick just one!) 

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday  and the prompt was "One Halloween I..."   FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Janine at Janine’s Confessions of a Mommyaholic

Stephanie at Mommy, for Real

Kate at Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine?

Kristi at Finding Ninee

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