"We Believe"- UC Merced Class of 2009

May 16, 2009 was definitely a historic day for UC Merced and our hometown Merced. Merced is commonly referred to as "Merdead," but that weekend, thanks to a bunch of innovative graduates of the Class of 2009...Merced came alive!

We landed three tickets and tossed the idea back and forth. WE knew it was going to be hot...but it was REALLY HOT!!

Thank goodness to some friends that live directly across the street from the UC, we did not have to be shuttled in. WE parked at their house and just walked across the street. Thank you Cook family.

As we drove closer to the campus the excitement and energy grew. We had no idea what was in store for us, but we were ready.

As we entered campus it was a sight that still gives me goosebumps. The awe in the air was breathtaking. We went and found our seats and then we were off to get some of our favorite burritos from the campus cafeteria. Free water was passed out. Everyone was on their best behavior...except for Mr. HEAT! It was UGLY-HOT. Some people were very creative in their attempts to stay cool, while others sat for hours only to be taken away before Michelle Obama spoke.

This gentleman was innovative and his attempt at staying cool was our favorite. Yes, that is his wife's purse and the Graduation program.
Who says a cardboard box can't be a hat?
Jessica, Ricky and Kelly Doll-they so love her!
While we were waiting we saw a lot of people that we knew. Everyone shared the same feelings...there was no way they could pass up this historic event. Jessica even learned how to flirt a bot as "Kelly Doll" took her to meet some Secret Service agents. Jessica was supposed to ask them if they wore coooling packs under their suits, but she "chickened out" so poor Kelly had to do all the talking.

So we sat, and sat, 3 1/2 hours and then the crowd started to stir. The anticipation that was flowing throughout the crowd saw the finish line. There was some commotion behind us and there SHE was...walking with the graduates. Impressive. Here she is, The First Lady, Michelle Obama, walking in...no one expected her to walk...especially in that HEAT. She smiled, she waved...humble-simplicity is the best way that I can adress the way I felt when I saw her. She was no better than anyone else. She endured the heat and the graduation walk like everyone else.

Their were cheers and whistles. Pride was everywhere. What an accomplishment for the Class of 2009. Before Michelle spoke, the video that was sent toher was shown. In addition to the video a huge letter writing campaign had taken place and 900 Valentine's Day cards had been sent to her. She let everyone know that it wasn't because of her friendship with Dianne Feinstein's husband that she was ther, it was because her staff told her, "she needed to do this." The video was great, my favorite slide was this one...gee, I wonder why.
Michelle's speech was incredible. She spoke from the heart on the importance of giving back to all those that have helped you get to where you are at. To bleieve that things can be accomplished, if YOU BELIEVE!

Ricky and Jessica were troopers but at one point, I knew it was time when Jessica asked, "if we can just go now." Ricky then thought if we hurried we would be able to see her motorcade when it left...so off we went. We talked to a few CHP officers and told them that Papa was a CHP. We asked of we could see her leave and they told us where we could stand. All of a sudden a man came out of nowhere and aksed if he could stand with us-okay, sure. Within minutes, cars started moving, the motorcylces revved and here SHE came. I was behind the camera and Ricky and Jessica were yelling and waving. All of a sudden, the man started yelling SHE waved at THEM, SHE waved at THEM. Ricky and Jessica are screaming, SHE waved at US. Although I did not catch that on camera, I was glad that man was their to witness that indeed, Michelle Obama had waved to my two kids-that was cool!

She is on the passenger side.

So we stood there in the heat and watched as this historical event came to an end. In 11 minutes she was back at Castle Air Force Base boarding her plane.So gratefulwe did it. So grateful we sat in the heat. So grateful my children witnessed history. So grateful for the UC Merced's Class of 2009. So grateful that someone so powerful waved to my children. So grateful that she realized that recognizing them would have a lasting impresion on them. So grateful we did it together.

Peace.

Glad We Took the Trip...

What an absolute medical mystery of a week we had at our house this past week. Ricky started it with a round of two MRSA spots on Sunday. Septra-bye bye MRSA. Jessica comes home Monday night from Ricky's game and WOW, a hum dinger on her leg...to Children's we go. Well, the Septra did not work, She then got bit by a bug, scratched, and on Wednesday she had 5 new spots...back to Children's. It was crazy, sleepless and a bit trying at times...listening to a kid SCREAM for 32 minutes straight wears on one's nerves especially after you hear the nurse say calmly to him, "honey, we haven't even done anything yet." Thanks to all the support we got while we were on the MRSA train this past week.

Jessica won two writing awards in the Merced County Writing Festival. WOO HOO!!!A 1st and a 3rd! We were so proud of her and her accomplishment. She awards were given on her two writing pieces, one called, "The Trip," and the other based on the book "Teammates." She was still feeling miserable after the awards ceremony so I pulled her and Ricky out of school. I wanted to make the day special despite my earlier plans of going home and just sleeping, because sleep really is not a necessity to me. Sleep is sometimes a waste of time in my world. I will catch up on it one day...one day.

So we took a trip out to UC Merced to see all the preparations for it's first Commencement and for First Lady, Michelle Obama, who will be addressing the graduates. We had lunch in the student cafeteria, Jessica "misplaced" her bowl of Chinese and opted for nachos. We spoke to people setting up and ran into a few people we knew. We just happened to be in the right place at the right time and we were able to meet UC Merced's Chancellor, Steve Kang. He is a very gracious gentleman and the kids were happy they got to meet him. We looked at the exhibit called "Transitions," that was done by a friend of ours, Roger Wyan. The longer we spent out there and the more people we spoke to, we decided that we could not pass up the opportunity and will be a part of all of the excitement tomorrow, May 16, 2009. UC Merced is only 2-3 miles from our house and since Ricky and Jessica are excited, I cannot pass this historical day up. We will be a part of history, and that is always a cool thing to be.
Peace.

A little cheese, movin' a bus and Twilight

Last week was a fun week for 1976. There was so much going on as we prepared for Jessica's Birthday Party. Her birthday is actually in August, but we are in Cooperstown and once summer hits, it is hard to round up friends.

Friday, May 8 was the unveiling of the Extreme Makeover by Neighbor Jenn. It was a very anticipated event and it brought me to tears as I can't believe that I get to wake up to this every day.

While Neighbor Jenn was busy making our house into SPECTACULAR, Jessica's class had their field trip at the Hilmar Cheese Factory. They went through several stations, but the favorite, go figure, was when they got to make their own ice cream.
Pictures from the "BUS" unveiling will be a separate post.

Here are a few pictures from the Twilight adventure. I got a compliment from one of the dads who said the invitations were the "coolest he had ever seen!"

I made the traditional banner, but she had no idea and was totally surprised and thrilled when she saw it Saturday morning. A few, "OMGs" were screamed.


Babu made up these totally cool popcorn tub goodie bags for each girl. They were a hit. Thanks Babu!

Celebrating at Build a Bear. These four girls got many head turns as they strolled through the mall, arms intertwined, matching purses and hair flopping. It was a sight. Many smiles were shared as they strutted by.

Watch out world, here they come!Jessica with her Birthday Sundae compliments of the singing crew at Red Robin. Those four girls entertained more people that night. I so wish I would have gotten a picture of their bears in the high chairs. It was such a "classic" evening. They even count, how many times this and how many times that, I was like, "how many times are you going to keep counting!" Ooops, now I am counting!
Sunday morning brought Starbucks and donuts. Before we knew it, it was time for everyone to go home.

Jessica is blessed to have great friends. When planning her party she had no limits, (within reason, of course) She thought about it for a few days and her list shortened. I asked her why. She said she wanted her real friends, not just a bunch of girls so she would get a lot of presents. I am glad she knows the difference at this young age.

As I reflect on Jessica's party, I remembered my own sleepovers and how even 35 years later, some things never change.

I learned that little girls are like big girls except they can't quite put a name on it.
Little girls truly emulate what they see.
Little girls can have great manners-that is a biggy.
Little girls easily accept a new friend into the bunch.
Little girls scream and giggle.
Little girls LOVE the new Hannah Montana CD. (Shaun Cassidy for me)
Little girls can pop it , lock it and polka dot it.
Little girls love to go cruisin' down Main Street.
Little girls have their own language.
Little girls have their own "looks."
Little girls will grow up to be powerful young women.
Little girls remind us of what it was like to be little.
Little girls make the world a special place.

Peace.

Acceptance and First Communion

What an exciting and monumental week we had. Jessica received the "Acceptance" Citizenship Award at school. She also made her First Holy Communion. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. To make the event even more special, our ENTIRE family was chosen to take up the flowers that decorated the altar. I was so proud of her.

The "look."


Ricky walking his sister to the Church. He was so proud of her and made sure that her day was special. I can just see this same shot in about 25 years. The one shot I missed, is when he was fixing her veil.


Jessica waiting her turn to walk down the aisle. Just look at that expression. Who knows what she was thinking...

Family and cousins. The veil made it down the aisle, through the Offertory and that was it. Then it went on my head, then Mac Kenna's and eventually it was tossed into the back seat. I can see her now on her wedding day. Half the pictures she will have a veil on, the others she won't and the veil will make it's way onto many guests throughout the reception.


Jessica and daddy leaving the Church. If you look closely, they even walk in sync.

Jessica opted not to have a First Communion Celebration. Her choice was a trip to Build a Bear and dinner at Red Robin.

What a great week. Monumental and full of memories. Ricky was a great big brother, even surviving yet another trip to Build a Bear.

Another milestone in the life of my mammas. I love you Jessica.

Peace.