Avery is growing up and I might be too

My daughter turned 12 on Sunday. Since I can remember she has wanted her ears pierced. I always said 12 was a good time. Last year on her 11th birthday she said, "Only one more year until I can get my ears pierced!"

Oh No! That came too quickly! Where has the time gone??

I thought about changing the event to 14 yrs. old but Hubby said that wouldn't be fair.

He was right.

So instead of resisting change and trying to not let my daughter grow up. I decided to embrace change and embrace growth.

I got my ears pierced too!

Yes, I am a 33 year old woman whose father never let me pierce my ears. After I was 18 I thought I was cool and hip to not have my ears pierced. It made me different and "unique". So I thought. Now I realized that part of my journey to becoming a lady isn't about using outside to affect the inside. If am cool and hip or unique...it's not because my ears aren't pierced. And to tell the truth, I always secretly wanted them... but I didn't want to be like everyone else.

silly, I know

Avery making sure the marks were just right

So brave and excited!

Uh oh.... She got nervous and wasn't sure she wanted to go through with it. But did I mention I went first so she could watch me? I was a great example.

That was my brave face. The anticipation was the worst. And that was my second ear!

( That's my brave anticipation face in case you were wondering)

I know, bad example. Maybe that was the problem.

Avery, after her first ear, got queazy and passed right out!!

I guess her anticipation was too much as well!

And I wasn't even there to catch her. Down she went on the floor. I think I just caught her head.

Mother of the year that day I was not.

The poor thing didn't even know what happened and she swore it was only because she leaned too far over in the chair.

It took 10 minutes for her to get the courage up to do her second ear. She hugged onto the teddy bear the lady gave her and I hugged her from the back.

And this time I held on tight in case she went over again.

I'm a quick learner.

Yep! All grown up now.

This ladylike thing is a growth in progress...

Stephanie Nielson

One of the reasons I started blogging was Stephanie Nielson's blog.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

She has been on many different news outlets including Oprah. She has inspired countless people in her quest to persevere and be truthful. It's hard to put into words what I feel when I read her blog.

Inspiration, example, peace, devotion, love, thankfulness, acceptance, peace, God, harmony.
Ok. I tried. Those are some of the immediate thoughts and words that come to my mind but aren't quite enough to convey her message.

If you want to catch up with her and read what happened here is a good link to get you started. A bit lengthy, 10 chapters, but a beautiful and remarkable story. (Warning....gut wrenching. And, you're going to want to grab your hubby and kids and give them extra squeezes and kisses tonight.)

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/stephanie-nielson-intro-120609.html
Yes, she is also a Mormon like me. (here is my obligatory, "The real name is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) I will admit, I am the first one to scoff at church videos and such, but this video is quite touching. Even if you're not interested in the church message, you can't help but to be inspired by Stephanie.

Swimsuit Season

It's Swimsuit Season Bee-aytches!!! And I've really done it this time.
I've broken down. This is what I bought.



Yep! A one peice swim suit! And not just one...


....But two of them!

I've been wearing a two peice since I was a senior in highschool. This is the first time I've bought a one peice since then. Why now?

I realized I may have to start attending church sponsered acivities this summer since my daughter is turning 12 and will be attending youth events, which most likely here in LA, will involve a pool or beach. It is normally frowned upon to wear a two peice at church events so I've done the lady like thing and bought a nice conservative one peice.

But my sister told me the suits I bought are not conservative at all, that they are too low cut up top.

So, this means I can't show my tummy or my cleavage? I already look like a tree trunk in a one peice. I don't wear one peices because the similarity between the way I look in them and little girl gymnasts in their leotards is way too close.

I think I've come a long way. I might even slowly be evolving into a lady. But give me my cleavage!

Baby Steps people.... Baby Steps..

and for all of you who are worried..I will still be rocking the two peice outside of church events.

Betty White

Now who out there doesn't love themselves some Betty White? I remember watching Golden Girl on TV with my mom and cracking up and thinking there were so funny. Of course Betty stood out as the naive, small town woman where everything had a happy ending.

What a great feather in Betty's cap for the opportunity to host SNL. For someone her age she has managed to stay current and mainstream. She does that, in my opinion, because she hasn't tried to change who she is. She has gotten older and hasn't tried to fool us with excessive plastic surgery. She dresses appropriately for her age. And she pokes fun at herself. She also has an amazing abilitly to still act like a lady while telling a dirty joke. Definitely keys to success for anyone. (oh, and she's an animal lover)

A few years back I was eating at a restaurant in Santa Monica. She was eating at the table next to us with her granddaughter. I tried not to stare. She was so interested in her granddaughter and was focused and present. And it seemed her granddaughter was genuinely happy to be with her. It was a sweet moment that taught me a lot about parenting.

It looks like Betty White is having a happy ending of her own. Although I'm sure she is far from done.