Fun Celebration!

Brittany ended up having a GREAT 18th birthday! Thank all of you so much for your sweet birthday wishes! We took her out to dinner at Macaroni Grill after she got home from track practice. Boy, was it ever GOOD! When we got back home, we sang "Happy Birthday" to her and she opened her gifts. Abby had us all in tears. She'd written a one-page letter to Brittany telling her how much she loved her and how much she's going to miss her when she goes off to college. She let me read it the night before and I just sat there and cried. However, when I saw Brittany's reaction, I started crying, again! It was the sweetest letter EVER and I know it meant so much to Brittany. She's the best little sis!

After she finished opening her gifts, Chris, Abby and I doused her with Silly String from head to toe! Her entire head was completely covered with the goopy mess...and it was so much FUN! It took her forever to get it out of her hair...and off her clothes...and out of the carpet, etc.

Her two best friends stuffed her locker at school with balloons, so she couldn't open her locker door without them floating all over the floor! I love that!!! So, as you can tell, I think her 18th birthday was one she'll remember for a long time.

Tomorrow, I'll be able to disclose what Brittany has decided to do about college as it will be "official". We are all so excited...and very relieved! This has been such a stressful process and I'm glad it's finally coming to an end! I do want to share with you something that happened during her official visit. Well, she and her boyfriend have been together for the past 9 months. She sent him a text message on Saturday night telling him that she was having such a good time hanging out with everyone on the team. Apparently, out of nowhere, Brittany said he made the decision to break up with her...in a text message! We were both completely stunned! Can you believe it? She didn't see it coming, at all! However, now that a few days have passed, we have a pretty good idea why he dumped her. He's always been one to hover over Brittany and I don't think he could handle the fact that she was having so much fun...without him. I'm sorry, but that's about the lowest of lows what he did to her. Of all the timing! She was completely heartbroken during her visit. Oh...and did I mention that this all happened only 2 days before her birthday? Thankfully, Brittany is a strong young woman. She was down for a few days, but she's back on her feet, again! As I told her, there are much bigger fish to fry! :)

Well, I have to get busy vacuuming the floor for the millionth time! We have another showing scheduled at noon with a corporate buyer who's already sold his house and needs something ASAP! Aah....nothing like a little PRESSURE!!!

She's All Grown Up...

People used to tell me all the time things like,, "Cherish every moment" and "It's goes by so fast!" However, I guess I never really understood the truth behind those words until now. Today, my oldest daughter, Brittany, turns 18. Wow...an ADULT! How can it possibly be? I must admit, this is the day that I've been dreading ever since I gave birth to her. In the back of my mind, I always knew it was coming...just not this quickly. You see...18 years ago today, my heart was forever changed. I became someone I had always longed to be...a MOM! I never knew so much love in all my life as that day when I stared into her eyes for the very first time. She was mine...really MINE! Now...my heart has to learn how to let go and allow her to chase her own dreams. God...please give me the strength to loosen my grip and to give YOU the reigns. I trust that you will watch over her as she ventures off on her own. Still...as her mom, it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Brittany~

I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I hope you know that these past 18 years raising you have been AMAZING, awe-inspiring, and, yes, even challenging, at times. However, there isn't a single second that I would take back even if I could. We've made some of the best memories that I will forever and a day hold close to my heart. I pray that I've done a good job of instilling in you the life skills and morals and values that will enable you to make your way in this world. I wish for you all the happiness and success life will bring your way. Most importantly, I want you to always remember that I'm here for you, day or night. That will never change! I have been, and will continue to be, your biggest fan! Though miles may come between us, I'm certain that the bond between us will keep us close.

Happy 18th Birthday! Stretch your wings and FLY!!! Just promise me one thing...that you'll never forget how to find your way back HOME.

All my love~
Mom♥




"Some say it's holding on that makes you strong...sometimes it's letting go."