MELLY'S VISIT

Well, she's come and gone...In a whirlwind of hugs, activity, and life. I told Mel on one of our many chats this week-end that I have noticed something definite whenever she is here. I just "feel younger" around her. I am not sure what it is. It might be that she is just so young and full of energy, always happy and laughing, that it is just downright contagious to be around. Or could it be that she is constantly telling me things like, "Mom, your too young for those shoes, or too young for that outfit, or too young for that attitude"..haha. But I think it is because when she is beside me in the car, (with her hand controlling the radio dial, lol) and our conversations flow freely as we both try desperately to get our stories out, that I am brought back to a few years ago, to the days of our many "drives" together where we chewed out life's possibilities, hopes and dreams. Oh how I have missed that. It's not like we don't talk almost everyday of course, but somehow it's just not the same. Maybe it's because she has such an expressive face, where a quirk of her eyebrow can make me go into gales of laughter, or a simple smile says a multitude of things. But whatever it is, I found myself re-energized, refreshed, and ready to go. Not quite sure where it is I am going, but I'm going just the same. We visited and caught up, had a couple of lunch outs ALONE together, got our whole family together for dinner and then we actually played Charades, (so fun) got Mel's pretty hair cut and done by Jessie, enjoyed Michelle's wonderous baby shower together, let Mel get reacquainted with the new babies, and finished it all up yesterday afternoon with one of our famous shopping trips. I have always enjoyed shopping with Mel. She is finishing up grad school this semester and will be student teaching next (hopefully in a paid position if there is one available) and felt like she needed a few more things to wear for work. There is no real shopping for clothes where she lives in Hobbs. She has to travel an hour and 45 minutes to the nearest mall. That has been a REAL adjustment for Mel, haha. AND once she gets there, there is NO Nordstroms, Macy's or Bebe's! Mercy, can you imagine? lol Our trips are always the same. We stroll leisurely through the store selecting items that might work, and eventually make our way to the dressing rooms where I sit comfortably in a chair and she models all the fun new outfits. I love watching her do this for some reason. Again maybe because it brings back years gone by, but also probably because everything always looks soo good on her, haha. She selected a few things, and I insisted on adding a few others I couldn't bear her not to have. She resisted me A LOT harder than she did before she was married, refusing to let me get it all as I really wanted to, but finally gave in as I know she knows I get so much pleasure from it. Mel enjoyed herself for sure, even got in a quick visit to Mike's grandparents, and got to see one of her best friends new baby, but as always she was ready to go home. She missed Mike, her dog Baxter, her own bed, and her new life. Things are as they should be. She is happy and busy and just where God wants her to be...But I have found myself going through the usual "Mel withdrawals" and looking ahead, counting the days till she is back for Thanksgiving, and thanking God for this time we had together.





Mel & I at Michelle's baby shower


Mel & Jess so happy that they got some time to hang out together


LOVE this pic of Mel & Donatella. She LOVED her Aunt Mel


Mel couldn't believe how big Cody had gotten. He is such a little Joe, haha


Right before she left...



At the airport saying our goodbyes


There she goes....Till next time... = (

I also put together a little slide show of the baby shower. It was such a wonderful time. My sister Danae truly outdid herself and put together a BEAUTIFUL shower. Everyone had sooo much fun enjoying all the goodies and darling decorations etc. But I think it was all the happy hearts together celebrating the coming new baby that made the day so special. Can't wait for that new little life to make her appearance. Somewhere during that day I dropped the ball and really didn't get any pictures of her many incrediable gifts, or of the hostess herself, or of most of the guests. I think I must have been pre-occupied with my grandbabies and Mel. But in spite of that, I think I captured the "feel" of the day. (including some pics of Kristi's darling cake creation) ENJOY

remember to click on FULL SCREEN in the upper right hand corner, turn your speakers on, and hit escape on your computer to exist.

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