Grace's Senior Year

A few weeks ago Grace had her high school prom! She was absolutely stunning, as always! Here are a few pictures...

She also had her graduation last Saturday. Congratulations Grace! Dad put a bid on the front row seats at Graduation, so the whole Chesters clan showed up in the front row. A few tears popped out, but all in all, I did surprisingly well! I just can't believe how fast these years have gone by! It seems like just yesterday when I saw Grace walking down the hall dressed as a crayon for her Christmas concert at Lancaster Country Day, or watching one of her many piano recitals. What good memories! I'm so proud of her!!!

Where Did the Time Go?

Where did the time go? I realize today is the last day of school for my little sister, Grace. Wow...how time flies. I remember holding her for the first time so excited to have another little sister. And, going down to the beach each summer. I remember her funny little habits growing up and I remember taking lunch into school for her when I came home from college. So many memories... And I find myself all teary eyed thinking about it...gosh, I'm going to be a wreck at her graduation. I'm so proud of who she has become and so excited to see where she's headed in life. I know that she will be so successful at anything she pursues. She is a woman with a strong will and determination and I so admire that about her. More to come from prom, graduation, etc., but wow, my sister is officially done at Country Day and big and better things are yet to come! Congratulations Grace! I'm so proud of you!

30 Before 30

I decided I would make my own wish list of things I would like to accomplish before I turn 30 in January. While it's a milestone, I hear that 30 is the new 20, so I'm not too concerned or worried about turning 30!

Understand that I have my other personal and business goals for the coming year, but it's just that...personal!

I'm excited to keep a journal of my 30 Before 30 Goals and share my experiences as I accomplish each of these goals.

1. Lose the 30 pounds that I've been working towards!
2. Take several more spontaneous trips down to the beach...even in the fall and winter.
3. Go sky diving...hmm...I hope I can get this one in!
4. Send 30 letters (not e-mails) to 30 different people just to let them know I'm thinking about them.
5. Read 3 novels, 3 business books, and 3 self improvement books
   
6. Go hiking and spend one night in a tent...but only one night!
   
7. Host a wine and cheese at our house with friends.
   
8. Learn to surf! Yes sirie! It's something I've always wanted to learn how to do!
9. Run 30 miles at one time.
10. Run a race in which my time is a 9 minute mile!
11. Collect 500 canned goods at my next Christmas Party to take to a local Food Bank.
12. Take a spontaneous day trip to DC with Matt.
13. Collect a combined total of 100 coats, scarves, and gloves at my next Christmas Party for children in Lancaster.
14. Donate 30 personal items.
15. Give 30 hours of community service.
16. Write 30 thank you letters to 30 individuals serving our country overseas.
17. Take 30 pictures on 30 different days of 30 different non-materialistic things I appreciate in life and put the pictures together in an album.
18. Learn how to put a spare tire on my car.
19. Crochet a blanket and FINISH it!
20. Spend quality time with each member of my immediate family and learn something new about each of them (including husband, parents, sisters, and in-laws).
21. Encourage someone to live their "impossible dream."
22. Go to a professional baseball game with Matt.
23. Spend a weekend with girlfriends at the beach.
24. Cook 30 meals for Matt.
25. Create 5 new recipes with Matt that have no common ingredients.
26. Give 30 spontaneous gifts.
27. Go deep sea fishing!!!
28. Memorize 30 new scripture verses.
29. Try on my wedding dress one more time and finally, get it cleaned and preserved.
30. Write down names of 30 people who have changed my life in the past 30 years and tell them how they made a difference to me.