CELEBRATIONS

Hi everybody! It's been quite a while since I last posted. So I thought I would fill you in on what has been keeping me distracted around here.

Here is a hint!

Even though this is a blog about creating a lovely home, it all begins with the special people you share your home with! Last weekend we celebrated both the prom and graduation of our daughter, Lillie. Thanks to everyone who joined in celebrating with us! 

Our Lillie Lu!

With her sweet friend since kindergarden, Michael

Michael wins the award for most patient date in our books!

Father daughter dance. 

Proud little brother

Sweet classmates and their dates

Hockey coach Boulie and her graduating players

Say cheese one last time Michael!

The loveliest lady of all.

While I tell Lillie how proud of her I am on a daily basis I find myself feeling like Tom Cruise on Oprah and I want to shout it to the world. Congratulations sweet girl! You've been shining brighter than the sun since 1997. You've worked so hard for all the opportunities ahead of you. Here are some words of reflection I would like to share with my graduate as she begins this exciting new phase in her life.

• Give at least one person a generous sincere compliment everyday.
• Always be honest when it counts and use that honesty with good intentions.
• Always blast your favorite song in the morning if you are predicting a crappy day. It really will change your mood.
• When someone pays you a compliment say thank you. It's hard, I know!
• An excess of material things will not make you happy. That being said, treat yourself to chocolate, supermarket flowers and a new lipstick whenever you need to.
• Actions will always speak louder then words. Do whatever it is you say you are going to.
• Some people are going to be mean. When they show you this once chin up and keep it moving. 
• It's okay to miss the party, watch a movie and get a good nights sleep . But don't miss every party. 
• Kill them with kindness. Unkind people need it most. 
• Sometimes you will win, sometimes you will learn.
• Make sure your Dad is the only man you ever need to take care of you.
• Keep your head, your heels and your standards high.
• Don't ever apologize for being sensitive or emotional. You have a big heart.
• You can never be overdressed. 
• Work hard. It will pay off.
• Marry someone you'd be proud to call your son. 
• Learn the differences between empathy and sympathy. 
• People make mistakes, forgive them when they ask.
• You'll make mistakes. Forgive yourself.
• Don't dress to impress boys. You never have so don't start now.
• On that note buy nice shoes, coats, watches and jeans. It is ok to skimp on the rest.
• Read, read, read. It's a free education on life.
• A good laugh and a good sleep are some of the best medicine.
• Whenever you are upset stay off social media and call your Mom first!
• Be aware when you are hangry and try to keep it under control.Bring snacks at all times.
• Know the difference between love and lust.
• Be a girl's girl. 
• Know whatever you give comes back to you. It may take a while but eventually it will. 
• Trust your own instincts. Your gut is always right. 
• Don't be afraid to fail. Everyone does and it will teach you a lot. 
• Love yourself just as you are because you are enough.
• Travel when you can. I see how it has affected Aunt Marsha and I want you to see the world the way she does.
• Say you're sorry. Chances are the other person is sorry too. 
• Time is the greatest gift you can ever give or receive. 
• Do what you love to the best of your ability.
• Keep playing the piano.
• Never loose your sparkle.
• We all need someone who inspires us to be better than we already are. When you find him never let him go.
• In order to be trusted you must be honest.
• Be strong, find your voice, state your opinion but then listen.
• It's ok to cry if you are happy or sad but I hope you cry mostly happy tears.
• Sometimes you might go a long time without talking to your friends. Don't worry if they were your real friends they will be there.
• Later in life you will have more regrets about the things you didn't do then the ones you did. Pursue your dreams. 
• Lastly but most important of all, know you can always come home.

Selfie with the graduate. The only picture where I wasn't doing my best Alice Cooper impression!