Oh my, there have been so many things happening around here, you’d think I would have lots to post about.  Well, I do, but unfortunately haven’t found the time to post.  Heck, prom was May 9th, and I haven’t even put anything up about that yet. 

Now that Magoo and DustMeister are on the other side of the planet and Graduation is over, maybe things will pick up around this blog a little bit.  If not, it just means I’m too busy wandering around my house marveling in the fact it is staying clean because Magoo & DustMeister are not depositing every object they’ve ever touched onto my kitchen counter or littering it about the rec room.  Joy!

Graduation was this past Sunday.  We had a PARTY and it was good.  Pics and posts to follow.

But, first, I’d like to talk about the ceremony itself.  It’s hard to explain how I felt about it without sounding boastful, but I’m going to try, and apologies in advance, because I’m likely going to fail. 

At the graduation ceremony I felt such a HUGE amount of pride over so many of those young people and what they’ve already done with their lives.   EL and Grace were Valedictorian and Salutatorian.  The class top ten included Magoo and at least four of her very good friends.  The NHS was a who’s who of kids we’ve grown close to through Magoo or youth group. 

And my heart swelled about much more than academic accomplishments.  There was the fact that with us in the bleachers were my sister and niece, Bud & DustMeister, and SweetGuy’s Mom & StepDad.  And here’s what’s cool about them:  they were not there out of obligation or ceremony; they were there because they wanted to be part of this special moment in Magoo’s life.  Waiting at home and prepping for the party were Nanni, TheOldest, and FavoriteChild. 

And, there was graduate after graduate that we celebrated their achievements, and more importantly their heart:  Ali-with an unquenchable optimism and love for the Lord, Josh-the Eagle Scout, Vanessa-off to California to become a star, Tia-fighting personal struggles with a huge heart, Jared-such a gentle spirit, Erica-a heart for those the world tends to ignore, Jacob-setting the standard for doing it right, Joel-grown into a man…. I can go on and on.

And then, there’s this one:

Do I think she is perfect?  No.  But she tries daily to be the best person she can be.  And she is succeeding in her endeavors.  On this day, I could not have been a more proud and content parent… of her, or of all those other amazing kids I think of just a little bit as my kid. 

Congratulations Class of 2009.  You are INCREDIBLE.

We received a total of 14 votes regarding DustMeister’s hair and as of today the votes are split exactly 50/50.   Half prefer it long.  Half prefer it short.  So obviously, this is a close call. 

Thus, DustMeister, there is clearly only one sensible solution to keep all parties happy:

It was prom last weekend so I’m sure the next few posts will be devoted to such.  I love prom.  Among other things, I particularly love seeing how beautiful and handsome all the kids are.  I think they are fine looking folks all the time, but prom steps that up a notch or two.

And in this case below, maybe three notches.  DustMeister, our temporarily adopted son came to live with us in January.  At that time, his hair and beard were somewhat unruly.  He has a crazy mop of thick curly black hair and he definitely likes to let it grow.  When he arrived it was already long, and he hasn’t cut it since.  Here’s a picture from around Easter time:

I’m not trying to pass any negative judgement here, but I think it is fair to say that his beard and hair are a bit on the wacky side.  And seeing as DusMeister is a tad on the free-spirited side too, the hair fits nicely.

Shortly after DustMeister knew he would be going to prom, I delicately broached the subject of a haircut.  He bristled at the idea.  And, knowing how important his hair was to him, I suggested maybe just a trim to even things up would be a good idea.  And then threw in a tiny suggestion about asking his date’s opinion about his hair.

I’m not sure if it was his date or something else that inspired him, but he arranged a hair cut, and surprised everyone with the result.  At prom, look who appeared:

Go ahead, use the little scrolly wheel on your mouse to scroll up and down comparing these two pictures above.  Pretty amazing, isn’t?  I heard people literally (yes literally) gasp when they saw him.  At the dance, some friends passed him by not even recognizing him.  I hear told his parents (not us, the real ones, the GOOD ones) were in shock themselves.

DustMeister, you clean up real good! And, as a random act of total meddling, I think a completely statistically flawed, unscientific survey is in order. What do you readers think of his hair… long or short?

Choose on option below. It’s anonymous and safe. (And ignore the ads at the bottom of the survey, the polling site puts those there.)

I’m a bit late with something I wanted to post, but just indulge me and we’ll all pretend today is May 9th.  Thanks.

It’s Singing Sally’s birthday.  I feel sorry for her, as she is the black sheep of the family.  She was clearly born of different parents or raised in a different household because where her three siblings tend towards the cynical, sarcastic bent on life, she never does.  If you know Singing Sally, then you can’t deny the following truths:

• Most obvious: She is always smiling.
• Obvious after knowing her for five minutes:  Her smiles are authentic.
• She is a total champion for her kids.  I believe they are awesome young people because of her. 
• Not quite as obvious:  She is tough as nails.
• She loves the Lord and is a Christian, the good kind, never the kind that makes someone say “If that’s what a Christian is, then I don’t want to be one.”  Never.
• Best AND worst quality:  She does not get mad.
• She adores the elderly.  They adore her even more.
• I have never heard her raise her voice in anger.  Well, I suppose that’s not true.  TheOldest and her yelled at each other once when they were teenagers.  I imagine she still feels bad about that.
• She moved back here after 25 years and renewed old friendships in 12 seconds.  People like her.  They really, really like her.
• She makes bad pancakes.  Score one for me.
• She has a 6 month old puppy who can do 75 tricks.  We have a 13 year old dog who can sorta sit on command. 
• She is a showoff with that whole puppy thing.
• Oh, I do remember her getting a little huffy when TheFavorite and I used to try to teach her a lesson about leaving her retainer laying around and we would squirt dish soap on it.  I do believe she actually got a little snarly with us.  She had anger issues.
• She is a decorating genius.  She can make a house look great with 46 cents and a paper clip.
• She is nicer to my children than I am. 
• She is relentless about holding this family together, and I’m so glad she is.
• She once squirted what she thought was breath freshener in her mouth and it turned out to be anti-perspirant.  This still makes me laugh.  If the roles would have been reversed, she would have felt terrible for me.
• She spent that final night with Dad by his side, singing him songs, talking to him, putting him at ease.  I am sure she was the most perfect person possible to do this.  I am eternally grateful to her.
• She shows gratitude to, and about, everything.

I am the one who needs to be, and is, incredibly grateful for a sister who is a constant example of love, inner and outer beauty, and complete selfless service.

But, really, let’s be serious here… the whole breath spray thing?  Doesn’t that crack you up to?

Happy Birthday Singing Sally!!!!!!!!  You and that obnoxious dog are pretty sweet.