Summer Fun

As Bill and Ellie were in New York this weekend for Josh's graduation they had so much fun with family and friends!  The beauty is that Bill was able to share that with me by sending me pictures so it felt like I was right there with them.

It's hard to be apart, so these pictures helped me see how much fun they were really having!  Between the plane ride, graduation ceremony, the party afterward and plans on Milissa and Craig's boat - they will be tired out and ready to come home tomorrow!

Here's a few shots that I've been enjoying ...

THE GETTING THERE PART:

Bill and Ellie on the shuttle at DFW from parking lot to terminal

Happy to be on the plane in her window seat!

THE GETTING READY FOR THE PARTY WITH AUNT MIMI

Arranging cookies - and being helpful!

In Aunt Mimi's garden - still helping ....

NOW FOR SOME SATURDAY FUN:

Happy to visit George and Arlene's pool on Legend Lane

At Josh's party in her Siena t-shirt!!

AH, NOW FOR SOME SUNDAY FUN ....

Is it any wonder that she loves being on the water .. I know Bill & I certainly do too!

"Safety first, Mom!"
On Milissa and Craig's boat on Saratoga Lake

Graduation and Celebration!

Josh and Ellie
Best of Cousins together at Josh's HS Graduation

Bill and Ellie are in Saratoga this weekend to celebrate Josh's High School Graduation with the entire family.  The entire family, except for me.  I had to remain behind in Dallas as I'm in a two week training class that didn't allow for the days off.  Yet, I'm with them in spirit.

The great part is that Ellie gets to have this awesome experience of watching her cousin, whom she adores, celebrate all his hard work.  She's watching the ceremony, she's partying with he and his friends and she's enjoying being involved in the whole process.

She's one that loves to have family and friends around to celebrate.  I admire that in her.  She's always ready for a crowd.  She asked Bill on Thursday before they left for the airport, "Daddy, will the WHOLE family be there?"  Yes, she was assured - and many more too!

She'll enjoy spending time with Bill's cousins and their kids.  Getting to know more family than she will remember having spent time with in the past.  It's a rite of passage, and I'm glad she'll have this experience to reflect back on as she grows.

Sometimes when we're in the thick of things we can't see the forest through the trees.  The end and the celebration is nowhere in sight.  I'm sure that's what Josh must have felt some days.  The studying, the patience, the challenges of high school days all come together for him today.  We recognize it with a ceremony and that moment of crossing the stage as your name is called ... and yet, it's not nearly enough to encompass all it took to get there.

I'll be able to recall these memories for Ellie when she's challenged with what may lie in front of her.  She doesn't know all it took to actually get to today for Josh.  She'll only see the celebration.  Perhaps it's good she's seen the end so that she'll have that to look forward to on her journey.

In any event, she is happy to be a part of such a big family that loves her.  And if that is what motivates her and keeps her smiling - it is already enough!

Latest gadget

Here's what it looked like when it arrived ....

As you know, Bill is the one in the family that's all about technology.  Our lives are filled with Apple products that all interact and coordinate with each other - and with our lives.  Ellie has certainly inherited his love of gadgets ... happy to have her own hand-me-down iPad and iPod.

Although my new gadget is not an Apple product, it does coordinate with my iMac and iPhone ... ta da, here is my new FitBit!  It is an activity tracker ... counting steps, sleep patterns and ability to log food and water intake!

In doing my research of options, Nike FuelBand, FitBit and JawBone, I found the one that best worked for me was the FitBit.  And off I went to order one ...

The initial goal is 10,000 steps per day.  That includes whatever you do to stay active - run, walk, etc.  And it tracks sleep patterns as well.  There's also an option to add your water intake and a food log.  It syncs with your phone for updates and a computer dashboard as well.

I loved the first time it buzzed on my arm when I hit the 5,000 step and the 10,000 step mark for the day!  Alright, it surprised me the first time and I thought I did something wrong - but by the time it buzzed at 10,000 steps it was a celebration!

Here's the app on my phone.
It showed at the end of Friday I had nearly 14,000 steps.
The 36 active minutes was my morning treadmill run.

I'm not advocating that other people get them - it's gotta work for you.  What I am saying is that I love the opportunity to track and celebrate my personal achievements!

Ellie - 2nd Grade year

Personalize your own picture slideshow

To celebrate Ellie's 2nd Grade year - beginning in Bloomington and ending in Dallas - here's the slide show that tells the story!

Enjoy!

Crafting

BEFORE:  crystals fill the frames and bake to make these pieces

When it rains in Dallas it's a very good thing.  We've come to understand that it doesn't rain nearly enough here .. and the ground really needs a good soaking rain every so often.  Today is one of those days.  It's been raining consistently since we awoke.  And to be honest, its not really motivating to do much of anything.

So we puttered, arranged and found plenty to do around the house.  As there are always things to do around the house!  After my miles in my new shoes were complete I took to helping Ellie put together her latest creation!  She's making jewelry as you can see.  One of the wonderful arts and craft kits she's received putting to good use in the rain.

A few more errands - cars to get inspected, planning for Bill and Ellie's trip to Saratoga and the usual suspects of things to get ready for the week left to do!  We'll make some pulled pork to feast on for game time tonight at 5CT as we continue to rout the USA in the World Cup.

We're not letting a little rain get in our way!

AFTER:  earrings, bracelet and necklace all put together!

Thank you Papa!

#FindYourStrong

My feet have been taking a beating in the new routine of 5am walk/runs.  Having been consistent for the last several weeks to make it 4-5 days a week has caused some awful back pain, and then many blisters on my poor, tired feet!

And if I've learned anything - that is a sign of something - and in this case it was a sign to get new running shoes!  I asked the advice of a couple runners and guys with running wives.  They confirmed my thoughts about trying Run On, a local running shop in nearby Murphy.  In my research I found they had lots of great brands and boasted an experienced staff.

So off I went ....

And very successfully purchased a new pair of Saucony running shoes!  Ellie knew I would be thrilled when my salesperson told me the ones that I preferred best were on sale!  But she couldn't understand how a pair of sneakers could cost $100!  I assured her the value of taking good care of our feet when we hit the pavement.  And of course she wondered when she could get a good pair of her own .....

So I have Papa to thank for my new running shoes.  I used my birthday money on myself .. and am thrilled with my purchase.

Thanks Papa!!!

That's my girl!

Getting her things ready for a field trip to a local park!

As many of you have heard, Ellie is independent and rather outspoken.  I believe these can be valuable traits as an adult, yet as an 8-year old they can often be cumbersome to manage!  Yet, I continue to guide and encourage her to celebrate who she is and build her confidence in what she believes.

As you can imagine that sometimes results in some level setting conversations and even more often laughter!  Above all, Ellie has a wonderful sense of humor.  Her giggles have been the sweetest sound since the very first time I heard them.  She continues to fill our life with joy.

And then she exercises her independence.

Me:  "Ellie can you pack your bag for your field trip today?  Make sure to remember your ......"

Ellie:  (hand in the air to stop me from talking), "I have it under control."

Yes, I'm sure she's heard that from me in some form or fashion at some point.  And yet, she knows exactly how to apply it when the time is right!

That's my girl .... strong and independent!

Dallas Skies

View from the back door

When we left the midwest I didn't think I'd see fields of corn or gorgeous sunrises for a long time.  And yet, here we are in Dallas experiencing both.  Our home is right next to a corn field and many mornings are sky look just like this.

The moment arrives and departs very quickly.  In order to catch it on film I need to move fast.  And it is worth it - the colors of the sky are amazing and remind me to continue to look up for all the beauty around me - and to not miss a thing!

Amazing sky from the back of the house

Happy Father's Day

One of many fountains at Fair Park in Dallas

Happy Father's Day!

Beautiful spot for photos in the park

Texas State Flag 

All the trees were lit with little white lights

Trying her first oyster at Flying Fish 

The oysters!

We put a plan into play much quicker today than yesterday .. and we made our way into downtown Dallas to visit Fair Park - where the State Fair and many other activities take place in Dallas.  We found really cool historic buildings, fountains, a Texas Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and lots of picture taking opportunities.

We walked and enjoyed the overcast skies and breezy weather.  There was an all-day heavy metal venue of bands on the far side of the park today, so we kept to the other side enjoying the sites!  After a good, long walk around we made our way back and stopped for lunch at Flying Fish where we all enjoyed oysters of some sort for lunch.  Ellie tried her first oyster on the half shell!  And liked it .. although her lunch was shrimp and tilapia - she sampled some of my fried oysters too!

And Father's Day wouldn't be complete without a dessert stop.  So we found ourselves a nice frozen yogurt place and sampled a few flavors.  It's been a busy day so far ... and we're still due to BBQ ribs later on the grill.  Wouldn't be Father's Day without a full array of culinary choices!

Saturday in the Park

Happy girl on the swings in the park.

One of the many displays of colorful art in the park.

When we knew it was time to get some lunch ...

This morning we woke without a plan.  And it took some time to figure out what this family was going to do.  The sky looked as though it could rain at any time and the temps were already in the 80's.  Where should we go?  What should we do?  And what would we leave to do for tomorrow's family time to celebrate Father's Day?

So after a little research, off we went .. into Allen, Texas via the backroads!

We trekked past SouthFork Ranch, which you may recall from the TV show, Dallas with JR and Bobby Ewing!  What a huge, sprawling ranch - which you'd expect here in Texas!

And then we came upon Celebration Park - with playgrounds, baseballs fields, picnic areas and a water spray pad.  It was already filling up with what looked like lots and lots of birthday parties .. and more kids flying kites than I've ever seen in one place.  It was still overcast, but warm and breezy.  So off Ellie went to the swings and play areas.  Lots of kids and families galore.

And as a special treat we stopped at our local authentic Mexican restaurant, Frankie's for some lunch. For the price of Panera we each had a wonderfully, delicious meal surrounded by Mexican music, friendly waitstaff and the World Cup on all the televisions.  And to think it is about 3 minutes from our house!  We'll be sure to add that one to list of favorites to return to soon.

Can't wait to see where tomorrow takes us!

Friday the 13th AND the Full Moon

Oh the anticipation.  Today Bill arrives back home from his three weeks of travel.  And from what we  know, this should be the end of his travel for awhile.  So we'll need to find our routine again.  Drop off, pick up, meals, bedtime, and all the times in between need to be renegotiated and agreed upon.  And yet today we await the flight carrying him back  home.

Today is also Friday the 13th!  Black Bat Day to Maureen, Jody and I.  That's what we've come to celebrate on Friday the 13th.  And wouldn't you know it - a full moon too!  That's one for the record book!

I do recall it happening before.  It was my junior year in high school and my brother, John had a hockey tournament in Plattsburgh in February.  So it was Friday the 13th, full moon and Valentine's Day all in one fell swoop!

Perhaps it is all what you make of it.  I remember we celebrated.  And perhaps that's what we should be doing today!  In honor of the Strawberry Moon and Bill's arrival, that's exactly what we'll do!

Zebra print

As you may have followed by now, Ellie loves her zebra .... zebras themselves, zebra print and anything and everything zebra.  So on a recent trip to the store she spotted this lovely shirt and absolutely needed to have it.

We bought a cute little black tank to go underneath it as well.  And she is now thinking she is all the rage!  And how could you not love the glow in the dark yellow collar!?  Yikes!

Evan Longoria's Catch saves Reporter's Life!

In case any of you missed this one - Evan Longoria's miraculous catch.  And it wasn't even during the game.  I will now refer to him as Superman!  That's what I call quick reflexes!

Weekend fun

An ice cream sample from a new burger place - BurgerFi on Saturday

With Bill only home Friday night, Saturday and Sunday we wanted to make sure we had the right balance of get out and get something done combined with stay home and enjoy the weekend.  Saturday we had lunch out at a new place in Firewheel Town Plaza while we were shopping nearby. We found a Lowe's and a Best Buy that were just over the line in Garland from our house that are a lot closer than going into Plano.

And we went to the market to get steaks to grill out so we'd be all set when the race went off at about 6pm (Central time).  So we cheered to see a Triple Crown winner, but were disappointed it didn't happen.

From there we moved to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and by the 2nd OT I was the only one awake to see the Rangers lose and go down 0-2 in the series.

So much for a good sports day!

Sunday we encountered the beginning of lots of storms.  Thunder and lightening mostly.  We made sure that we spent lots of quality family time together before Bill departs for a final week on the road!  He's off to Bloomington to see lots of people he knows.  Ellie and I will secretly plan his Father's Day celebration while he's gone!

Remembering

Me and my Dad

My dad died 40 years ago today.  Yes, I remember that day.  I remember the days leading up to it and just after it as well.

The day the ambulance came and he went to the hospital after the aneurysm.

The day I got to go into his hospital room to see him.  He was happy to see me and talked to me.

The day that John and Maureen went to stay with Aunt Ellen and Uncle Gary for awhile.

The day that I came home from school on a sunny, June day to find my mother and Father Donaughy on the back patio, sitting at the picnic table.  I thought they were waiting for me but they sat there because they thought they were locked out of the house.

My mom told me that Daddy had died that day in the hospital.  God decided this was the day he would go to heaven.  It made me sad, but I didn't cry then.  I was a problem solver, even back then.  I showed them the key in garage to get into the house and we went inside.  There were phone calls to be made and the beginning of a lot of arrangements as well.

I remember the funeral.  It was sunny and hot.  I cried in the church.  And I cried at the cemetery.  But that might have been from the gun salute - it frightened me because I didn't expect it be so loud.  It was my first funeral.  There were so many people, so many flowers and so much sadness.  He was only 39 years old.

Today I remember the 8 short years I had him in my life.  He called me his princess, and loved me so much.  I thought of him as brave, strong and hard-working.  I'd like to think I inherited many of those qualities.

And yet, forty years later I still think of all that I've missed not having him here.  He would have loved Bill and Ellie.  He would have been so happy for the family we've become .. and hopefully proud of all that I've accomplished.  I continue to tell Ellie stories about him.  And today when she asked why I was sad, I showed her the picture and we said a little prayer together.   I know she'll be a lot like him too ...

A favorite spot of mine - snuggled with my Dad!

Last Day of 2nd Grade

Ellie was sad for second grade to end.  She's made new friends and loved her teacher, Ms. O'Neal.  Although I believe on Monday she'll be just as happy to start camp.  There are two water play days next week - which works great when the temps are over 90 degrees!

She's learned so much this year, and certainly had lots of change.  She's growing up so quickly.  And don't worry - she knows it!  Smart as a whip, anticipates what's next and always has an opinion to any question that is asked - even if it's not asked of her!

What an amazing young lady - who will successfully transition to 3rd grade in a few months. WOW!

Report Card Day!

The awards that Ellie achieved in 2nd Grade

Final Report Card

Today was Ellie's last full day of school and also Award Day.  Each class had a different time where they were receiving their awards for the school year.  We talked this morning that although she might not receive any, her Daddy and I were very proud of her and all she has accomplished this year.

Her report was also exemplary!

Language Arts:  97
Art: Passed
Music:  Passed
Technology:  Passed
Citizenship:   100
P.E.: Passed
Writing:  100
Social Studies:  91
Math:  93
Science:  100
Health:  100

And on to the awards.  When I picked her up today she said, "Mommy, I got 5 awards!"

Achievement in Math (addition and subtraction)
Honor Roll for Math
Honor Roll for Language Arts
Perfect Attendance - and a medal to go along with it
and her favorite of all the awards

drumroll please ...

Achievement in Reading - she has excelled to be reading at a 4th Grade level!!

So proud of her.  Not only her ability to learn, but her ability to adapt and be so positive with all the changes we've been through in the last couple months!

Return to Me

On Tuesday Night, as Ellie and I finished our 3rd night of the 30 Day Ab Challenge, we decided that it was Family Movie Night.  And when she said that - I knew I had the perfect movie - Return to Me!

Bill and I watched this move over and over when we were first dating - which was thirteen years ago now.  We grew to love that silly love story that made us laugh over and over.

So I thought since it was only rated PG, I would introduce Ellie to it.  She's love the parts in the Zoo, and the building of the gorilla habitat.  And of course, she did!  We talked about love, marriage, organ donors and animals.  It was wonderful!

See for yourself ...

Scrabble Night

Monday can be a long day.  It can also be complicated by Bill traveling to California - two time zones away.  So at the end of a long day I think we should have a treat ....

Yes, I arrived at day care on time to pick her up.  Yes, she wanted a snack when I arrived.  And after that she was ready for anything.

I told her it was Meatless Monday and we were having zucchini fritters for dinner.  She thought that sounded good .. and then I mentioned Scrabble and she was all in.

We managed dinner, clean-up, shower, pi's and THEN we sat down for a marathon Scrabble game.  Although she didn't win.  She did amazingly better than the last time she and I played.

At one point I had paused during my turn and was contemplating the use of my "Q" - a ten point letter strategically on a double letter space.   And I must have glanced at her.  She immediately picked up on it and said, "Mommy, don't take it easy on me cause I'm a kid!"

She's so perceptive.  So I didn't take it easy on her.  I told her the best way to learn anything is to play with someone who is better than you.  And I went on to tell her the story of when my brother, her uncle John was in high school and played tennis.  That he's hand me down his racquets and then use me to practice with.  I got better just by playing with him, and I learned to love the game.

She understood.  And now she wants to play tennis of course!

One night down without Bill at home ....

Keeping your ducks in a row

Ducklings in the lily pond - Mama squawking for them

Ducklings finding a way to get out

Mama still squawking and walking ... away with her ducks in a row!

Sometimes you just need to remember to keep you ducks in a row.  They fall in quite naturally, and yet it isn't always natural for us.  Another travel week for Bill while Ellie has a different event each day this week - being the last week of school.  It's going to be a hot one, so they say.

And yet, we need to keep all our ducks in a row.  Hydrate.  Make our smoothies in the morning.  Continue to walk and complete the 30 Day Ab Challenge for Ellie and I.  Yup, we're keeping the wheels on ...

These ducks were a treat during our visit to Watters Creek on Saturday.  The Mama Duck squawked and squawked at her ducklings to get out of the pond and fall in behind her.  It was so funny to watch.  And it reminded me about keeping your ducks in a row.

So we're off to keep it together this week ....

Celebrating all these years

Let them eat cake!
And open presents, of course ... Happy Birthday!

Each year as I celebrate another birthday, I try to both look back and look ahead for perspective of this birthday.  As I turn 48, I'm really leaning into the fact that it's just a number.  My life, when I look around is a culmination of decisions, experiences and celebrations - that have taken place along the way.  Some good, and others not as good.  Yet each one has shaped the course of my life in these forty-eight years.

In looking forward I have so much to anticipate .... our family exploring the Dallas area, experiencing my job in full swing and loving the new role, making new friends, time to visit with family and friends who are now close by ....

Honestly, what I look forward to most this summer is the opportunity to relax with a good book and a tall iced tea in our new space ... outdoor patio when the weather will allow or on the loveseat in my study!  It's been a busy year of planning and executing on the move.  Now is the time to enjoy the fruits of that labor!

This summer will be about regrouping our family.  School will be out in a week and Ellie begins summer camp.  No extracurricular activities until Fall.  Bill is traveling several weeks of the summer and truly looks forward to his 'home' time.  So the weekends we will find ourselves together and ready to explore!

What I'm learning is it's not about having a grand plan.  Expectations can sometimes leave me disappointed.  So I'm leaving the summer open for opportunities to present themselves.  And I'm sure we'll find plenty of things that appear ....

Here's to kicking off the summer in style!