Monday, January 31, 2011

I Put My Red Boots On and Nobody Noticed But My Toes

My daughter asked me if I wanted to go out with her and her friends and I said that I would go and be the designated driver.  I don't go out very much, but it's something I used to enjoy doing, so I said that I could be their driver and see what's going on in Old Town Scottsdale these days.  Also, it gave me an excuse to get out those red boots I never wear. 
 
My blouse kept slipping off my shoulder so I just gave up and let it fall.  I don't know why I was so worried about my tank showing underneath, when about half of the girls out were wearing super short, tight mini dresses with the neckline so low that the bra was totally exposed. I believe the style was to pull the dress down completely under the bra.  My, have things changed!  I felt like I had no business being there, and not because my boyfriend had a huge problem with it...although, that may have had something to do with it.  I think those who noticed probably knew I was a mom out with my daughter, and thought, how nice. I could tell by the smiles. :-)  In fact, an older guy in the crowd (about my age) approached me and asked me which one was my daughter.  That kind of stung, I was hoping it wasn't that obvious!  But!!!  I did get carded at the front door, in spite of me saying I'm the mom, because the guy still said he HAD to see my license.  Regardless of the reason why, it kind of made me feel good.
I liked this place.  It's called the Saddle Ranch.  The music wasn't too loud, the crowd was mixed, it wasn't overly crowded, and we could watch people ride the bull.  I tried to get the girls to do it but they didn't want to.  Did I?  Nope, but would I???
It was fun for me watching the girls have a fun time together.  Three of my daughter's friends came from out of town, and my daughter was so looking forward to hanging out with them. However, the night before she was so sick, and wasn't able to do anything but go to bed early. I'm so glad she recovered, and the next day they were able to go horseback riding and go to the mall before going out.  Look how beautiful they all look!
I thought this was a cool picture.  My daughter's friend's boyfriend got us in to Axis/Radius, without having to wait in the long line outside.  Then he was able to get us VIP passes to go upstairs.  If you want to people watch, this is the place to be.  If you want anything else, I'm sure you'll find it here.
Here I am with my daughter. I'm happy she and her friends invited me to be a part of their evening.  It's funny when I look back at the night, the ride there was very informative and very entertaining, and the ride back was even more fun! 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Life and Family

The memories we give may a lifetime live in the heart of those we hold so close.
My mom and me...

Keep true to the dream of thy youth. ~ Friedrich Von Schiller

Like branches on a tree we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.  Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other.

 Other things may change us but we start and end with family. ~ Anthony Brandt
...we have a common thread that won't be broken ~ by people or years or distance.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Christmas and New Year's Eve

It was wonderful this year to be able to have Christmas with all of my kids, even though we celebrated a few days after Christmas when all of the family could be here.  Al and I had Christmas with Amber, Dana and my two granddaughters on Christmas day, and then my other kids arrived on the 29th.  In a span of four days we managed to celebrate another Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and an early 1st birthday party for Clara, since the whole family was in town. Lots of cooking, playing with the kids, telling stories, laughing, playing games, and we even popped out a home movie for some memories of the past.
 
 This was our first night together over at Amber and Dana's house.  I don't know what Zach is doing, but I can always count on them making me laugh. :-)))

Here's me with all of my kids...Amber, Zach and Alisa.
My grandson Mason, just looking at the tree.  I thought it was so cute!
 Zach and Mason

 Clara and Aiyana on Christmas morning.  Every little girl has a tutu these days and my granddaughters are no exception!
 What work it was trying to get a picture of all three of my grandkids at the same time...without one or the other trying to run off  (especially Aiyana, who dislikes having her picture taken now), start crying, or turning their head the second the camera snaps!  Clara got the wagon for her birthday, and it was a new fun thing for all of the kids to play in, so I grabbed my camera....hoping for that perfect shot.  It took at least a dozen unsuccessful attempts until finally my daughter-in-law had an idea.  She started singing the song Tomorrow from the movie 'Annie'...which Aiyana is in LOVE with.  Look at her face!  She just sat there and smiled and smiled, and nana finally got the shot!

 All dressed up and ready for New Year's Eve!  I think this is the first time since my kids were little that I spent New Year's Eve with them.  Amber got a babysitter for the little ones and we all went out to the Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale for dinner and a band in the grand ballroom.  We rented a big van so all eight of us could ride together...that was a fun ride!  
 Me and Al!
 The whole gang from left to right, Joey, Alisa, me, Al, Mary, Zach, Amber and Dana.  The food was absolutely wonderful, the band was talented, but played old music. Blah
 Me, Al and Itsy