My Best Life

Bailey's Graduation from DMACC

My daughter Bailey, who turns 20 today, graduated from Des Moines Area Community College. It was such a pleasure to see her confidently walk up and receive her degree.

She spent many hours at my house studying and slaving away over her assignments and papers. She doubted and fretted over what her major should be. But she perservered and conquered her fears. She took chances and ventured out into the world.

Here is the little bundle of joy that came into being 20 years ago today. She's still a radiant beam of light in my life.

For the next two years, she'll tackle a business degree at the U. of Iowa, and I'm sure she'll still ask for advice once in a while.

I love you Bailey, and congratulations on your achievement!

Chelsey's Senior Pictures

Chelsey got her senior pictures taken this fall and this was her favorite and the one she turned in to the yearbook. There were so many good ones that it was hard to choose. She only smiled in about half of them, so we were left having to pick from those. This photo was a compromise.

Her semester finals are over now, so she's one the final stretch towards graduation. I am so happy for her, and hope she can stay focused.

I Have a Two-Car Family!

OMG. I have a second car. I am the proud owner scared as shit owner of a second vehicle.

My ex mother-in-law (I still love her) gave me her old car for the girls to drive when they get their licenses at the end of this month. It is fully licensed and insured, but driverless for now.

Each of my little monkeys have asked me to drive it and I've said no. It needs a little work, so I want to get that done before they climb behind the wheel. Actually, it is a big 'ol excuse. I just don't want to admit that I am cutting yet one more apron string.

It will be nice not to have to set my alarm clock to pick them up at the movies at 11:30, or interrupt a date to have to go and get them at the mall. But those trips in the car are so priceless to me.

Riding back and forth with them, I've found out about secret crushes and embarrassing moments. I've found out who the bad teachers are, who the bitches are, who the good boys are, and who the bad boys are.

I've found out bad grades while driving. They know I won't take my hands off the wheel or cuss while driving. I have to sit, restrained in my seat, for another little while, then I'll be calmed down when I get home.

I've dried many a tear in the car. That's why mommies and grandparents keep a box of kleenex in there. I've listened to stories of total betrayal and total grace. I've thrown thousands of stinky pairs of tennis shoes over the back seat and retrieved missing school books from under the seats.

In less than three weeks, my girls will be driving away from me in their new, old car. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.

Bailey's Prom Date

Bailey and her boyfriend Nick went to prom last weekend. She looked absolutely gorgeous! I was sad to hear that the prom itself was not that much fun. It was held at the downtown library, and I guess the room was so sparse that it seemed like they were in the wrong place. Bailey's friend was up for prom queen so they had to stay the whole time. Bailey was so pumped for this event. Good thing this was not her senior prom. She still has two more years to go.

Chelsey's Prom Date

Chelsey  went to prom last night with her boyfriend Cole.I was in charge of buying the dress and the shoes and painting her toenails. She was in charge of looking absolutely  gorgeous and breaking my heart...It was just yesterday that I was taking her home from the hospital in a tiny pink blanket.

(Gaining composure)...She looked radiant. Cole looked very handsome in his tux too. Must be nice to have a 28-inch waist. I kid you not.

Time flies. But she is still my baby.