Hair Flair

This girl is getting married.

No, not the blonde.

That beautiful brunette is my cousin and best friend Jodie.

She's about the only person I'd be willing to stand beside, at the age of 40, as her maid of honor. 

Or is that matron of honor?

I couldn't be happier to stand beside my beloved Jodie as she says "I do" in August.

Ever since we bought the dresses a few months ago, I've put together a hair plan.  Is that silly?  I say no.  It's very me to have a plan.  Even though all eyes will be riveted to the beautiful bride, I do love a chance to be girlie girl.

Here's the dress...

Love, right?

I used to think I wanted long flowy curls for the wedding.

Now, I think I'm in love with a messy bun.

Either way, I have officially agreed to wear hair flair. 

Naturally, I'll wear whatever the bride says I should.

Which do YOU think is the best?

love of music

Sorry I'm not writing these days. I'm currently in love with music. This first song I heard at the talent show, played by members (several favorite students) of the jazz band. When I hear it, I think of them. Song number 2 was introduced to me by a student, when he learned I was listening to less-than-mainstream music these days. It reminds me of the music Eric introduced to me when we were young and in college. It makes me smile. My last new fave is one I heard on the radio. Sunny day. Great song. What's not to love? Melinda, you might recognize this from Glee... 1. Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks 2. Mumford and Sons - The Cave 3. Florence and the Machine - Dog Days I tried to link to YouTube but I'm on my iPad and it looked terrible when I posted links. Don't worry, I still love me some 80s hair bands. It's just nice to change things up once in awhile!

Book Review - 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Book Review - 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James

There has been SO MUCH hype about this book, so called "mommy porn", that I couldn't resist.  I like to fancy myself a leader but when it comes to books, I have no problem following someone else's suggestion.

One of my sorority sisters suggested we read this for our book club.  Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to read it because the last book Laura suggested was bad.  Really bad.

Another one of my girlfriends had all three books in this series as pdf files so I downloaded them to my iPad and got to reading.

Here is what I have to say:

1.  Not exactly literary magic which means it was really easy to read.

2.  Storyline was pretty good and got better with each book in the series.

3.  Erotica.  Loads and loads of it.

You should read it. 

Everyone else is.

Did ya miss me?

I sure have missed having any free time to blog.  To exercise.  Or to sleep for that matter.

It was right after spring break when issues at work started some crazy shizz.  CRAAAAZY SHIZZZ.  To make a long story short, I'll be working with a new principal next year.  As if that change isn't big enough, our district passed the construction bond.  I have to move all my ASB supplies and classroom and my office to a portable, where I'll be living for the next two years.  I have to have it all packed and moved by June 19.   Yes, I'm using my students to help but I still have to go through everything to make sure I know what I'm taking with me.  And there is YEARS worth of crap to go through! 

Add on assemblies, a couple of class fundraisers, district meetings, Prom, Campus Day, and Graduation...and this Activity Coordinator is beat.

I know I can make it to summer but man, it's been a long haul.  Thankfully, I was better prepared for the pace this spring so I'm not as wiped out as I was last year. Not to mention, teachers are really good at carving out time for happy hour! 

Pretty soon my focus will be about summer.  And exercising.  And sleeping. 
11 more days.  I can make it.

invasion of the body snatcher...and they left me with this?

I am pear shaped.  I accept it.  I own it.  I recognize it.  It's who I am.

I am hyper aware of my weight battle.  After 40 years, if I didn't know I had issues, than I'm an idiot. The only time I might have been an idiot was that one summer when I gained 70 lbs in Alaska and ended the three month stint weighing a whopping 210 lbs.  That summer I might have been a little oblivious.  

 

If you forget that one summer, I really do get it.  I'm not that person who after gaining five pounds declares "I just don't know how that happened."  I know what happens.  For example, in college, I drank beer.  Beer = weight gain.  Make sense.  Example #2:  When I was pregnant, I gained weight because the parasite needed food.  Even if I didn't like the changes that were happening to my body, I knew why they were happening.  Truthfully, for nine months, there was freedom and I let myself eat whatever that little parasite wanted. 

But turning 40 has wrecked havoc on my metabolism and I'll be damned if I know how to fix it.

Someone has snatched MY body and left me with a 40 year old saggy, doughy, icky body.  Some shizz is happening and I don't like it!   The pear shaped body, that I recognize and know as my own, is slowly moving to an apple shape.  

I told you...shizz is happening and I don't like it!

The kicker is I can't figure out WHY it is happening. I watch what I eat.  I exercise. I drink plenty of water, eat a salad for lunch and dinner (with appropriate protein balance), and don't overindulge in sugars.  So, I'm not being an oblivious idiot.  I just can't figure out the why.

I may not have always like my body but at least it was mine.  This new one?  I haven't a clue what to do with it.  I'm not a big fan.

I read that your 40's can be some of the best years.

I suppose that is true...if you don't mind looking like an apple.

kindle ipad

Despite owning my beloved iPad since March, I never could understand the allure of the Kindle app.

Why would I want to read a book electronically?

I love to read.  That's kind of a no-brainer since I have book reviews listed on my freaking blog!  When I was younger, reading was my escape from the "mean girls" who picked on me for being smart in school.  I was the library TA in middle school so I could hide out at lunch and didn't have to see anyone.  I had less reason to hide in high school but my family always knew I was working through an issue if I was in bed on a Saturday, reading Little Women or Wrinkle in Time. 

 I love everything about holding a book in my hands.  The smell of paper as I turn the page.  The vision of the bookmark, peeking ever so slightly from atop the book to remind me that escape awaits me.  Piles of books lay by my bed, beckoning me to slow down and open one.  My shelf are fully stocked, reminding me that summer reading isn't too far away. 

So, why would I ever want to open a kindle app to read a book electronically?

 

That's why.

Book Review - The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst

The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst

I read this about two months ago.  And I can't really remember much about it.

Which probably tells you all you need to know about the book.

Once I googled it, I was reminded of the storyline.  And here's what I remember:

 It was sweet.

It was a story about a mom and her son, in the aftermath of losing the rest of their family.

It was poignant and sad.

  It was predictable and an easy read.

Probably something I'd take on a weekend vacation but no need to have it on my bookshelf.

 

my sister

I just really love her.

And this picture of us.

weekend recap

After a long week of work, filled with more ups and downs than California Screamin' at Disneyland, the weekend finally arrived and I was more than ready for her!

Friday night was a quiet one for us. I didn't get home until after 5 (I told you it was a long week) so Alexander and I played Lego Star Wars, I started a load of laundry, and crashed by 9PM.  Pretty exciting, eh?

Saturday morning, we all slept in for the first time in forever.  I managed to steal 10 hours of sleep and felt terrific.  The sun was shining and Alexander was heading to a sleepover with his Big Papa and Umma. 

 Eric and I got ourselves together to attend Jeffy's 40th birthday party that afternoon.  I few months ago, I had convinced Jeff that a 80's/RentonPalooza party was the way to go.  

And believe me, last night we partied like it was 1989!

After a good 12 hour marathon run, celebrating with our friends, we finally fell into bed at 3AM. 

Which means, Sunday has been totally shot.  That laundry I mentioned from Friday night?  Yep, still waiting to be folded.  Dishes still in the sink.  And clutter is everywhere. That's what happens when you choose to spend the day, laying the sun, pretending you are in Vegas and hoping the sun will cook a hangover out of you.

Hope you had a fun and restful weekend!

so long, spring break

I shall miss you. But I feel recharged and ready for the last nine weeks of the school year.

We may not have gone anywhere but our stay-cation was just what this working mom needed.

Housework is done. Laundry is finished. We've started the spring yard work. And the sun is starting to shine which is ALWAYS a good thing.

But what's a better way to say so long to spring break than a cocktail and the new version of Footloose?

Not much, if you ask me!

Finishing up the week...

Tomorrow, we're heading to the Great Wolf Lodge for a couple of nights.  My awesome sister and brother in law booked a large suite based on their timeshare points (reason #1 to get a timeshare) and invited us along.  Or maybe I invited us along...?

Since the little man is such a fish in water, we figured he is going to have the time of his life!  

So, while we are off on our adventure, here are a few of my favorite photos from Easter that I didn't share on Alexander's blog...since they were about me and not him!

PS  HAPPY BIRTHDAY JODIE!  Loveyousomuch.

Late night

Here it is; almost 11pm and I am wide awake.

Watching old One Tree Hill episodes as I wait for sleep to overcome me. Season 4 , to be exact. Senior year, basketball championship, underage gambling and teen pregnancy. And that's just the first half of the season.

No wonder I can't sleep.

Ok, I admit, it may be the lbs of sugar coursing through my veins tonight that is the cause of no sleep tonight. I can't help it. I'm a sugar junkie when I'm on vacation!

Soon it will be time to put my new BFF, my iPad, away for the night and let the obnoxious sound of croaking frogs lull me to sleep. That is, if I can ignore the aches and pains in my muscles from my second workout of level 2 of The Shred. Oh, it's a killer workout and I am feeling the results, that is for sure. Have you tried The Shred? If so, please tell me the aches and pains will go away!! Ouch!

In the meantime, as I wait for the Advil to kick in, i will watch just one more episode...after all, it is Spring Break and I can sleep in!

all about me

One of my favorite sayings is that of today's post. The irony is not lost on anyone who knows me because I rarely have time or energy in my busy life to make ANYTHING about me!

However, on one lone Tuesday in April, i set up a day to be all about me.

I slept in until 7:45am.

By 9am, I was at Inspa for waxing treatments. Brows and Brazillion. Painful but oh so worth it!

I was in and out of DSW in the next half hour, with two new pairs of shoes in hand. Thanks to my Christmas gift card, two pairs cost me less than the price of one!

Next up-haircut and color. Still working the hair plan for Jodie's wedding so only a bit of a trim and fresh color. Suzy treated me to a little curling style which was super fun!

A bit of a shopping spree at the mall was the next item on my agenda. Bought a few basic t-shirts and a new cardigan. Thanks to sales and another gift card, I paid less than 30 bucks for five items of clothing. Woo-Hoo!

Finally, I drove into Seattle and enjoyed a fantastic Happy Hpur at Boka with Gypsy and Rin. We enjoyed a delightful April afternoon with warm temps, cold cocktails and loads of girl time.

Oh, I do love Spring Break!
Especially when it is all about me!!

Ides of March

This is how I have felt the last five weeks.

I don't know what March is like for regular-non-teachin' but for me, it is a month of hell.   The district created late arrival Wednesday mornings so teachers can spend time working with colleagues.  For seven months of the school year, I love our late arrivals.  In the month of March, those late arrivals are the bane of my existence.

In March, every ASB event that isn't attached to a major spirit week, occurs on a Tuesday night for five straight weeks in March.  The talent show.  The senior boys pageant.  The district high school leadership conference. Finding Kind documentary. 
And if that wasn't enough, our spring spirit week was the first week of April so there is another week of high energy that sucked me dry..

I've literally been auto-pilot and existing on fumes. 
Eric and Alexander have been so patient and good with my absence.
 
BUT NOW...

IS HERE!!!

And I couldn't be happier!!

my apple experience

Imagine my surprise when THIS arrived on Friday!  It is my anniversary present from Eric!

iPad 3!

I wasn't expecting it for another week but my sweet hubby had it shipped next day for me.  First, he surprises me by buying it for me and THEN he had it shipped next day?  What a guy!

Last night, Alexander said to me, "Can I play with my iPad now?"

Eric said, "Don't you mean Mommy's iPad?"

Alexander responded with, "Well, it is Mommy's.  But she loves me so much, I can use it whenever I want."

The kid's got my number.

i suck at blogging

I'm still here.  Just busy.

A weekend getaway to the ocean to celebrate our anniversary.  Must upload pictures soon.

Our anniversary.  15 years.  And I didn't even blog about it.  (but I got an iPad!)

Last week, late night meetings 4 out of 5 nights.  And evening swim lessons began.

A weekend with friends and family.  And blasted daylight savings.

I'm still here.

Just busy.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

My beautiful grandma turned 87 today.

"Happy Birthday to ME!"

Thanks for the best visit today, Grandma.

I love you so much.

Book Review - Queen of the South by Arturo Perez-Reverte

Best opening line ever: "The telephone rang, and she knew she was going to die".  

Cool, right? 

I wish I could tell you that I loved this book but frankly, I was disappointed in it.  This is a book that has two storylines within its pages.  One story follows a journalist, who is seeking to tell the story of Teresa Mendoza, the Queen of the South.  The second, and much more intriguing story is that of the Queen and her escape from Mexico to Southern Europe where she reigns over the narco mafia. 

The book was long.  And, at points, rather tedious.  However, the author does a decent job of weaving the two storylines together and I applaud him for his attention to detail.  However, the book would have been better if the journalist story had been left out.  I became fascinated with this young woman.  I wanted to hear more about her story and much less about the journalist, who ended up giving hints to what would happen next in the book.  The thing I love best about a book filled with suspense is solving the puzzle before I reach the last page.  Instead, the journalist story line gave too much away and I was disappointed.  I simply kept reading because I hate to leave a book unread. 

If you want a book that is filled with details that get in the way of a suspenseful story, you'll enjoy this book.

Otherwise, I suggest you leave it on the shelf.

Time for the Academy Awards!

One night a year, I get the TV all to myself.  The boys are ever gracious and try not to interrupt my obsession with the Oscars.  By 3pm on Sunday, I was settled onto the couch, watching the red carpet and texting three different people with my comments: Jodie, Kate and Mom.  I watch for about seven hours straight and at the end of the night, I grade it from start to finish.  

Jodie, Kate, Mom and I were blowing up the phones for a solid two hours.

Thanks for playing with me, girls!

Trends:  Strapless.  One shoulder.  A lot of pale-ish dresses (as I predicted). 

 I haven't to admit, there were very few dresses this year that I did not like.  Very few.

So, let's start with my fave.

First dress on the carpet remains the first one in my heart.

Milla Jovovich.

Gorgeous, I say.

I love love love everything about this one.

Penelope Cruz was a close second.

The color is perfect for her and I loved her glamour hairstyle.

When I think of the Oscars, this is the type of dress that comes to mind.

A surprise member of the top three was Gwyneth Paltrow.

I normally don't groove on her but I was a HUGE fan of this look.

Trendy and statuesque.

Now, which dresses brought out my catty self and created the most text message controversy?

First up - worst dress of the night.

Rooney Mara.

While I will concede, from the waist down, this dress is pretty.

I simply couldn't get past her boob flaps. And terrible bangs.

Michelle Williams

Simply put, I was disappointed.  The color is pretty but all you see is color and with her tiny pixie self, she needed something to bring her face out more.  This style isn't right for her. 

I do think she could have done better.

Viola Davis

If you know me at all, you know what is running through my head.

Just don't raise your arm, honey.

Emma Stone

I LOVE this actress.  Her bit with Ben Stiller is one of my favorites from the night.

But this dress?

Good Gawd - why didn't someone tell her there was a giant bow about to eat face?

Honorable Mention list:

Jennifer Lopez

Hair was predictable but I love the style on her.  It is probably more of a Grammy's dress but she rocked it.

Jessica Chastain

The more I stare at it, the more I like the dress.  But not on her. I would have loved to have seen her in a softer color.

Angelina Jolie

I admit it, I like the dress. 

Ang looked like she didn't care about being in attendance but she rocked this dress.  BTW, she did not deserve to have the douchebag make fun of her on stage. 

And she really could use a sandwich.

Finally, Meryl Streep.

She deserved the award and she looked gorgeous accepting it.

I was really disappointed in the show.  Billy Crystal was predictable and, at times, looked pained to be hosting.  Several of the bits were funny, Chris Rock made me laugh out loud, and the memoriam piece was one of my all time favorites.  I admit, I hadn't seen about 80% of the movies that were nominated but now I know what to put in my Netflix queue!

But the Oscars needs to change it up with a different host.  Jodie suggested Jimmy Fallon or Conan O'Brien.

I fully agree.  Funny and they know most of the folks.  Jimmy Kimmel would be a great choice, too.

My grade:  B-.

finding my inner american girl

For as long back as I can remember, my mom bought my sister and I one doll a piece for Christmas.  One special doll a year.  I suppose every mom wants her daughters to play "mommy" and love their "babies".  And my mom gave it the best try for YEARS.  My sister and I would roll our eyes but looking back on it, I love my mom for wanting us to have our own special babies. 

For what it is worth, my sister and I did become Mommies but both of us are the working parents in our families (by choice) and neither of us learned to cook (also, by choice).

Some gender tendencies stick and others simply wash away!

Anyhow, my mother's patience and trying has paid off for my sweet niece Lorelli loves dolls. 

American Girl dolls to be specific.

For her ninth birthday, we visited the American Girl store. 

All I can say is WOW. 

There are no words to describe this store.  A store filled with hundreds of dolls and thousands of little girls, running over one another to pick out doll outfits and accessories.  Ok, hundreds and thousands may be an exagerration but I do swear a mom or two knocked me over, in their haste to get to a specific outft.

Anyhow...

Lorelli used her Christmas money to buy a new doll.

Meet Cecilia!

Cecilia may be "Marie" now because her name was going to be changed but I haven't heard a final update.

Either way, the birthday girl was in love.

And Katelyn really likes her new friend, too.

Or so I'm told.

I wish I had pictures of my mom's face as she walked around. My sweet mom couldn't help herself and had to pick up about a half dozen outfits for the two dolls.  I swear, if these dolls had been around when my sister and I were little girls, my mom would have saved every last penny she could find so we could have one.

As for myself, I don't think I found my inner American Girl after all.

She was frightened off by all the freaky dolls!!

my crafty self

Anyone who knows me, knows the last word I would use to describe myself is "crafty".  I am lucky to surround myself with plenty of crafty folks (Mom, Melinda, Michelle) but being crafty just isn't me. 

That being said, I've been going nuts about my jewelry box.  I can't tell you the number of times I would lament the disorganization to Eric.  He finally responded with "get a 1x4 piece of wood and put some nails in it and hang your necklaces."  Which is exactly what I wanted him to say...and then do for me.

Melinda showd me a picture from the dreaded beloved Pinterest, where a woman used doorknobs instead of nails and I was sold.  And yet, my non-crafty self was stressing over finding the right knobs, painting the piece of wood, hanging it up and spending a ton of money, trying to figure it out.  If this befuddled frame of mind doesn't convince you that I'm not ready for Pinterest, I don't know what will!

So, to make a long story short, I finally ended up with hooks (cost= $3.00) and screwed them into the drywall. 

I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

On a completely unrelated side note, I am thinking I might start curling my hair.  I haven't done this in years but as I grow out my hair for Jodie's wedding in August, I'm tired of it looking like an overgrown bob.

What do you think?

I'm just not sure...

Pinterest and Me

It seems everyone and their mother is on Pinterest.  Everyone...but me.  I realized yesterday, as my hairdresser was suggesting a school project to me to which I responded "don't tell me you found that on Pinterest? (she had), that I may be the last person on earth, refraining from Pinterest.

Are you on it?  From what I hear, it is fantastic.  From what I hear, it is wonderful for new ideas. From what I hear, I'm really missing out.

Here are my reasons from refraining:

1.  My perfectionist self will feel insecure when I see the great projects done by others.

2.  My non-crafty self will feel insecure when I see the great projects done by others.

3.  My frugal self doesn't have the extra money.

3.  My busy self DOES NOT HAVE TIME!

When all is said and done, I don't have time to pick up a new obsession.  I know there are great ideas on there; inexpensive and fun.  Projects that I could do on my own.  Meals I could even make for us.

In order to find all those projects and meals, it would require time on the computer.  And something would have to give. That something would be time, at home, with my boys.  If I was on Pinterest, we wouldn't have made a dump run today or cut up all the branches in our yard.  I wouldn't have deep cleaned our upstairs or done five loads of laundry.  I wouldn't play board games or make train tracks with Alexander.  I wouldn't watch Glee with Eric.

Of course, if I had an iPad (I REALLY want one!), I bet I could find the time.

I mean, I find time to blog, right?

Have you found something on Pinterest that would change my mind?

Book Review - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I do love me a biography.  And this one certainly doesn't disappoint. 

The book follows the life of Louis Silvie Zamperini, a cheerful and charasmatic individual.  The book travels from his wild childhood through his years of training for a stint at the 1936 Olympics (can't help but realize how ironic it was that he shook hands with Hitler), his incarceration during WWII as a Prisoner of War and his struggle to survive the aftermath. 

The story is incredible.  The writing is vibrant.  And the characters belong in a movie on the big screen.

There were moments when it became too heavy for me and my heart broke for what this man experienced at the hands of his enemies.  He couldn't escape from his past and astoundingly, found inner peace that led to a life of service leadership.

Incredible.

Underlying it all is the character of Lous Zamperini. 

Resilience.

Strength.

Service.

I am pretty sure I would have loved the chance to have a cup of coffee with this guy.

how have i never known about this place??

Today, Melinda and I had girls day.  We started at IKEA.  In typical "Michelle and Melinda" mode, we walked and talked.  At some point, the conversation turned to accessories.

Melinda, with a huge giggle, "OMG, have you been to Charming Charlies?"

Me:  "Uh, no"

Melinda:  "How much time do you have?"
Me: "All day. Especially if the plan involves shopping."

Melinda: "YES!  LET'S GO!"

I'm about 99% sure I did a happy dance the minute we walked in to the store. 

Jewelry.  Purses.  Shoes.  Clothing.  Sunglasses. 

HOW HAVE I NEVER KNOWN ABOUT THIS PLACE??

After 45 minutes of Melinda following my giddy self around, I walked out with a few delightful AFFORDABLE goodies.  I was so giddy that I laid everyting out so I could share it with you!  Nothing better than laying out clothes on a stair and snapping photos!

I am so in love with this coral tunic.  I am also the owner of several new necklaces, along with dangly earrings that I love, love, love.

I'm already looking forward to my next visit. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a spring purse...

step 1...

Choosing a timeshare!!

We want to visit my brother's family in June, right when summer lets out for the summer. The first time Eric and I went to Orlando it was in late June and HOT, HOT, HOT!  We didn't experience any hurricanes and the weather was actually pretty comfortable.  Yes, it will be warm and humid and the boys will probably going to hate it but not me! 

Last night, Eric and I spent time looking at various timeshares.  We prioritized a few but mostly emphasized that we wanted transportation to the parks.  Mom did some searching for us today and VOILA! 

Thanks to my awesome parents for letting us use their timeshare points, we have a place to stay for a week in June!! 

Disney Old Key West Resort

The best part is the bus transportation to and from the parks so we won't have to bug my brother or sister-in-law for rides every day.  I imagine we will end up with a rental car for a few days so we can hang out at their house for a day (look at how cleverly I invited myself over...) and to Universal Studio so my brother can show us his mucky-muck self and I can ride HARRY POTTER! 

Thanks for the timeshare, Mom and Dad!  We really appreciate it!

Step 2 - Flights to Orlando!!

I'm an Auntie!! Again!!

As I slowly move from out of my fever-heavily-medicated-induced haze, I thought it was time to blog about my newest nephew! 

As my brother posted on FB last Friday,

"On this date at 2:22am EST Calvin Daniel made his first appearance to the world. He is 20 inches long, weighs just under 7lbs and is the joy that Lissa and I never knew we were missing." 

Love him.  So much.

And my brother.  And my sis-in-law.

I'm so determined to visit the little guy in June.

Until then, I am anticipating our first Skype date!!!

Update on Ms. Kelly and other random tidbits

God is good!  After ten hours of surgery, the doctor was able to remove 60% of the tumor on Friday.  The rest of the tumor will be removed on Friday morning, due to scheduling issues with the hospital.  Best of all, the tumor is BENIGN!  Kelly is in great spirits.  I spoke with her on Sunday and nothing about that girl has been altered!  Time will tell what the full effects are, after this last surgery, but all signs point to a good recovery.

I'm sorry I didn't post sooner but I have this nasty sinus cold. I can't remember the last time I couldn't knock a cold right out of my head, after a few days of Theraflu. I even left a Superbowl party at HALFTIME to crawl into bed.  I never leave a party!  This bugger is all up in my sinus cavity and down in my chest. It's a doozy.

If you happen to have any prayers left over, Dad has gallbladder surgery on Wednesday.  Rather routine operation but with Dad, there is no such thing as routine!  Please pray for no complications and a smooth recovery.

Tomorrow, my niece, Lorelli, turns 9. 

My nephew could be born any day. 

I sure have a lot to be thankful for.

prayers for kelly

If you read my last post, you know how much important my students are to me.  A few favorites have moved past that place of being a former student into that of a friend.  There is a select group of six who mean the WORLD to me.  I mentored them throughout high school and even went with them on their senior trip to Disneyland.  I've watched them travel their paths through college, boyfriends, marriages and births of children.  I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of the women they have become.

This last October, four of them gathered and took me out to lunch.

Tonight, sweet Kelly (far right in the red), is at Harborview.  Tomorrow she is scheduled to have a tumor removed from her brain. 

Please pray for her health, doctor's steady hands, no sign of cancer, calm for her worried family, and a speedy recovery so she can get home to her sweet baby girl, who was born in December. 

Be strong, Kelly