SHAYLI'S FIRST PROM-APRIL 19,2008

DARLING DARLING DARLING- I feel I gained much more of a "mothers heart" experiencing another lovely memory with my children as we got excited and planned for Shayli's first High School Prom. I now share a little more with those of you that have had this opportunity with your own and I am sooo excited for you that still have that ahead of you. Yes, it is hard to hit reality and realize how fast this 'little babies'grow up, and Yes, it can be very emotion and somewhat unsure, but it seems like more and more those feeling are crowded out by the thrill of watching my children feel joy in those small steps and extended leaps of growth- this was one of those times that watching this beautiful gal find such thrill in this new season of hers I was reminded once more how much 'fun' our heavenly parents too must feel when they watch us enjoy our leaps into our new seasons of growth-I love being a mother

"The Hair Dress Rehearsal"

The week before Prom we had a "Hair dress rehearsal" and tried a few ideas for her hair and took photos--I suggest this for all of you that have or will have gals going to these dances--we learned alot and found out how long it would take to do it PLUS it was ANOTHER priceless memory

Cinderella Getting Ready For The Ball

The afternoon of the big date we went to Kohls to have her make up done and then when we got home her "team of experts" took the field and we made such incredible memory of everyone putting in thier personal touch. Shayli is such a great sport and extrordinarily humble. I really think I was too self centered to have allowed my mom and sister to do whatever they wanted to get me ready for my dates....Shayli continues to be such an example of allowing others happiness to magnify hers instead of being consumed with only hers. Thank you Shayli for allowing us to find so much joy in your life.

The Dress Rehearsal

Before Caleb came, we had a little dress rehearsal of another "tradition on trial". Ryker Escorting his sister to her date. Ronald was standing in for Caleb during this rehearsal...I missed videoing the real things, but it was so funny and pretty darling...Ryker is a great brother and a wonderful sport. It was very kind of Rylan to allow Ryker the honors!

Little sister taking good notes!

Syvanna was the "watchman on the tower" upstairs as she awaited the arrival of Shayli's date. Meanwhile Shayli made her way downstairs for his arrival!

It was really fun to watch Ronald during this process-It is by divine design, no doubt, that mothers and fathers play different roles in their children's lives-Shayli was so kind an respectful to her dad and his feelings-she wasn't even about to leave until Ronald ushered them to the door. Tenderness is many times UNDER rated.

Pictures With The Family, OF COURSE

Of course we took A MILLION pictures... it was great and Caleb was a superior sport-
Ronald and I suprised shayli by dressing in our "FORMAL WARE" for the pictures-very fun. It was so thrilling to help them put on his boutineere (sp) and take many fun pictures-these are only a small percentage of the pictures in our personal archives-

There They Go!

We watched them drive off --ALL SMILES!Shayli took the camera and so we were able to retrieve some visuals of their date. They drove with Two other couples to PF Changs where the met again with the rest of their huge group--and then to the dance--took pictures and had a marvelous time. In fact, when Caleb returned Shayli back safe and sound that night, he truly was beaming when he said "Shayli is SO MUCH FUN- that was the funnest date I have been on"-(and the fact that he is a year older than her we guessed he had something to compare it too:)) That did not suprise us...Shayli has a genuine feel for who she really is, she has a kind and loving, and free spirt...All the makings for 'The funnest date"

Post Date Party

We started a tradition that I planned long before I was even married---at the end of each date that our children go on--we share one of their favorite treats (usually some type of ice cream,(hopefully it won't be too frequent or we will end up as big as a house in a few short year:))and we review the adventures of that date...So it was with Shayli's first Prom- What a joy it was to see her arrive home sooo happy about how everything went. We talked about everything- where they went, what they ordered, how he treated her, what they talked about, how they posed for their pictures, what the most awkward moments were and what the favorite parts were. It was everything I could and have dreamed about for my 'first Prom'...I mean my daughter's first Prom!
Thanks Caleb for not only giving Shayli such wonderful memories and feelings for her first Prom, but more importantly for treating her like a princess...a literal daughter of God! What a wonderful experience for all of us!!

As I Live My Eternities I Will Never Forget These Very Special Days

Ok-so we know now we have our own personal "Genie"-Ronald planned one of the greatest trips to suprise Selleka for her NEW TEENAGER birthday! So before I go on-
THANK YOU to my knight (in shining armor of God) for the love that went into putting this trip together-you have always had such a great desire to provide many great adventures for our family-you truly make our dreams come to life so often----------We had the one of thee greatest times-yes the accomodations were fabulous, yes,the activities were a riot and yes, being pampered this way was unbelievable---but even with all of that set up for us nothing-not a single thing-was more of a priceless dream than spending those 3 days with my absolutely beautiful, insightful, observant, really funny, growing up way too fast ,transforming by the minute into a lovely young woman-daughter Selleka Marie- Selleka and I share a lot of qualities in common-but I'll tell you-spending time alone with Selleka is like seeing the world through a magnifying glass-she sees everything and learns from everything-she feels things strongly, passionately, and deeply and I was able to enjoy realizing what a fabulous sense of humor she has- not only that-- I learned that her favorite candy bars are butterfingers and rolos--you know I had never known that-I also learned that she is not the least bit scared of roller coasters or even the scariest of rides----As I live out my eternities I will never forget these days with you, Selleka--I love you Selleka Marie-I learn so much from you everyday-you continue to grow up so beautifully and I am even more excited then ever to learn from you as you continue to grow up and face your new adventures each and every day- We are truly blessed to have you in our family and most definately wound not be the family we are becoming without you---
DO NOT EVER DOUBT that you make a difference in our family...you already have and you always will! Thanks for accepting the calling to be apart of our family-