Happy Birthday Mariah!

Today our baby is 15 years old!!  Happy Birthday to our kind, smart, funny and delightful daughter! She was happy to see presents appear last night after haranguing me for days to wrap them. There's even a surprise or two in the pile, so there Mariah!!  We are going to Outback for her birthday dinner. The college girls will be missed!

Mariah and I spent a long time researching for places she could apply to for a job. Smoothie King won't hire until 16 so that is sadly out. We dropped off applications at Papa Murphy's and Dunkin Donuts. Last week we did the employment kiosk experience at the grocery store. It is definitely #1 on the list but Dunkin Donuts is hiring right now and asked her to stay for a screening interview on the spot. She was told she'll be contacted for a 2nd interview this weekend. So, I think Mariah will end up with an the opportunity to develop an iron-strong willpower. It may even cure her of ever wanting another donut again for the rest of her life. She really wants to go on the Mission Trip to Ecuador and at this point any job that helps her contribute to getting there might make the difference. I like that she could walk to work. I told her by walking she might work off one donut hole and that should be her limit.


After we dropped off job applications, Mariah and I zipped to her appointment to get a 2nd piercing in her ear. That was her present to herself. It looks fab!  I also like that she does what I do, and gives herself her own present too!



Gib attended the JROTC military ball as a date to the gal who was head of ceremony. He complained about me getting her a corsage because he didn't think he needed it (I secretly think it has to do with the fact that he has a different date to prom who he thinks highly of); however, I LOVED it, I love the new florist I found, and when he texted me that his date was actually kind of a big deal that night, I was REALLY glad she had an amazing corsage!  My new florist friend assures me she can top it for the Prom - and if Gib sends a few people her way for their corsages, his will be free! As a former parent of our high school and living close by, it might be an easy thing for Gib to do.  Gib took the etiquette talk exceptionally well - which means we laughed alot. But he must have listened! Gib was complimented by a couple people on what a handsome, attentive date he was and I even received report that he is a decent Waltzer.  Even though HE doesn't tell me anything, I do my best to keep informed.