Out to dinner with Mary

Mary Alice was the first friend I ever remember having. We met when we were about 5. I don't think she realizes what a blessing she was for me. It's interesting how you're guided through life by others. I owe her so much for loving and caring about me all these years. Last night Arlin took me out to dinner ~he knows going out to dinner isn't really my favorite thing and I couldn't understand why this was such a big deal to him~ It's his fav thing to do (besides going to a show, etc. etc.) Anyway, he was kinda funny about it all and I just thought, go along with it..... he's trying to make a nice evening, just enjoy it. Well, we got there and the hostess said "table for 4?" when she sat us. I looked at Arlo and said who? He told me not to worry about it. So I worried!!! I wasn't dressed well, my hair was crazy, who the heck???? Why is he surprising me??? Is it my kids???? My stomach started going crazy!!!! Then Mary Alice and her husband Ron walked in! I thought I was going to fall on the floor. I think the look on my face must have really entertained them!! I was very surprised (pleasantly!!!) Arlin couldn't have done a better thing for me (well except having the kids here) We had the best visit, about 3 hours there in the Restaurant. I will have to say, that food was Good! ANTHONY'S in Olympia, down on the water. Yummy!! The burnt cream was the best!!!! Thank you Mary. You're the best. To me you always will be! I love you!!!!

I think we were about 12 here.

Mary & Me with her little Bros. Billy & Brent

More Dance Festival News!

We are moving right along. May 17th is our first performance. It's going to be in Shelton and it's a preview. It would be a good one to go to if you don't want to mess with the Tacoma Dome Crowd!!! This was our second to the last practice before the 17th. I was running to and fro trying to get this and that for everyone who had costume needs while my partner in this (KayLynn) was snapping a few pictures and answering a billion questions. (We're gonna treat ourselves to something big after this is over!!!!)

Jess and his dance partner, Kim Smith

Here's 2 Cindy's discussing important Dance Festival Matters!!!

How has being a Mom affected You?

I got this wonderful poem from Jennie's mom, Willie.
It really made me wonder, "what has being a mom done to me?"

I think of myself pre-mom and realize I am such a different person than I could ever have been if I didn't have children. Not that having children is 100percent fun and games, sunshine and flowers! It's challenging to your nervous system, it's overwhelming, it's heartwrenching, it's loving in a way you never knew you could! It's your heart breaking many times. It's not being able to think about anything but the welfare of your kids! It's wondering if you're doing anything right. It's not being able to sleep! Not having things on account of the fact that all your extra cash goes to them! It's spending every night of the week going to soccer, or choir, or cheer or plays or picking them up or dropping them off or taking them to the dr. or dentist or orthodontist!!! It's trying to outguess what they would like for a birthday present. It's hoping they can work things out with their friends. It's being called by the school about something that happened that day! It's watching with awe, their personalities emerge. It's discovering their talents. It's watching them sleep and feeling that once again all is well (you especially enjoy this when they're teenagers) It's praying every night that they'll come home safe. It's seeing them off to college and watching them get married. It's knowing they won't be sleeping in that empty bedroom anymore. It's wishing you could have another chance to show them they are the most important thing to you and you wouldn't change a thing about the choice you made to have them! And then, It's watching them become parents, and loving their little ones. Motherhood has helped me see far beyond myself. Thankfully! The Lord came up with an amazing plan when he created mothers. He knew we could do it and would be great at it. He also knew it would make us be the best we could be. (If we let it!) I'm grateful for every moment I've had with my children and plan on many, many wonderful moments to come.

Here's the last few lines of the poem:

"Before I was a Mom,

I had never known the warmth,

the joy,

the love,

the heartache,
the wonderment

or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,

before I was a Mom."

To all Mother's HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

Our Schedule Board

Tonight we sat down to fill out the schedule board and WOW! We hardly have anything on it...(knock on wood) Soccer is over. Prom preparations are done. Aside from the usual things, ie: seminary, interviews, school and dance practices, we are allot more free!!! It's great. Now the focus is on GRADUATION...........

Jesse's Senior Prom Night

Jesse & Corynn went to Prom Saturday night. We got to provide the eating experience for them. Arlin & I created a little restaurant here at the house. Arlo bar-b-qued steaks. We made green salad, little red mashed garlic potatoes, zuchini & our famous pudding cake desert. They seemed to have fun and really appreciated all we did. At about 10:30 pm we went to the High School and watched all the Seniors promenade with their dates. It was fun to see all the kids dressed up and looking like they were having a great time!

Prom Night II

Restaurant Chez Burbidge

Chef Arlo

Your Waitress for the evening will be Cindy! Would you like some sparkling cider?

servants quarters

We almost had more fun than Jess & Corynn