It's a Date...

What could be nicer than lunch and a movie with two of my favorite people?  Mikenzie, Blake and I savored one last lunch at Central Market and escaped the heat in the Cine Capri watching Prince of Persia.  (Okay, just for the record...that Jake Gyllenhaal is some serious eye candy!!!)

I always order grilled chicken and grilled vegetables.  They're always delicious and I'm never disappointed.  I have to say that one of the things that I'll miss about Texas the most is Central Market.  I love it!!  There isn't another kind of specialty grocery store like it!

Mikenzie had an awesome steak salad.

A Boy and his burger!!

The biggest screen in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Such a fun afternoon!

Move Over Beethoven!

Mikenzie and Kellie had their last piano recital with Sister Beth Sands.  It was such fun!  It was a duet recital.  Beth paired her students up with another student who was not a sibling.  They each learned their part and performed it amazingly! 

Kellie playing Chim Chim Cherree from Mary Poppins with Beth.

Mikenzie and Kellie have thoroughly enjoyed taking piano lessons from Beth.  She is amazingly talented, fun and inspiring!  I couldn't have asked for a better teacher for my girls!  Thanks Beth!!

Oh, To Be Young Again...

Tonight is the Multi-Stake Priest and Laurel Prom.  It is being held in Arlington, Texas. We had a grand time picking out a dress, curling those golden locks and putting fancy makeup on.  I'm sure she'll have a fantastic time!

Mikenzie's smile lights up the room!

A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.     -- Author Unknown

I'm Too Young For This!!

It seems like yesterday I was the one who was sixteen and eagerly anticipating a 'prized', authentic, personal drivers license.

Today, I am the mom of a sixteen year old who has been eagerly anticipating her own 'prized', authentic, personal drivers license.

For those of you who think this day will never come as you rock your babies to sleep, let me tell that it will!!

Follow me. I'll show you just what you have to look forward to...

First, on the day she gets her driver's license, you let your sixteen year old 'skip' school. It's only one day. Come, on. You know you skipped a day of school here and there, too. Make a special day of it. Plus, it's the only way you won't have to wait HOURS at the DMV. Then, leave REAL early!! If the DMV opens up at 9, leave at 8. Unless you want to listen to a whole book on tape on your IPOD, leave early. We were lucky! Today we were in and out in about 45 minutes. Woo Hoo!!

After giving the 'efficient' government employee all of her paperwork, Mikenzie was told to fill out another simple paper. Yes, she is an American citizen. No, she has not been convicted of any drug or other serious charges. At least in the last two years. No, she does not have seizures. Yes, she does wear glasses to drive. Ya da Ya da...

Lucky for Mikenzie, she was number 70. It only took 30 minutes for them to call our number.

Finally! #70.

Get in line.

We entertained ourselves with the various signs

that were hung around this 'gorgeous' government building.


Don't, I repeat, Don't come to the DMV without
EVERYTHING you need!!


Looks like a few people have
stood along the wall. Hmm.
(Or those are some REALLY dirty windows!)


Oh, My! We're Next!!

Our 'efficient' government worker was very nice.

(Thank Goodness!!)

Let's check those eyes out.

Yes, they are blue and beautiful,

but can you see?

Signature, please.

Just in case she ever robs a bank,

Mikenzie's fingerprints are on file

for all eternity.

Smile for the camera!!

"Here's your license until your real one comes in the mail.

Rule #1: Only 1 friend in the car for 6 months.

Rule #2: Absolutely, NO cell-phone usage or

texting in the car while driving!!

Rule #3: Obey all other rules and laws

of the State of Texas.

Rule #4: Obey all other rules and laws

set by Parents!!

(Not really, but it sounds real good, huh!!!)

"Do you agree to all these rules?"

"Yes"

"Sign on the dotted line."

It's official. I am officially the gray-haired mother of

a driving sixteen year old.

Truly, I am so proud of Mikenzie.

She is a beautiful and responsible young adult.

I suppose at some time, maybe even at the DMV,

you've got to let them spread their wings

and learn to fly.

Oh, my. Now I know what my own mother felt like

when I was sixteen years old.

It's good. It's all good.

It's official!!

My Beautiful Girl

A daughter is...

the happy memories of the past,

the joyful moments of the present,

and the hope and promise of the future.

- Anonymous

Last night was the Priest & Laurel Prom for youth from all over the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. No dates, just plain fun with people you know and the hope of meeting many others who share like values. My Mikenzie was so excited to go and had been counting down the days for weeks.

Half the fun of any big event is the anticipation and actually getting ready. It was fun helping Mikenzie get ready for this exciting night. These days are passing far too quickly. I know I will look back on these times with fondness and wish I could have my 'little girl' sitting in my bathroom again, helping her with her makeup, curling her blonde hair, and talking about silly things that only mothers and daughters talk about.

Mikenzie looked beautiful from her curly blonde hair (which is naturally bone straight) to her lovely rose-colored dress to her strappy silver sandals. She had a fabulous time in true formal 'Texas' fashion. The food was delicious Texan barbeque and the band played everything from country to pop. There was even an mechanical bull for those who were brave enough to try. She got home in the wee hours of the morning, barefoot, with strappy sandals in hand and a big smile on her face. I'm so glad she had a wonderful time!!

Mikenzie? She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!