Life in the Middle Age Lane

Very sad day in Houston.  Four firefighters lost there lives today battling a fire in Southwest Houston. My prayers, thoughts and condolences to the families of those courageous men/women.

What a crazy wonderful month we have had. First weekend in May, we flew in to see Shelby's hard work as stage manager for the play "Our Town". Shelby with the crew of Our Town 5/2-4/2013 Second weekend  of May, Mother's day weekend.  Emilio asked us to go see Aida at the Bayou Center Theater.  A small little workshop near Minutemaid Park.  It was so much fun and prior to that my lovely husband and son took me to Reef.  A restaurant I had been dying to try for the past 5 years.  It was very good however the drinks were very pricey. My new dress for my night with the special men in my life. The only down size is that I didn't get a picture of all of us together. On Saturday Shelby surprised me by getting up at 6:15 AM and driving her sweet little self to my door for a Mothers' Day surprise.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and could not have been more astonished by her thoughtfulness. My dear friend Paige knocks on the door abo...

Hockaday Class of 2014  Ring Day One of the many traditions that Hockaday has is ring day.  This school is aware of how challenging being a student at this school can be.  It is no easy accomplishment to finally reach that goal of becoming a Senior  or as they call it Form IV.  Some of these girls have attended H for 15 years!! Most of them at least since first grade.  Shelby has only been there two years.   Nevertheless, her accomplishment was received with the same enthusaism as the 15 year student, with great pride and joy!   The ceremony is led by two student council presidents, I believe one is from Form III and the new one for their upcoming Form IV year.  The young ladies were professional and did a wonderful job calling out the names of all the students.  No easy task when you have students from all over the world. There are 119 girls in Shelby's class, these are a few of her favorite friends. ...

With summer just weeks away, I begin researching books for Shelby to take to camp as well as books for myself that would be fun and quick reads by the pool. My favorite books that my good friend Carmen started me on are by Sarah Addison Allen.  You can pick any one up and I guarantee you that it will leave you feeling good. The stories are unique and tug at your heartstrings without being too mushy. They are all independent stories so you can start with any of her books.  My first read of hers was Garden Spells. Last year I started Shelby on Divergent and the sequel Insurgent.  I read them too and could not put them down. Excellent for teenagers and moms who love a good story! Oh, by the way the third book will be called Allegiant!!! To be released in October. I hope to hear from my readers of which books they would recommend. Happy Reading!!!

Wow, do things every slow down for me??  After a week of getting my father-in-law settled in to his new digs, we were looking forward to a nice quiet evening at home.  John went straight to his office to work on his essay (he went back to school and is taking a few classes online) and I returned phone calls.  One of those calls was from  neighbors asking us to come over for drinks and appetizers.  I love when one neighbor calls us to invite us to another one's home.  The more the merrier, right? It was still a very relaxing evening. Saturday morning, a beautiful day for flying, we head to Dallas.  We experienced very little turbulence however, due to the head winds it took us an hour and 45 minutes to get there.  Needless to say we arrived safe and sound to a very excited daughter working on the play "Our Town".  We were able to pick up some flowers and surprised her with them after the play.  It was senior recognition, being the l...

It's not what you think.  I have been on this new chapter of my life (the early empty nester) for almost two years.  At the same time also adjusting to remote parenting *Thank you Skype!, an "adult" son living nearby and having a more open schedule since my days of PTO, car pool, school sports are no longer part of my life. Being only 46, I felt I still had more mothering in me to do.  With no kids and more time on my hands then I ever imagined.  I prayed... I prayed for purpose and direction.  What a great thing to ask for.  Everyone needs purpose and direction to feel part of society.  I prayed that I can still make a difference. My prayer was answered in the form of a 71 year old white haired, blue eyed, father in law.  In so many ways, it's like having a 3 year old all over again.  In other ways, you get the wisdom of a man who has lived a good life, traveled, knows my best friends childhood memories, and shows you how to muster u...