Celebrating life transitions

This is a week of contrasting transitions in my family.

My oldest granddaughter Addie Mae started kindergarten yesterday.  Later this week my mom Shirley moves to Texas from Montana.

I've been thinking about these two events.  How serendipitous they should occur together, reminding us of the beautiful order of our lives.  Sunrise and sunset.

These two will experience many of the same feelings this week including excitement, anxiety and even sadness.  They also will share tons of support and encouragement from loving family members.

        

Happy Anniversary, Paulie!

Tomorrow, August 19, Paul and I celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary.  Go figure.

So I didn't know what to get him as there's nothing traditional listed for year 37.  Year one is paper, year two is cotton and so on through year 15.  Then it jumps by five years after year 15, which is crystal by the way.  If we make it to 40, Paul gets that ruby he's always wanted.

We recently were discussing these traditions attached to anniversaries.  Our oldest daughter and her husband celebrated their seventh anniversary last month.  Paul and I cautioned them about the seven year itch.  Neither knew what we were talking about.  Paul pointed out it was the title and subject of a Marilyn Monroe movie.  Still not a clue. 

The discussion turns to stages of anniversaries/partnerships in general and my daughter asks what happens at year 15.  I say it's the I Hate Your Guts stage. She laughed.  I hope she's still amused in another eight years.

Back to Paul's gift.  I came up with the perfect idea and found it on Amazon: Nature's Miracle Jaw Scoop!  Photo below.  Yes, a pooper scooper.  I know my man and he is going to love it. It wasn't cheap, either.  It should still be working in three years when he can use it to scoop up our rubies.