He's Driving... without Me.

Today was the day. Today I took Briggham to get his provisional license. Provisional license in the state of NM allows the driver to drive without an adult, but can only have one passenger that is not directly related to driver. All this means is that he can drive his brother & sister and only one friend. I like that law! Oh, how easily I get sidetracked. This isn't about the rules of a provisional license.

I know that it is my job to prepare my children for life, for life in the world, for life in the real world, for life in the real world when I am not there to help them every step of the way. But, why oh why, am I having such a hard time with it?!? Brigg has been through Driver's Ed, he has logged the 50 plus hours required, and he has survived driving with me screaming at him to be careful. He is a good driver. I have said for months that I can't wait for Brigg to be able to drive. But tonight, when it was time for him to take Aspen to soccer practice and then drive himself to basketball practice, I panicked. Okay, not a full out panic attack, but my heartbeat was irregular and my eyes were teary.

So how did I handle this panic, the fear that something might happen to one of my precious children, the fear that something might happen to one or both of my precious children and I wouldn't be with them to fix it? I prayed. We prayed. We looked up scripture. Oh how I love my children. Brigg knew that his Mom was struggling to let go. Brigg knew that I needed reassurance from our Heavenly Father, so he reminded me of God's word. Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." That verse, I'm sure was to show me that he wasn't worried about his driving. Driving alone. Driving alone in the dark! Am I being a little too dramatic here? Then he turned to Matthew. Matthew 6:27 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" This was to show me that, well, obviously, worrying doesn't help. God is in control, I have to let go and Let God. I am constantly being reminded of that!

We hugged, we prayed and I went over all the rules. Rules he already knew, but I figured a "Pop Quiz" wouldn't hurt. What are Mom's rules? Seatbelts, keep your eyes on the road, pay attention, no cell phone when driving, call when you get where you are going, call before you leave, and PRAY!

He was ready, time to let him go.

Brigg, Aspen and Lewis pulling out of our driveway.

Lewis is Brigg's truck. Remember that I told you we like to name things around here? Well, our vehicles are no exception. Brigg's truck is named Lewis.

Aspen waves as if this is no big deal. Whatever!!

And there they go...

Forgive me for the quality of these pictures. I wanted to capture this moment on film, but Brigg was just ready to get on with this journey. This first step of going out into the world. This first step without Mom.

So here's to trusting God! Trusting God with my children on this new journey that we embark: driving without Mom or Dad.

Blessings,

Buffy

Pumpkins, oh how I love them!

I used to dread fall. It gets dark way too early and the weather turns cold. I do NOT like cold weather. But, I have come to love fall. The colors, the smells, the food, the sounds and PUMPKINS! Until recent years, I had no idea that pumpkins came in so many different colors. I just love how God created such beautiful things.

         Look at them! Aren't they gorgeous? Ok, so this pic really doesn't do them justice. These are my pumpkin topiaries on our front porch.

          While out shopping for some more pumpkins, I found the most beautiful one of all.

                                                 

Meet Harvey. Isn't he wonderful?!?

Yes, we name things around here. I drug my sweet husband to the pumpkin patch. I searched for the "perfect" pumpkin. Then I found him...my Harvey! I loved his size, his shape and best of all, I loved his stem. Yes, his stem. See how he still has the curls from the vine attached? David even seatbelted him into the truck, so that we could protect his stem. There's a funny story about my Harvey's stem. We brought him home while the kids were at Awana. When Brigg walked in, he walked right up to Harvey and broke the curls right off of him. GASP!! I was so sad. Gray, being the sweet boy that he can sometimes be, glued the curly stem back on for his Momma. This picture is post glue fix. Who would have thought that a regular old gluestick was enough to make it stick? Gray!

Then while I was working on my original post for this blog, I heard a noise. I knew Bowser was chewing on something, but had no idea what it was. I went to investigate. To my utter shock, it was Harvey! Bowser, our 1 year old Boxer, was chewing on Harvey's stem.

Meet Bowser. He just looks sweet & innocent in this picture.

 Obviously, this is post Bowser chewing. My poor Harvey's stem. But now he has even more character!

      Enough about Harvey & Bowser. I want to share my Thanksgiving mantle & fireplace with you.

 Give Thanks made entirely on my handy Cricut machine.

My inspiration for my Thanksgiving mantle & fireplace came from the many blogs I've been reading, pictures in magazines and of course, my pumpkins. I have to say that I think even My Granny would love this year's decorating.

Thanks for letting me go on and on about my pumpkins. The beautiful unique creations of God, that I love!

Blessings,

Buffy

The Beginning...

Well, I am taking the plunge. I started a blog. I've been inspired by many of my friends' blogs and some that I've found along the way. This blog is just to share some of our family's happenings with friends and family. Considering that our closest family is 400 miles away, I thought this might be a way for them to stay informed in our very busy, always on the go life.


I thought I would share how this blog got its name. Just in case any of you were curious. Pretty Girl's Ponderings...  I truly hope you don't think it means: A pretty girl's ponderings. Although I don't consider myself an ugly duckling, I certainly don't consider myself vain. Pretty Girl's Ponderings sounded better to me than Buffy's thoughts or Buffy's life. So, how did I come up with Pretty Girl? You might wonder. Actually, David came up with it. He has called me Pretty Girl since he met me back in high school. It is his pet name for me. He's called me that since 1993, and I believe that he will until death do us part.


I hope you enjoy reading about our family's happenings. I plan to share some of our daily lives, our sports & our vacations. I also plan to share some of my passions, thoughts & whims.

Blessings,
Buffy