Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your girls are gorgeous! And that dress! It is perfect for her! My goodness, you live in a spectacularly beautiful place! WOW!

Ness said...

What a phenomenal dress! It is as beautiful and special as she is! And I love the pics at the ocean. I'm glad to see that Joshua treats her like the princess that she is. You have raised him well! :-) Even though my girls are 9 years apart, they have grown close over the past few years and I'm glad they have each other. How blessed you must feel to have your 4 angels and a soulmate to share you life with. Thanks for sharing your angels with us. I can hear the ocean calling just from looking at the pictures. I hope you have a restful and relaxing rest of the week. You bring such joy and peace to my heart, Deb.

kim-d said...

That dress is divine, and she looked absolutely beautiful. I love the color of the fabric, and I thought it was so cute how the color of your top matched her dress in the pic :)! No wonder you have four beautiful angels...look at you, Deb. Between you and hubby, how could they miss!!!

I, too, am a believer in keeping company only with men who know how to treat a woman, and that is why Bill was the only man for me. It goes both ways; I would not be disrespectful to someone I care about, and expect the same in return. I will never understand any other way of doing things, and I'm always so glad when young girls get this!

Everything in this post and in the pix...PERFECTION. Thanks for sharing, Deb.

Lots of love and gentle hugs...

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

The Tiffany blue dress is breathtaking. And kudos to her for having it made - what an accomplishment.

I'm so glad to see the pure joy and happiness on her face as this truly is a special time in a young woman's life.

Looks like you both raised not only a gorgeous daughter but one with a wondeful, free-spirited heart.

Hallie

Laura ~Peach~ said...

BEAUTIFUL what a great designer you have in AD2! Kudos young woman!
What a wonderfully trained boy~ I can so relate with Corys Fiance' Stephanie in the last 4 years 4 months we have put a big hand into raising a really great girl (most days ) and Hopefully our son has learned the proper way to treat her... Seems they both like it as they still are together and still hang out around us a good bit... DD well we are working on her attitude adjustments ... but... we have not given up hope just gained a few ok a lot more gray hairs!
Beautiful post beautiful AD2 beautiful YOU!
Love n hugs Laura

Anonymous said...

wow! she looks stunning! i love her dress. thanks for sharing the gorgeous pics with us. I hope she had a great time and made memories that will last forever.

Bogart said...

Very cool. Great shots and memories.

Irene Latham said...

Deb - it's the pic of you with your daughter that I love best. Absolutely, you should be in those pics fancy dress or now. SO sweet. And my, what a talent she is! (This coming from the daughter of a seamstress who watched her mom turn many a plain piece of fabric into a masterpiece.) Hope she keeps up the design work! xxoo

Alison said...

aww... Deb...she is absolutely stunningly beautiful..all your girls are. You must be so proud!! How are you my friend??

Anonymous said...

Those photos are stunning! She will really cherish those later on, I'm sure. How lucky she is to have such a talented momma :) Thanks for sharing this special day with us! (I've been reading your blog for a bit and thought I'd say hi...I hope to be back soon!)
-Lynn

tj said...

...She is just beautiful and that dress is to die for! I love the bow in back...so elegant! And yes, my hat is off to Joshua for being such a gentleman.

...I just love your style of writing. You know exactly what to say and exactly how to say it. Your words are as beautiful as your angels! God bless you Debra - you are a beautiful person both inside & out!

...Enjoy your weekend!

...Blessings... :o)

Christian Kay said...

Your girls are absolutely stunning! And the view is breath taking.

I would love to have that dress. It's really perfect on her.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Wow, gorgeous girls you've got there Deb! I can see the wonderful qualities you've instilled in them, and in the young men who date them. Priceless photos! Cherished memories.

Loved this post, I could just hug you!

xoxoxo

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