Life in the Middle Age Lane

John is my better half.  Plain and simple.  He says that he married up and that always makes me smile. Because the truth of the matter is that John makes me want to work at being a better person.  Better daughter, mother, and wife.  He is truly the most humble, intelligent, selfless person I have met.  He has been a true father to our kids and as time goes by now a huge support system for his dad who has Parkinson's.  He has been cub master, do-dad (girl scout dad), chaperone for school trips, dances with his daughter, and so many other things that are too numerous to mention. I'm so proud of the father he is and more than anything for the role model the kids have.  Emilio and Shelby love him to pieces and have such a high regard for his "words of wisdom".  It's so beautiful to see a hands on dad.  (I won't go into it, but I grew up without a father, and never saw first hand the love of a dad.) 1995 John looked like he gave birth, he was exhausted!

The Birthday Couple For many years now I have volunteered for various organizations and have had to throw tea parties, events, gatherings, etc.  And at every single one of them I have had someone come up to me and tell me that I need to do this professionally.  One of my neighbors offered me the opportunity to help throw her husband his 50th birthday celebration.   And I jumped at it!!  I was so worried that I would disappoint or not be good enough.  However, I think it went well.   Here are some pictures from the event The theme she decided on was a circus theme.  This came about when she asked him what he wanted for his birthday and he sarcastically stated clowns and balloons.  Little did he realize he just opened a whole can of confetti with that one!  One of the fun things for the birthday boy was a cigar girl who walked around with cigars, mints, matches, puncher and cutter for the guest.  She was a big hit with the guys.  I also created a "Clown

Every year (okay we did take a break when we moved ) we host our annual crawfish boil.  We treat our friends to shrimp, crawfish, beer, gumbo and entertainment.  When the kids were little Emilio would perform celtic irish music at the party. Our kids had a great time helping throw this huge party.  We would have about 50 to 75 people attend and enjoyed seeing all our friends together.  This is Shelby with her friend Hayley shucking corn. You can see how excited they were.  Pictures from last year's crawfish boil.  I made the mistake of telling everyone to bring dessert and we had so many desserts left that I made sure I didn't do that this year! This year's crawfish boil consisted of more neighbors who have become wonderful friends the past 4 years.  We also had a few old neighbor join us and it was a treat to see them again.  It's amazing to look around and see people from so many stages in your life.  From Middle school days to present.  I loved it

I'm a little late in writing this but have been documenting my feelings about my first born graduating from College.  He accomplished something none of his parents were able to attain at his age.....a college degree.  All of us are so proud of him.  But most of all, the degree he earned does not begin to describe what a fine young man he is.  June  was the first month that no money was sent for rent or living expenses.  He is officially living on his own, managing his money and still calling us to see how life is in Houston.  I was doing great during the graduation ceremony and concert but I completely lost it when we were about to leave back to Houston.  I just couldn't stop my crying.  (I'm such an ugly crier!) And I didn't want to let him go.  My eyes are tearing up just thinking about it.  He was such a good sport about it and just held me and assured me that he would keep calling and visit when he could. Talk about being all grown up. That day, e