Peter's First Shave!

Before After Yesterday, Peter shaved for the first time. I got some before and after pics as well as a video.

A Fond Farewell and a Close Shave

Last year my goal was to post to my blog every week. This year I'm settling for once a month. Marv has my camera in for repair as a birthday present, so please excuse the weak pictures from my cell phone.
January has been a month with great opportunities for me. I was blessed to be with my dear friend Kim Booth before she passed away after her battle with breast cancer. I felt the love of her family and friends as I visited before her passing and as I attended her subsequent memorial service. I thought it said a lot about her (and her boys) that some of the boys' elementary school teachers were in attendance! Education really mattered to her. She was such a great person. To say that I miss her hardly captures my feelings. I've experienced sadness, anger and frustration about the situation, but overall gained renewed hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some other tender mercies I experienced: Lyle was able to speak to her by phone, but she was very weak. He told her how much he loved her and how he thought of her as a second mother. Her response was, "Lyle, my son." I caught her in a lucid moment and said, "Do you know I think you are a wonderful friend?" She said, "Now I do." Bryan traveled from LA to sit beside her, but she was already slipping into a coma as he spoke to her. It was still so good to have him there. Kim's son Ryan led us in telling favorite stories and memories around the bedside the night before she passed--I hope to take some time to record these.

Her family published a published a beautiful obituary in the Modesto Bee:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/modestobee/obituary.aspx?n=kimberly-anne-lee-boothe&pid=138741218
Somehow, time marches on, so I celebrated another anniversary of my 29th birthday on January 28th! I couldn't help but think of a few of my loved ones who have already passed away. It certainly seems the good ones die young, so I must be hanging around to learn something. I was humbled to be remembered by so many friends on my special day, and my family took good care of me as well, as you can see by Diana's post. She didn't mention that she, Mac and Luke showed up on my doorstep at 7:15 on my birthday to make me breakfast! It was delicious--a layered bowl with yogurt, granola, berry smoothie and topped with sliced banana. Lucky me!
Yes, Peter has passed a milestone--his first shave! He's hairy at this age than all his brothers combined. He's such a cutie.

Hot Mama

Yesterday was Mom's birthday. Peter, Emily and I headed to Tar-jay for her gift while Mom watched Luke. We first picked out a purse, which was actually a pretty tough decision. We wanted something that was the right size and neutral enough that she could wear it with most things. Then I decided a purse wasn't enough, so we picked out an outfit based on something she showed me she wanted from BH&G (Better Homes and Gardens, duhr). Turns out I actually do like to shop- I just prefer to do it for other people. While we were at Target we also picked up razors and shaving gel for Peter because his mustache is getting out of control. He's starting to look like one of those 20 somethings that is ironically trying to grow a mustache. I told him his options were bleaching, waxing, plucking, or shaving. He gave me the death look and told me shaving was his choice. When we got home Emily and I blindfolded Mom and got her dressed in her outfit and had her open her eyes and step into the bathroom to see the look. I'm not into fashion, and I was only copying something from a magazine, but I was really pleased with how it turned out. Emily chose the necklace, which really pulled everything together. I think if I had chosen the necklace it would have been silver, and way too blah, but the necklace she chose brought out the colors in the sweater. Watch out, Olivia (from the City- I watch way too much reality tv), Emily is gonna take your job as accessories editor at Elle. Mom is so hot that Emily said her tush looked great and the belt will have to have another hole punched in it because she is too skinny.