Something New... Thanks Summer 2011!

This summer was the best. The Cheerios are growing up so we were able to get out and try new things. Cheerio Isabel did swimming, gymnastics, and ballet, she was great! And Cheerio Alex didn't get to do all those things but was there to watch and observe on the sidelines, with snacks of course. *smile* Oh, and the trips to Disney and Jekyll Island were the icing and cherry on top for a wonderful summer.

Minnie ears! Disney 2011

End of Summer Recital

Gold stickers earned.

Thanks for the support Alex!

 With all that going on I was schedule to teach a class at the Technical College but the class didn't make. I was sad not to earn a little money over the summer, but the Cheerios and I had a blast. My other favorite part was discovering such great blogs over the summer. I visited so many and got great ideas about managing my mommy time with housework, organizing, cooking, and crafting. However, there are a couple of blogs that I find myself checking daily;

http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/

http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/

 In addition to those; Fly Lady and Becky Higgins. Overall, I have learned so many new and improved things. So, in addition to my "apple picks" I am going to document my journey of being the best I can be with the things I learned from these blogs and others. I hope you join me!

Dear Niccole B.,

It was one day that Ben came home and said, "I saw Scott-la-rock and his wife is going to call you..." Yeah, that is exactly how it went. Then I figured out we previously met at a Christmas party and we actually talked for sometime, but I was so happy when our paths crossed again. Our babies were born within months of each other and we were both embarking on an experience that I don't know about you, but I was confused, scared, excited, worried, and just not sure what I was doing day by day. But, being able to talk and hang out with you made it an experience worth having. What I will always remember is when we had a "catch up" lunch and you told me you were pregnant with Nadia and then I got to share with you I was pregnant with Alexandra. Just thinking about it makes me smile. What were the chances of being pregnant at the same time. Bananas! I appreciate life experiences you have shared with me. I will forever be thankful for Gymboree, mall outings, lunch dates, and birthday parties. I know we don't talk everyday and hang out like we used to, but I feel we will always be "mommyhood/ stay at home moms" kindred spirits. Thanks for being such a great mommy friend!

Hugs and kisses,
Shannon

Dear Grandma Agnes,

It was so nice seeing you today. You were beautiful! Honestly, I don't think I ever remember seeing you in purple, no lavender, but you looked regal, just wonderful. I am so grateful to speak to you and tell you thank you and I love you before you left. Today I was reminded of so many things;
 - cooking - I learned so much from you. Sometimes it wasn't even directly, at times it would be through my mother. She would say, "Your Grandma Agnes told me like this, or do it like this..." Ben said that's why he wanted to marry me. I can cook!
 - my 1st designer bag - I was nine and you bought me my 1st Gucci purse. I still have it. Now, more than ever, I will always have it. It's vintage.
 - my 1st car - you told me you thought I would always look cute in a pick up truck. So when it was time to buy my first car, "Sweet Pea", that is what I bought. "Sweet Pea" was long and green like a pea pod. I loved that truck. Thanks for helping me with the down payment.
 - indulging Ron-Ron and I by literally taping music videos from BET because BET wasn't part of our cable package at that time. Now, that's a grandmama!
 - sweet peppermint kisses
 - unconditional love
But what I am most grateful is that you got to see the Cheerios, Isabel and Alex, before you left. What a blessing for children to see their Great-Grandmother. They may not remember when they get older, but I know they will have the memory in their hearts forever.
I love you and I will miss you,
Shannon

Dear Mrs. Alzaga,

I know you haven't heard from me in a while.... a long while. Not too long ago I was reminded about how I used to play the violin and why did I give it up. Don't know, I guess I grew out of it. But the conversation made me instantly think of you. You believed in me so much when it came to playing the violin... coaching me to be a leader, mentoring me through the GHP auditions, preparing me to be 1st chair violin.  The one memory in which I will never, ever forget is in 8th grade. Not sure what they called it, but I guess it was an 8th grade graduation. Each teacher had to pick an "outstanding student" for the year. I was for sure that you would pick Richard, but you picked me! You even called my mom to make sure to be there! I was so surprised and I told you that too. You said it wasn't about being the best player, it was just about being who I am. Thank you so much for that and everything else. Twenty-two years later and I remember that moment like yesterday. What you said made an impact on my life. I often forgot and would loose sight of being who I am, but I still remember and reminded through memory of you that being yourself is what it is all about. I hope you are still teaching, coaching and mentoring. I know your awesome encouragement is making some student's dim light a bright one.

Sincerely,
Shannon Bryant (now Shannon Shaw)