Aging Gracefully (well, maybe not that gracefully)

Guess Who Turned 50?

ME, that's who.

I have been so wonderfully blessed with family and friends. I thought 50 was going to be a rough ride, who wants to turn 50? Not me. Never thought I would be 50 and single. Who would of, I mean if you knew me, you would understand. I know my friends do, and no they wouldn't be saying that I hide behind all of my "projects" and that's why I'm still single. That would be cruel of them, wouldn't it. Do you really have to get out of the house to meet someone?

I was lucky enough to have two parties. The first one was a total surprise. It was held on Saturday, May 16 at my dear friend Denetta's house. Sharon, Miggs and Mandy helped her pull this off. What sneaky little ladies they are. Apparently they had been planning this for many months. Not a word to me, am I so oblivious to what is going on around me that I couldn't pick up on it. I guess so. Mandy, cake "decorator extraordinaire" made her finest creation to date, and it was for me. Thanks Mandy! My dear friend Rachel (and co-jewelry maker friend) put together the most wonderful slide show of everyone's photos and sent it to me. You can view it here if you would like. http://www.photoshow.com/watch/tg4Zp3qJ It was like I was there from the beginning, they sure looked like they are having fun without me. How could that be?

Everyone brought food, beer, frozen yummy drinks and Denetta's husband Paul, grilled sausage and hamburgers. Kevin, Maria's husband, and my friend also, went to so much trouble making me this HUGE sign, which everyone wrote such nice things about me. I guess they think I have one foot in the grave and they had to say something nice. Not really, that is one thing I know for sure, I am very well loved. I love you guys, thanks so much. This is one party I will never forget. Pam and Donna, thanks for seeing me home. I know what you thinking, was to tipsy, no I was not. I was to busy visiting everyone to remember to drink my beer. My daughter Tiffany brought me and as ploy saying that Denetta was going to look at her wedding invitations. That is how she got me there and I love her so much. She has given me the best present a grandmother could want. I have been blessed with the best grandkids. She had to leave before me to get them home and into bed, so I didn't have a car. Farrell, that was the sweetest thing your dad did. I couldn't believe he made me that precious sea glass necklace. I will treasure it always.















These are two of my grandkids, Kaitlyn (aka Katiebug) and Ryland.

Now on my actual birthday, May 19, my dear friend Leslie N. (for 20 something years) had my kids and I over for grilled hamburgers and swimming. My precious grandbabies were there (they're part fish), along with Pam, Janet and Leslie B. We had a great time.









Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this. My friends and family are very important to me, they complete my life. I don't know where I would be without them. I hope to get to spend another 50 wonderful years with them.

Much love to you all. Valerie

Klein Lacrosse

This post is about my son Dylan, he is 14 years old and a freshman at Klein High School. Dylan got into Lacrosse in the 7th grade. From the day he first went to a trial practice with his friend Jake, he loved it. That night we went to Play it Again Sports and bought his equipment.

The banquet was held this past week, here Dylan is with his friend Kevin and Zach waiting to receive their awards.

Dylan received the Offensive Player of the Year award. I was so proud of him.

This is a picture of the whole JV team with Coach Chris and Coach Drew. They are two wonderful coaches. Dylan has come a long way this year with their help.

These two pictures are of Dylan with the ball.

If you have never seen this sport played. You should catch a game. Much more exciting than football. ;o)

I ♥ Faces Kids Entry - Brody

This is my grandson Brody, I decided to enter his adorable little face in a contest at http://iheartfaces.com/.

I have been waiting for weeks, literally, so that I could post this picture. I am not a photographer at all, I just love taking pictures. When you have a grandson this cute you can't help but follow him around snapping pictures. I love the way he makes eye contact with the camera, I fell like he gets it. After I take a picture of him he instantly wants to see it. Now I have to try and figure out how to post this on Mr. Linky and also how to get the button in the middle of this blog. I am really, really new at this. ;o) I did it!!! I can't believe it. Now, all I have to do is figure out Mr. Linky. Wish me luck.

I am submitting this photo into the http://www.iheartfaces.com/ Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites.

How does one change?

I have to tell you, I am pissed at myself again. Why oh why does my mouth keep getting me into trouble, why is it that I feel compelled to yell at games. Why is it that when a dear friend tries to tell me that the mothers of the team players are in front of me that I just don't shut up? Why is it that I am consumed with people liking me? Why is it that I am so afraid that the words already spoken will not be forgotten? Why is it that I was not born mild or meek? Why is it that I can't see the whole picture? Why is it that a bunch of women with money get under my skin? Why should I care? Why do people feel so compelled to look down their noses at someone just because they don't live in the same neighborhood as they do? Why do they have to gossip and spread ugly things about nice people? Why should I care what they think of me? Why, why, why?

I live in a world where you have to worry about what you say and do and how people act and react to it. I hate it. I sit her getting madder and madder at myself thinking that my son will be the one who pays for his mothers words. Would women go after a kid? Who knows. I guess I will just sit back, mouth shut, mild and meek, kiss some butt and pray that these women who have nothing better to do but gossip and compete with each other..... do. Sad, Sad, Sad.