Fun and Family

On Sunday, we had my niece's graduation party. Honestly, it took forever to get together! I'm not going to lie. A lot of hard work. And not many people to pitch in. But we got it together. I was going through sales flyers for weeks! My parents were running around town. Buying hot dogs, fruit, and whatever else I could find on sale.

And I was running from Dollar Tree to Dollar Tree. Looking for plates, table clothes, and utensils. So much to do. So little time to do it in. It's a long story. But last minute, the party was moved to my parents' house. And all of a sudden, they had a crap load of stuff to do. And do you remember, I went to NC to work...

But it everything was coming together. K came to help us with the yard. And after 3 days of cleaning, the yard looked good. Not great. But good. I cooked for what felt like days! And eventually, everything got done. K was a HUGE help! Along with my brother R. Who put up tables, chairs, BBQ grills, decorations, and the tent. All right before the party. Thanks so much!

Did I mention the cake issue? COSTCO told us to pick up the cake on Saturday at 6PM. Well, they close at 6PM. A new policy or something. We almost didn't have a cake. And we didn't get our last minute stuff either. :( But it all worked out. We had to wait outside while an employee got the cake.

We were also calling people on Saturday night. Yes, the night before. To come to the party. I have to tell you, we have some amazing friends. Because they showed up! Wow! And everything seemed to work out. I'm actually quite shocked. But it worked out. Last minute things, well if they didn't get done, I didn't worry.

We all had an amazing time. At least I think everyone did. There was a ton of food left over! But my Dad is one of those people, that would rather have a lot of food leftover. Than for us to be short food. It's not so bad. Lots of people took home food. We froze the extra hot dogs and hamburgers. And well, my parents are sending me home with a bunch of fruit and veggies. All is well. :)

Honestly, I wish I would have had more time to talk to people. But I was cooking. And just trying to stay alive. I was so tired. And I ended up sleeping half of Monday to recover. I'm still exhausted. But a lot better.

So many people told me that they want to come back. Lots of kids want to come over and play. And we've already planned a BBQ for Father's Day! I really do enjoy my parents' house. And their backyard. It's so peaceful and relaxing.

But the day was fun. And I got to see lots of family. That I normally don't see. And I spent time with my nieces and nephews. Chatted with lots of little kiddos. And well, I think we all just enjoyed life. At least for a few hours. Hmmm, I think we have 2 years until the next big graduation... ♫

New Graduate

On Tuesday, I feverishly drove to my hometown. Why? My niece had her "Robing and Awards Ceremony." I got to town about 2 hours prior. My parents and I went to have dinner. Then parked at least a block from the school gym. The gym that I spent so many hours in. You know, fine tuning Cheerleading routines...

We sat through about 2 hours of graduation anticipation. We watched my niece get "Robed." We listened to all the awards and scholarships that were given. Watched part of the 2011 Senior Class Video. Listened to speeches, and performances. Looked at the changes in my old high school. And enjoyed the evening.

Because we couldn't find E, we called. As we walked through the sand. Trying to keep my Dad vertical. And trying to make it back to the van, before it got too dark. We met my nieces at a parking lot. Said a quick hi and bye. And we went our separate ways.

This afternoon, I was like a "Chicken without a Head." Trying to get it all done. A quick run to the Dollar Tree, for party supplies. Two trips to the pharmacy. A literal "run" to Walgreen's for some cards. And a quick drive across the street for flowers. Hello? It took 6 stops to find flowers. But it was worth it!



Why? Because we have a new graduate in our family. My niece, E. She graduate 10 years, and 3 days after I did. From the same high school. Wearing the same royal blue color. Earning the same degree. It was incredible being there.

It was no easy task getting there. There was the idea of finishing up the "work day." Remember all the errands? Getting flowers. Changing clothes. Grabbing a quick dinner. Getting to the ceremony. Standing in the line. Thank God for the handicapped line. All those people. Pushing. Shoving. Just trying to get there. And finally, we sat in our seats. Spent forever looking for anyone we knew. Spent at least 10 minutes trying to find our graduate.

But it was worth it. Such a proud moment. For the entire family. Her Mom, made sure she got to this place. To be a graduate. My parents were such a big part of E's life. I remember all those days, of taking her to school. Heck, I remember helping her with her homework. I wonder if she remembers counting beans in the office? :)

E is a graduate. Forever a member of the class of 2011. A Mustang. And guess what? She was the happiest, I've seen her, in a very long time! I'm glad. She deserves it. She has worked so hard to get to this point. Now, it's time to celebrate her accomplishments!

We have just over 2 weeks to plan her party. In the middle of all of this, I'll be in NC. Working. To come back, and go straight to cooking and cleaning. But out of all of my nieces and nephews...there are no 2 more important to me than, E and N. Yes, these 2 girls mean the world to me! And just think, in 2 years, we'll be doing this for N. I can't wait!

It's so funny. How much I had forgotten about my own graduation. Only to be remembered over the last 2 days. It's an honor to know that my niece and I will forever be graduates of WM. To know that we accomplished such a big task. And made our own footprints in the sand.

Also, a big Congrats to my cousin. Who also graduated tonight. I didn't know he was graduating until last night. But we are all so proud of you! And E, you made us all so proud. Remember to keep chasing after your dreams! ♫