April's ending on a good note...

Can't believe April is almost over but at least it's going out happily for us. I have so much to be thankful for and it's been a good two days.

Yesterday was pleasant enough at work partly because I had something to really look forward to after work. Several of us surprised our previous Women's Center manager with a night out to show appreciation for all she's done. She is such an awesome person with such a wonderful heart. It was a fun night with Mexican food (you can never to wrong with Mexican!) and fun socializing. We love you bunches, Kathy!

I missed Karen's and Whitney's Pampered Chef party (story of my life - 2 things or nothing - always - sorry, Karen and Whitney, but I do want to order something!) Addison had dinner with Wesley (Karen's son) and went to their house but watched "Greek" with Wesley instead of learning to cook some good stuff with Pampered Chef - priorities, Addi, priorities! Ha! Just kidding!

Today was a fun day. Addison is feeling much better - thank goodness. Joey picked Addi up from school and brought her to the hospital for her internship and we so enjoyed a picnic lunch together outside in the beautiful sunshine. Wasn't it a gorgeous day?!!! The weather was just cool enough and just warm enough in the sunshine. Thanks, ya'll for a perfect lunch picnic date! Two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world!

This evening Addison worked 4 - 10 PM and we had ball practice at Jessica's house. It was tough (yep, I'm much more out of shape than I'm willing to admit!) but I'll get better. Determination...determination...determination! Also, their horse gave birth to a colt today and it was cool watching the baby "dancing" around on her own next to her mother. Following practice Chloe and I went to visit Joey and Alex until time to pick Addison up from work. Oh, what a beautiful day! I hope the last two can be just as perfect as these two have been.

One last happy thought - Ethan finished up final exams and will be moving home tomorrow for the summer! Yippee!!! And, last but definitely NOT LEAST, Erika will be home in a week...a WEEK...wow, a WEEK!!!!!! We can hardly wait!

Sister Oakley's farewell party, Janet for the weekend, and Sunday at Mom's

It's been fun rest of the week but my how time flies on the weekend when you're having a good time! My week at work ended okay, had a few bumps in the road but nothing that doesn't work out in the end. Sometimes when things go wrong and you know you've done all you can do you just have to turn loose and hope for the best and that's how I've chosen to approach several things right now.

Now on to more positive things - Janet arrived safely on Friday - I picked her up from the Columbia airport about 10:30 PM Friday night and we had so much catching up. After dropping all her bags off at the house we had our "traditional Walmart" trip - at 2 AM! Saturday she and Sister Oakley met with the realtor and looked at houses in the area and today found one she thinks might be "the one." (I'm keeping my fingers crossed!) Mom and Dad and some friends from Ridgeway Ward hosted a farewell get-together for Sister Oakley and it was really nice. There was singing, great food, socializing, and friends doing special tributes to Sister Oakley in appreciation for her hard work, dedication, and service during her 18 - month mission here. What a beautiful lady and a wonderful example she has been to so many. We'll miss her but thrilled that she and Janet will be moving back here mid-July after her visit to England to spend time with her son and family.

Today we had a nice visit and Sunday dinner at Mom and Dad's after Addison started feeling a little better. She has had a time this past month with strep throat and after 2 rounds of antibiotics she began running a high temperature again yesterday. She worked anyway for a few hours last night and came home going straight to bed. This morning at about 6:30 her temp was still around 100.7 so I let her sleep as long as she could. Ethan was home for the weekend and went to church for us today at Ridgeway. (Bless his heart!) Once she felt better we headed to Mom's and enjoyed a great lunch with family and friends and my sweetheart when he woke up. (Joey's on night shift this weekend - poor guy!) It wouldn't be complete without the after lunch ride on the golf cart to see the goats and chickens and I had so much fun with Spencer, Andrew, and Carson on this venture! They are growing up so fast and I love spending time with them!

I hope everyone has a great week and I'm going to try and not get so excited I can't do anything else because "ERIKA WILL BE IN NORTH CAROLINA IN JUST OVER A WEEK!!!!!"

I cAn HaRdLy StAnD iT i'M sO eXcItEd!!!

What a joyous Mother's Day it will be! Also, best of luck to Ethan on his last couple final exams tomorrow and Tuesday - then he will have completed his Sophmore year at FMU - way to go, Ethan! I'm so proud of you, son.

Happy "last few days of April" and I hope May comes in on Thursday bringing tons of smiles and sunshine to everyone around the world. That's what the world needs more of these days - more smiling faces! (P.S. My friend Janet commented on our South Carolina plates - 'Beautiful places - smiling faces' - so let's not let her down when she moves clear across the country to adopt our friendly state as her new home...)

WINNING NIGHT!

Hooray - we won our first game of the year! The score was 7 - 5 and it was so fun! Everyone played well and we've improved so much since we began! Way to go Kelsey for backing me up, Monica for a super hit, Jessica for some awesome pitching and a great hit, Crystal for so much fun in the outfield and a super hit, Ashley for some great outs at first, Jenny for some awesome stops and great hit, and way high fives to Stacy, Jody, Marie, Amanda, Tina, Louise, and both Lindas who were great moral support tonight. It was such a fun night! We had such a fantastic spectator turnout tonight, too, that made it really neat including Joey, Mom and Dad, Ginger, Darla and kids, Doug, Lucille, and a bunch more. Thanks, ya'll, it was a great night! (And I still haven't struck out - that's really saying something! Ha! Ha!) Afterwards we made a stop by Sonic to pick up Addi from work and enjoyed an ice cream cone. Great night!

Happy Birthday, Anne!

Happy Birthday, Anne! I hope you have a great time in Vegas and a safe trip to Hawaii next week. Love you bunches and miss you so much. See you soon!

This is my best friend, Anne. Although we live on opposite ends of the nation and many miles separate us we are truly soul mate best friends. Last year she surprised me showing up at Erika and Jack's reception in Idaho after 16 years of not seeing each other. It was an amazing reunion -- probably the biggest surprise I've ever received! As we talked (after the shock of seeing her after so long) it was like no time had passed and then we'd laugh and say, "Can you believe we're in our 40's now?!" It was hilarious. I stayed with her and her oldest daughter, Stephanie, the last night before we flew out of Salt Lake City and we talked and laughed until 4 AM just catching up on all the years. The three years we spent together in Hawaii in the late 80's were the best of my life. She was Erika and Ethan's other mother and taught me so much about young motherhood. We served in the Young Women's presidency together, were visiting teaching companions, beach bums together (with all our kids), shopping buddies (yes, with all the kids with us, too!), and just the very best friends imaginable. We were inseparable as were all our kids. One of my favorite memories was one day we decided to go to the big Ala Moana Mall in Waikiki and get our hair done - and we had 5 small kids between us (ages 3 months to 5 years old). We took turns getting our hair done while the other had a baby in the front carrier, two in the double stroller, and the other two on either side of the stroller. Anne's daughter, Jennifer, had no fear as a toddler and made a dash for the escalator and I can only imagine how I looked dashing after her with all the before mentioned kids hanging on! Our hair looked good when we got finished, though, and we laughed all the way home on the other side of the island. So many days we'd just load up Anne's van with all our kids and half the neighborhood kids and spend all day into the evening on the beach - those were the days...She taught me so much about life and family and friendship and most of all fun. You are amazing, Anne, and I miss you so much. I look so forward to seeing you over the summer! Happy Birthday! I love you bunches!

Yay, ERIKA!!!

Congrats to Erika! She just called to let me know she passed her Final Skills Exam for her Nurse Tech class with flying colors! Great job, Erika! I knew you'd do well and I know you're glad that's behind you. Keep us the good work - I know you'll do great in nursing school. Love you bunches!

1/2 way through the week...(thank goodness!)

To me it seems like it should be Saturday already - anyone else feel like this has been a long week already? It's all good, though, there's been good stuff going on this week but I won't be sad when Friday afternoon rolls around.

Update on the week:

First of all, it was so great to see Jack Saturday and Ethan got him to Wilmington all safe and sound. He and Erika have a great apartment for the summer and it's such a neat feeling knowing he's just a couple hours away and Erika will be here in about 10 - 12 days!!!!! I'm so EXCITED!!!! She'll start driving on May 1 and one of her best friends, Jamie, will be driving with her from Idaho. I can hardly wait!!!!

Secondly, Addison had a fun prom night. She commented that before and after the prom were more fun than the prom itself - she wasn't fond of the music they played and the dancing...well, pretty risque' according to her description. (Proud of you, Addi!) She and Wesley looked really nice and he's such a nice young man.

(Quick note of interest: Joey and I used to double-date with Wesley's parents, Karen and Bubba, and it was pretty neat that Addison went to prom with Wesley. Funny how things come around and it's been fun reminiscing about the "old days" when Joey and I were young and sweethearts years ago. Karen, her daughter, and I went out to San Jose' after the kids left for prom - it was a fun night!)

Last but not least, (and trust me my sore muscles are seconding the "not least" phrase!) - we had our first ball game last night and it was SO FUN!!! We lost according to the score but we were definitely winners because we all gave it our best! Fun was had by all and we have improved so much already from the first practice I went to. I have so far to go in my skills but I'm just excited to be playing. I hit both times I was up to bat but the first one was a pop - fly and they caught it. Second time I got out at first but hey, I hit the ball! Woo Hoo!!!! I forgot my camera last night but I'll post photos of tomorrow's game later.

Lastly, work has been busy and we've been anxiously engaged preparing for Nurses' Week coming up beginning May 6. Stacy (one of my bosses) and I are putting together a video for the Gala and it's been neat going around and interviewing/videoing various hospital staff and getting to know some of the staff better. There are so many awesome people at KCMC - we are very fortunate to have such great nurses, physicians, CNAs, and nurse techs at our hospital who take their jobs so seriously and personally in the field of healthcare. High five to so many great and caring people!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe rest of the week!

Prom Night - 2008

Big Brother gives last final approval...(It was priceless!)

Prom 2008
Addison and Wesley
Careful, Addi! I think Wesley was getting nervous!

Great photos just before the rain came...

The day has arrived and hopefully Addison and Wesley are enjoying their junior prom as I'm writing this. She looked just beautiful and matched Wesley's camo vest and tie with his black tux just perfectly. I think she had a fun day ahead of time even though she had to work this morning at 7 AM! After work she began getting ready and had lots of help drying her hair from Kayla and her friend. Then she went to her hair appointment where Sami @ Studio 318 (EXCELLENT STYLIST!) did a fantastic job with her hair. She chose to wear just a little pulled back on top and the rest very curly -- it looked gorgeous! Before prom we went over to the Jackson's for photos by their pond which I think turned out really beautiful! They were going as a group to Olive Garden for dinner and then to prom. Hope they all have a fun night and all arrive home safe and sound. I can't wait to hear all the fun details when she gets home shortly...

A fishin' tale...

After taking care of some business yesterday and while Addison was getting her nails done for prom I went fishing with Joey at the lake and we had a blast! His new fishing boat is great and my was it so relaxing being out on the water. Wish I did have a big fishing tale to tell but well, Joey caught 5 and I caught....well, none this time. It's okay, though, I had so much fun and it sure wasn't because I wasn't trying, I must've cast that rod'n'reel twelve thousand times! Lots of bites but didn't land any...Maybe next time...

P.S. Small fish I'm holding was actually fish #6 for Joseph - this small thing actually ended up on Joey's lure - it was hilarious so I just had to tease him some about the "big one that almost got away!" He's such a fun sport!

Take me out to the ballgame...

It's official - ordered the shirt and everything - don't everyone laugh at once...I am playing on a softball team!!! I'm so excited!!! I haven't picked up a bat or tried on my glove in too many years to remember almost, but I'm going to play on a church ball team through the Rec Dept. and give it my best shot! It will be so fun - it already is! I went to my first practice tonight and Becky came along, too, and she's also going to play! We had a blast and seeing old friends there I don't get to see very often was the icing on the cake. And guess what -- I didn't strike out in the scrimmage practice we had amongst the team - that's saying a lot! Ha! I'm looking so forward to a great time and hey, anyone interested in a pick-up game just for fun one evening or one Saturday afternoon? If so just give me a call -- between Joey, me, Addison, Ethan, and Joey's son and daughter we've got half a team. (Goodness knows I need all the practice I can get - but it's all good!)

Let's play ball!

Can you believe it's mid April already?!!

Wow, time is flying so fast! Didn't Santa just leave a few minutes ago and barely dodged the Easter Bunny? Is it just me or is time passing at record speed? It's been a while since I've posted except for the tag from Alona, which by the way, thanks, Alona, or I wouldn't have taken the time to post anything this week.

April came in with the wind, literally, and we've had bunches going on. The highlights of the last week or so are the following:

Last Tuesday after work we had a "group date" to San Jose's and it was a blast! It was quite a joint effort with a little "matchmaking" and I think it worked out really well--still waiting to hear some details!! :) Great seeing you all - Ginger, Shaun, the boys, Ashley and Rob, Tonya, Christy, Michelle, and Al. That was so fun!! I think we're all curious how it's going to turn out....I bet Michelle's even wondering as she's cruising around only the Hawaiian islands -- what a life, Michelle, I'm so jealous!! Ha! You deserve it and I'm thrilled for you even if I did want to hide away in a huge suitcase and join you and Derek - I promised I'd stay out outa' site! ha! Can't wait to hear all about it when ya'll get back. Hope you're having a blast!

Last Wednesday Addison and I took Joey along with us prom dress shopping and we had a great time! Addison's going to the prom with Wesley and he has a black tux with a camo vest and bowtie and her dress she found is gold and black - very elegant! Joey was a good sport and offered lots of comments about dresses and the sort -- thanks, Joseph, you're the best! After much shopping Joey took us to IHOP where we enjoyed a huge breakfast for late night dinner! (Not too good on my Weight Watchers plan--oops!)

General Conference, which was so good. I missed Saturday's sessions but Sunday I was able to catch both sessions and I really believe several of the talks were for just Valencia...What a great conference! We spent the latter part of the afternoon at Mom's watching it with family and Ethan got a kick out of the talk about a young man named "Ethan." Pretty cool...It was a great day! These are a few pics of the family at Grandmother and Grandaddy's house. The boys were so sweet and payed attention, especially to the prophet, President Monson.

Joey got a new fishing boat!!!! Yay!!!! If all goes well I'll be taking a half day of work tomorrow and we're heading to the lake to catch some fish! I'm so excited! (I also got flowers at work the day he got the boat - it was so sweet! He walked in with a beautiful bouquet of orange-pink flowers -- I felt very special!)

Joey was very sick Tuesday morning and ended up in the ER with a kidney stone. I felt so bad for him. After some good IV meds I drove him home and got him settled, went back to work, then carried dinner over after work. It was sweet - he met me out on his porch and we had a picnic since he was feeling much better. He even picked flowers for the center of the table. (Even Sonic can provide a romantic meal if the atmosphere's just right!)

I found some real treasures yard-saling last Saturday -- even found the same clear cookie jar like I'd bought the week before and broke before I got it home. First yard sale I went to this past Saturday had the same kind for only $2. I felt very lucky!

Joey and I had a fun date last weekend which began at Quizno's where we had a really neat employee take our order and make our food -- she looked real familiar! Ha! Just kidding, Addi-Boo! You do a great job - you have wonderful people skills and you did great with our order. Yummy Sammies!

I've had a springtime cold or something going on for a couple days that's driving me nuts! I can't hear very well as it is and now I'm all stuffy and just feel kinda yucky. Hoping it's all gone when I wake up tomorrow and feel better for the weekend!

I really can't believe it's tomorrow is April 11 and we're clear into spring. Maybe I'm just getting older really quickly but it sure seems the weeks and months pass much faster these days. Enjoy the moment - for there is where memories are made and that is what we'll carry into tomorrow. Hope it's a great Friday for everyone tomorrow and the weekend will be a safe and enjoyable one!

I've Been Tagged...

Thanks, Alona, for the tag...Now I've really got to do some thinking about 7 random things people may not know about me...this is tougher than I thought but here goes...

1. My first name is not Valencia but "Tara" so I guess I'm named after houses. There's a place in Ridgeway called "Valencia" and of course, "Tara" from Gone With The Wind, which by the way I LOVE that movie!

2. I am addicted to clearance racks - I can go through Target and hit all the end cap "Clearance" buys in no time flat and I get so excited when it's more than half-price! My kids will tell you my motto for shopping is, "Never pay full price -- EVERYTHING goes on sale!"

3. My favorite vehicle is a Nissan Murano and when I find a winning lottery ticket just lying on the ground I'm going to purchase a brand new pearl white one! (Why not dream big, huh?! Ha!)

4. I have this fear of singing in front of Joey. In fact, besides singing in church along with the congregation with him standing by me he has never heard me sing. Maybe because he's so talented with music, who knows?? Weird I know but I couldn't sing in front of him when we dated 20something years ago and still can't. So my dream is to perform a duet with him someday - somewhere in front of a group of people. If I only had the nerve!!!!

5. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE beach music and shagging! I've been teaching Joey and he's catching on so maybe by the summer we'll be dancing...shagging on the boulevard!

6. I am oh so terrified of spiders - the thought of them makes me cringe in every direction!

7. My greatest fear about growing old is losing my memory and because of this fear I write notes constantly. I have one journal in particular that I kept during my late teenage years that is more than 200 pages long almost entirely devoted to my dear sweetheart, Joey. It's almost like I was writing a letter to myself everyday and on almost every single entry I closed it with "I will always love you, Joseph..." On our first official "date" after more than 20 years I had him take me to see "The Notebook" and afterwards we came back to my house and I got my journal down from the attic and showed it to him after all those years. It was so neat because we'd broken up long before the end of that journal and I wrote so many feelings and told of how much I loved him. Then he wrote me a letter inside the back cover saying we were back together and "just wait and see what happens!" I told him he was very lucky to have another chance to have written that because otherwise my grandchildren and great-grandchildren would have really disliked him for breaking their grandmother's heart so many years ago!" I love to write and have lots of different calendars and journals that someday I'm going to collate all into one big masterpiece -- it will probably be a major comedy packed full of real-life drama with a little bit of mystery built right in!