Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Sweet 16

Let's see...it all started and ended with a bang. First, we went back to the church in Ozark, AL to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. It was such an honor to be back and among those we care for so deeply. Upper Room, we had a wonderful time with you all!

Secondly, upon arriving back home, clutter gone, garage getting decorated and party prep well on its way, the fun kicked in for all of us anticipating Amber's 16th birthday. And right in the middle of all the chaos stood Thanksgiving. What a day! It was soooo nice to take a break from all the party preparations to enjoy a wonderful day with my family. We decided against the traditional turkey/ham meal and went outside to enjoy the grill. Amber and I tried to play badminton which proved to be slightly difficult with no net. Last year a storm took out our old net and we have not replaced it. However we made great efforts toward playing anyway and decided to add our own personal touches to the game including the traditional grunting you hear with professional tennis! Some of it was play, some of it was real! The boys took all the tennis balls and continuously bounced them off the trampoline which proved to be quite fun for them. Michael sat quietly in his Bouncy watching Dad grill and us girls grunt like crazies. He was so quiet I forgot to bring him in the house when all the food was ready. Needless to say, Johnny remembered and brought the little tyke inside. We all shared time with one another and it was a great Thanksgiving.

Among the many things going on were the few moments we captured as Amber practiced her lines for the History Fair (portraying Eleanor Roosevelt's granddaughter, which by the way is still alive at the age of 84). The boys had a great time playing with the different wigs we have on hand and I just had to include a few photos. With all the sewing done and decorations finished, I could finally take a deep breath. Sigh. Let the party begin....
Okay, it started storming about 45 minutes before the party. BUT the kids still kept coming. Joshua became quite the Host as he answered the door, greeted all the guests, and guided them to the garage. David became quite the dancer as he took charge in leading the way for twisting those hips. You'll notice in the photos he loved the blow up microphones. And no, he would not share. The teens had fun and went out on the back in spite of the weather to enjoy their pizza and Root Beer floats. After a couple of hours(Guitar Hero is the blame), I finally announced the driver to the mall was leaving if anyone still planned to go. We loaded up and took them all away. I now realize why women during the 50's era always spent so much time washing their hair. I thought it was just an excuse for more time to prepare but now I know differently. While they were away at the mall, I spent the time trying to wash out all the hairspray from my hair. And finally, after doing a conditioning treatment yesterday on the heels of many washings, just today my hair is feeling normal again. Overall, I have to say it was a BLAST! And while taking another breath I look back and think of how proud I am to be a Mom and wife of a wonderful man. My daughter is growing up so quickly and the opportunities for her to excel are boundless. I am thankful for her witt, her intelligence, her sincerity, and her love for life. She might be 16 but she will always be my baby girl.

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