Ducks on Pond

Papa's Pond

Tuesday Morning we woke up with a surprise in the front yard. We had irrigation in the night and there was a pond on the front and side lawns. The surprise was that there were Mallard Ducks swimming across our yard. They stayed the morning and then flew on their way. The pond was gone by evening, but it was fun while it lasted.

Indiana Jones

My boyfriend took me to an exciting movie on this last night of the 3 day weekend. We didn't decide to go until we only had a few minutes to get there so we took the shortcut to Coral Cliffs Theater.
We got our tickets and since we didn't have time for supper, we splurged for the combo popcorn and drinks. It used to take 20.00 for 2 senior tickets ( you know they consider 55 and over senior--just like Ross)and a popcorn combo. Now it's $24.00 so it takes more than 1 $20.00 card. Next time I buy cards I'll have to buy some bigger ones. Anyway-- the fellow working the register used the 2 cards we gave him and didn't give either one back even though there should have been a balance. By the time it took to get that straightened out and we got into the theater, the movie was beginning and looking for empty seats took us to the 2nd row--up front and center.
When we sat down I had the thought that they shouldn't sell seats that close up. They turned out to be great seats. We didn't need glasses and we certainly could hear. The movie was exciting and it was fun to be out on a date.
This is my very 1st post--we'll see if it works. I'd like to include a movie picture, but I don't know how. This chick has lots to learn. I admire you girls that make such cute blog spots.

GMAT

Just thought I'd update everyone.
I took the GMAT yesterday morning, and I got a 710. That puts me in the 93rd percentile. The math section was brutal, but I must have guessed really well in the verbal section because I was in the 99th percentile for that section.
The math portion was a collection of strange math problems presented in unusual ways. No calculators were allowed. To do well on it you would have to know a bunch of little math tricks and rules. Plus, the test is computer-adaptive. That means that if you get the questions right, the subsequent questions will be more difficult. So, it pushes you to your limits no matter your skill level...unless you're REALLY smart. It was not fun, but it's over.

Cheryl

Unfortunately I am not very responsible. I know I am posting this a little late....I was just lucky to get it emailed to Meridy before Mother's Day!

Many girls have horror stories that usually center around the mother-in-law. I can honestly say that this is not the case with my mother-in-law. In fact, in the three short years that I have been a member of the Reeve family, I have seen the selflessness of Cheryl a multitude of times.

Cheryl is one you never find talking poorly of another. Even if someone has done something that I find repulsive, she is somehow able to find the good in that person. It is obvious to me that she has always had this quality, as her children possess the same.

She has a heart of gold. She is so willing to give of herself. I know she has helped those in need anonymously and has given many a renewed faith in humanity on countless occasions. She will drop anything, no matter how important, to help her children and grandchildren, without even slight regard for the many things she needs to accomplish each day.

She makes everyone feel like someone special. Each grandchild feels loved, and I think if asked, each would say that he or she was most definitely the favorite! She has more friends in the world than she knows about, simply because she is so kind to others.

When asked about my in-laws, my sincere reply is I could not have hand picked better!

My Mother

I was in church this week, and the speaker happened to be talking about mothers. The speaker asked us to recall what it felt like to be hugged by our mother and sit in her lap. I thought about it, and I could not remember what that felt like. When I think of hugging Mom, I just don't think about being able to fit in her lap. I think about bending down to hug her.
I guess it is because I didn't have so many insecurities when I was little. I felt more insecure when I was in middle school. My relationship with Mom was really important to me at that time. I thought of myself as being cool because I had a good, functioning relationship with my mom, while so many other middle schoolers were at odds with theirs. In retrospect, I was actually leaning heavily on that relationship. When I bent down to hug Mom, I used to think, "Yah, I'm cool." In reality, Mom was cool. I drew much needed security from every hug. I count myself fortunate to have had her to guide me and help me be cool to this day.

A Tribute to Cheryl

Here are a few things that I've noticed and love about Cheryl:

*She is extremely generous to the family, the community, and the church. (Chuck is too. :) ) She gives of her time, income, and talents.
*She is very gracious and patient. Whenever we come to visit or need a place to live (temporarily), we know that she always has a place for us at her house. She very patiently accepts my idiosyncrasies at these times.
*My family taught me about living within my means, Cheryl taught me about how, when, and where to find the bargain. When I first learned that Cheryl comes to Las Vegas to go to the dollar store, I was surprised. (If my family is going to come all the way to Vegas, they shop at the giant outlet mall and the like.) I now enjoy many a visit to the dollar store myself. Because of Cheryl's teaching and example, I now relish the shopper's high. My whole schema of money has changed in a positive way because of Cheryl's influence.
*Cheryl is very thoughtful. She is always finding little treasures from her shopping excursions for all of her grandchildren. She knows what each child would like, and keeps her eye out for them when she is bargain hunting.
*She spends time with each family member and helps them feel valued. She is good at gathering the family together.
*She seeks for the good in others. Once we were talking about how people often make mistakes (or something similar). Then Cheryl said something that we (Nate and I) thought was funny, but very profound, "We are all funny. We are all funny-wunny." We enjoy quoting that. It helps us to remember to not be annoyed with those around us. More importantly, it helps us to remember to try to love them.
*She is a very hard worker.
*She approaches trials with cheerfulness. When she recently injured her leg, she was positive and kept up her sense of humor, even though it must have been hard for her deal with because she is usually so very active.

Cheryl, you are someone who I aspire to be like. Hopefully I'll make it there someday. Thank you! You're the best!