As 2011 draws to a close there are so many photos I want to share. Some will be pretty random; others will be obviously focused on events. Three momentous events occurred in a very short period of time between May and August of 2011:
1) Manda graduated from Oakmont High School
2) We had a WONDERFUL celebration of her graduation that included meeting my oldest brother Rod for the very first time. What a special event!
3) Manda started CSUS…..
I know it seems strange that those are the high points; but honestly I love my daughter and am just so very proud of her.
This 1st group of photos are from shopping for her Senior Ball gown which was a present from our very special friends Heidi Bebb and Pammy Morgan. Manda was treated to a shopping trip that included finding the dress of her dreams; the shoes and the accessories followed by a wonderul lunch at Olive Garden. I can not even begin to tell you how much this meant to my precious girl. Senior Ball was momentous and wonderful because of Heidi and Pammy.
Senior Ball is naturally followed by …… GRADUATION! My father passed away on May 26, 1990. He never saw me get married or meet his grand daughter whom he would have adored; but he was with her in spirit on her graduation day: May 26, 2011 at 7pm. Manda was honored to have Aunt Suzette and cousin Jessica; Heidi Bebb; Grandma Gail; Aunt Jill and daddy and I at graduation. We were honored to be there celebrating with her.
Graduation on Thursday, May 26 was followed by a WONDERFUL graduation party on Saturday, May 28, 2011. The party was held at the club house of the Deer Valley Apartments because our home is just not big enough for nearly 100 people to gather.
My mom (grandma Gail) helped to prepare appetizers; Heidi Bebb did the decorations and our guests provided the best conversations and hours filled with love!
Approximately 2 years ago an older cousin of mine was drunk-talking on Facebook and he revealed a long held secret: My brothers Rob, Rich and Ron and I have an older brother Rod that we knew NOTHING about. Long story; but to cut to the chase; I may be the youngest but I was the quickest to pick up the phone, call Rod and introduce myself. I am so very glad I did. I knew right away that he is definitely my brother. He sounds just like my brothers, laughs like our father and when I saw pictures ------ I KNEW! He has my dad’s hands and walks like my dad.
Rod and my sister in law and niece and I had tried several times to meet up; and failed to do so. BUT --- we convinced him to join us for Manda’s party. WHAT A JOYFUL moment!!!!!!!
Manda and I have also spent LOTS of time in the kitchen. I plan on posting recipes SOON.
My lil HORNET joined a pre-law sorority: PHI ALHPA DELTA and was “pinned” in December:
And, for Christmas this year Manda received a very special, very wanted KITCHENAID!!!!!!! Oh my goodness; she has been begging; dreaming; wishing and hoping for one for several years. She loves to cook and loves to bake and just “needed” to have one. So far she has used it every day since Christmas!
Thanks for reading this long recap of a few special moments of 2011. May 2012 be filled with happiness and good health; and may you always have “enough.” Happy New Year!
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