Happy Dancing

I really love this dancing dude!

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/videos.shtml?fbid=GEj30eWr26N

Flower girl - another milestone

Yesterday Katie was the flower girl in the wedding of Jenny and Brian. Jenny is a former student of Steve's who started at Winona State the first year Steve taught there. In her four years there, she became an important member of our little family, especially to Katie. She used to babysit and spend time with Katie, it seems only fitting that Katie would be the flowergirl in Jenny's wedding ceremony.

The ringbearer was the 3 year old son of Becky and Nels, two other WSU Geo-grads. Katie took her role pretty seriously and found that occasionally she had to try and keep Carson focused on the task at hand. If you have ever tried to get a 3 year old boy to stand still while waiting for a photographer, you may imagine some of what Katie experienced. Does the term "herding wet cats" come to mind?
The wedding ceremony was held at Panola Gardens (http://www.panolavalleygardens.com/) annd the locale could not have been more beautiful.
Katie loved the special attention that being flower girl afforded her, especially the special access the the bride.
Even at the end of September, the gardens were still colorful and lovely.

Katie was so beautiful walking doen that aisle. Of course I cried seeing my little baby act so grownup.

Being a flower girl is hard work, one must get one's "disco nap" in, if one is going to spend a good deal of time dancing and celebrating at the reception.

The reception was loads of fun too. Katie loved being on the dance floor with her dad. Steve usually gives us each one dance at a wedding. I gave my "one dance" to Katie so she could really kick up the heals. In no time, she was asking members of the wedding party and guests at the reception to dance with her. She really had a blast.

If you have ever wondered what the centerpiece would be at the wedding of two Geologists, here is one possibility: Staurolite Schist, with smaller vases of rocks....oh yes, and a couple of flowers.....

Rock Doc is grounded in his work

This photo was emailed to me today by one of Steve's students. (Thanks, Nicole). She took the photo on a field trip while Steve was making some type of humorous comment designed to get students' attention. I can just hear the gasps now. I know, Steve... being funny??! What a surprise.

I love the fact that he loves his work. I love the fact that he loves teaching. I love the fact he loves Geology. I love the fact that his passion for the subject rubs off on his students. Those students sure are lucky.

Dog Days

It happens every year and it really shouldn't surprise me. I should realize that once the "Dog days" of late August and early September come, summer is at an end. We usually try to fit in some last minute outdoor activities, knowing full well that before long the snow will fly and we won't be as eager to be outdoors.

The "Dog days" always set me in a reflective mode (in fact every transition to a new season seems to have the effect upon me). As I think about the past 3 months, I'm grateful to have had such a lovely summer. Even though I worked full time this summer, something I haven't done in years, I really enjoyed myself. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Katie is at that age where we can have so much fun together.
• We (Steve, Katie, friends and myself) had many lovely day trips.
• My husband built a beautiful kitchen,
• My husband built a screened in porch which we will enjoy for 3 of the 4 seasons each year,
• I spent days off with my daughter and her friends at the pool,
• I rejoiced in old friendships and built new ones,
• I played mini-golf several times - and didn't count my strokes once ;-)

All in all, I consider myself extremely blessed. Sure we rush around during most of each day just truly to keep all the balls in the air. It is true that for most of us just making it through the day is a juggling act, but it is important to remember that it is during the non-juggling times that lasting memories are formed. I know for myself, it is the memories of fun moments that get me through the stressful moments. I also know that as the fall semester begins, our stressful moments will increase.

This year I resolve to juggle the balls less and to spend more time making fun memories. I hope you will be a part of some of those memories.

Happy Birthday Reggie

Today is my stepdad Reggie's birthday. I love this photo of Reggie, because it truly depicts his personality - he is always ready to tackle anything. Whether there is a deck that needs building, a garden that needs planting, or a child that needs cheering, Reggie will jump right in and get going.

One of the things we all love about Reggie is the fact that he will do what needs to be done without a single complaint. Even is that is to make sure that his grandaughter gets a shot at flying a kite on the beach, and even if it means flying a kite on one of the windiest days around. Reggie is totally selfless and loving of everyone.

We're lucky you are a part of our family. Happy Birthday, Buddy