A Well-Spent Day Brings Happy Sleep-Leonardo da Vinci

How good are the days which allow us to dwell upon nothing but how rich life truly is.  The two little boys in the background of this picture remind me of how quickly the time passes.  Every stage of life should be savored and cherished.
Angel Daughter Number Two attended her senior prom this past weekend.  A milestone which in many ways, demarcates the life of a high school student into one of a young adult.  Another feather molts from the wings of a child and a more vibrant one grows in its place.  Flight becomes easier.
This is AD2's long-time boyfriend, Joshua.  They met freshman year, and have remained together(mostly) ever since.  In some ways, Mark and I feel like we have participated in raising this young man.  We love him, but he has definitely added to those grey hairs that I referred to in my last post.  I adore the way that he is carrying AD2's shoes in this photo.  If there is one thing that I have taught my angels to do, it's to make sure that any man that they are with, treats them like the beautiful, worthy princesses that they are.  Obviously Joshua understands this and obeys.

Gorgeous corsage.(Notice Joshua is still holding her shoes in the background.  Good boy, Joshua.)
I must admit that I don't really like to be photographed with my daughters when they are all dressed up and I am not.  I would never, however, want to deny them of the memory of what their mom looked like at times when she was prouder than proud of them.  Therefore, I never allow my pride to get in the way of a great moment.(Besides, all of my formal-wear was at the cleaners:)
Ad2 found the fabric and designed this dress herself.  I love that she figured out that this was a possibility and then took the steps in order to make it a reality.  Why not?  If there is something that you have dreamed of, do what is takes to bring that dream into reality.  Focus on why something is possible and not on all the reasons that it's not.  Dwell on what you can do for yourself and others.  Nobody ever figured out how to do something, while living in the negative.

This picture makes me smile.  I love Joshua's comfy, California version of a tuxedo.  Like AD2, he is a free-spirit.(and as he just said to me, "Gosh, I look good.")
AD1 stopped by to see her little sister off to the prom.  We have always encouraged them to support one another in whatever they do.
Our other angels were already out and about, so AD1 made a special point of being there.  Sisterly love, when done properly, runs very, very deep.  There isn't a day that goes by when I am not grateful that my girls have each other.  Having had only one sibling, my brother who recently died, I must admit that I am in awe of people who come from large, loving families.  That is part of the reason that Mark and I have created one for ourselves.
My wonderful husband has always retained the job of pinning the boutonniere on our daughters' dance dates.  Joshua has been his victim many, many times, and he knows how sharp those pins can be.  We have quite a few photos of Mark pinning the boutonniere onto Joshua's jacket.(note AD1's purse hanging off of Joshua's arm.  Good boy, Joshua, good boy.)
And so, as the kids flew off to the prom, Mark and I went home, alone, but together, to share a quiet dinner.  Ultimately, and not too many moons from now, we will need to shake out our own wings so that we can rediscover the things that allow each of us to soar.  And things that allow us to place our heads on our pillows at night and guide us into a happy, restful sleep.  Somehow, I think we will manage, God willing.

May you always be able to find something, even the smallest thing, which will help you to fall into a deep, happy sleep at the end of your day.